Pikachu EX Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Best Lightning Deck Builds for 2026

Pikachu EX is one of the most powerful and consistent decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Since the game launched, this Lightning-type deck has remained a top-tier choice for competitive play, thanks to its ability to deal 90 damage for just two Energy attachments. In this guide, we break down the best Pikachu EX deck builds, card choices, and strategies to dominate your matches.

Why Pikachu EX Is a Top-Tier Deck

Pikachu EX’s signature attack, Circle Circuit, deals 30 damage for each Pokémon on your bench, up to a maximum of 90 damage. With just two Lightning Energy needed, this attack can be powered up by your second turn. The 90-damage output is enough to knock out most Basic Pokémon EX in two hits, while also threatening one-hit knockouts against smaller threats. Combined with a 120 HP pool, Pikachu EX is both durable and fast, making it a staple in the current meta alongside other top builds like the Charizard EX deck and the Mewtwo EX deck.

Core Deck Build

Here is the standard Pikachu EX deck list that consistently performs well in tournaments:

• 2x Pikachu EX
• 2x Zapdos EX
• 2x Voltorb
• 2x Electrode
• 2x Professor’s Research
• 2x Sabrina
• 2x Poké Ball
• 2x Potion
• 2x X Speed
• 2x Giovanni

Key Card Choices Explained

Pikachu EX — The star of the deck. With two Energy, you can use Circle Circuit for up to 90 damage. Always aim to fill your bench with three other Pokémon to maximize damage output.

Zapdos EX — A fantastic secondary attacker. Its attack, Thundering Hurricane, deals 50 damage for each heads you flip, up to 200 damage. While inconsistent, it provides a powerful backup plan when Pikachu EX is unavailable.

Electrode — Provides free Retreat thanks to its ability, allowing you to pivot between attackers without losing Energy attachments. This is crucial for maintaining tempo in fast-paced matches.

Sabrina — Forces your opponent to switch their active Pokémon, letting you target weak benched Pokémon or disrupt their strategy.

How to Play the Pikachu EX Deck

The strategy is straightforward: get Pikachu EX active with two Energy as quickly as possible while filling your bench. Start with a basic Pokémon like Voltorb or Pikachu. Use Poké Ball and Professor’s Research to dig for Pikachu EX and your other Pokémon. Once Pikachu EX is set up with a full bench, start attacking for 90 damage every turn.

Against Darkrai EX decks, your Electric-type attacks are super effective against their Flying-type Pokémon like Darkrai itself, giving you a natural advantage in that matchup. Against Water decks featuring Articuno EX or Starmie EX, be careful — their attacks hit hard and fast, so you may need to use Sabrina strategically to control the pace.

Alternate Builds

Some competitive players run a variant with Raichu instead of Zapdos EX. While this requires a stage 1 evolution line, Raichu’s attack can deal 140 damage for three Energy, giving you a heavier hitter for late-game scenarios. However, this version is slower and less consistent than the standard Zapdos EX build.

Another popular option is the Pikachu EX / Zebstrika variant, which uses Zebstrika to snipe low-HP benched Pokémon. This is particularly effective against evolution-dependent decks where knocking out a Basic Pokémon early can cripple the opponent’s game plan.

Counters and Weaknesses

Pikachu EX struggles against Fighting-type decks like Lucario EX and Marowak EX, which hit for super effective damage. Fighting types are weak to Lightning in the main games, but in TCG Pocket, Fighting Pokémon resist Electric attacks, making this a tough matchup. Consider adding a different secondary attacker to handle Fighting decks, or rely on Giovanni to push past the damage thresholds.

Final Thoughts

Pikachu EX remains a top-tier choice in the Pokémon TCG Pocket meta for good reason — it is fast, consistent, and hits hard. Whether you are new to the game or looking for a reliable tournament deck, this build will serve you well. For more deck guides, check out our coverage of the best Pokémon TCG Pocket decks and tips.