Fighting-type decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket hit hard, set up fast, and punish the bulky ex meta. Whether you are a new player looking for a cheap build or a veteran chasing tournament results, there is a Fighting deck for you. Here are the best Fighting-type decks right now, ranked by consistency and power.
Why Fighting-Type Decks Are Strong Right Now
Fighting decks thrive when the meta is full of Colorless, Dark, and Steel Pokémon — all of which they hit for super-effective damage. The current ladder is loaded with those types, and Fighting’s strong mid-game attackers can knock out ex Pokémon before they finish setting up.
The type also has excellent budget options, making it one of the most accessible archetypes. If you are just starting out, check our best budget decks guide for a broader view of cheap competitive builds.
Fighting-Type Core Cards and Supporters
| Card | Role |
|---|---|
| Machop / Machoke / Machamp ex | High-damage main attacker; 180 HP ex with a 140-damage attack. |
| Riolu / Lucario | Ability boosts Fighting damage by +20 for all your Fighting Pokémon. |
| Cubone / Marowak ex | Fast aggressive option; can attack on turn 2 with coin-flip damage. |
| Mankey / Primeape | Budget attacker with self-damage synergy. |
| Hitmonlee | Bench sniper that punishes fragile setups. |
| Professor’s Research / Oak | Draw support to find evolution pieces. |
The Best Fighting Decks in TCG Pocket
These three decks cover the archetype from top to bottom. The first is the strongest, and the last is the cheapest.
Deck 1: Machamp ex Control
- 2x Machop, 2x Machoke, 2x Machamp ex
- 2x Riolu, 2x Lucario
- 2x Professor’s Research
- 2x Sabrina
- 2x Poké Ball
- 2x Potion
- 2x X Speed
- 2x Leaf
Machamp ex is the finisher and Lucario is the amplifier. With Lucario’s Ability active, Machamp ex hits 160 damage — enough to knock out most ex Pokémon in one swing. The deck is slightly slow, so use Hitmonlee or Sabrina to control the opponent’s bench while you build.
Deck 2: Lucario ex Aggro
Lucario ex turns the support Pokémon into a headliner. If you want a dedicated build, our Lucario ex deck guide has the full list and matchups. The key idea is to pressure from turn 2 with cheap Fighting attackers while Lucario ex sits on the bench boosting every hit.
- 2x Mankey, 2x Primeape
- 2x Riolu, 2x Lucario ex
- 2x Hitmonlee
- 2x Professor’s Research
- 2x Sabrina
- 2x Poké Ball
- 2x Potion
- 2x Giovanni
Deck 3: Budget Primeape Rush
If you are short on pack points, Primeape Rush is the best Fighting deck under budget constraints. Mankey attacks for 30 on turn 1, Primeape hits for 90, and the entire deck costs a fraction of a Machamp ex build. It loses steam late game, but it wins fast.
Fighting Counters to Watch For
Psychic and Flying Pokémon resist or hit back hard against Fighting decks. Gardevoir decks in particular can outpace your setup. For a full breakdown of what beats Fighting and how to play around it, read our how to beat Fighting decks guide.
Final Tips for Climbing with Fighting
- Always bench Lucario early — its +20 damage Ability is the difference between a 2-hit and a 1-hit knockout.
- Use Sabrina to force out retreat-crippled Pokémon and clean up with Hitmonlee.
- Save X Speed for retreating after a knockout; Fighting decks need to keep momentum.
- Against Darkness decks, lead with your fastest attacker and race their setup.
Fighting-type decks are in a strong spot right now. Machamp ex gives you raw power, Lucario ex gives you speed, and Primeape gives you a budget entry point. Pick the build that fits your collection and start climbing.









