Best Lucario ex Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Let’s get straight to the point — Lucario ex is one of the most exciting and aggressive decks you can build in Pokémon TCG Pocket, especially from the Shining Revelry expansion. I’ve been experimenting with a handful of deck variations lately, but Lucario ex always stood out. It combines raw offensive power with fast setup potential and flexible card synergy. And yes, it has some weaknesses, but when played right, this deck is a knockout machine.
If you’re here to build the best Lucario ex deck, break down how it works, and learn how to counter it effectively, you’re in the right place. Here’s the ultimate guide to playing Lucario ex at its peak.
Best Lucario ex Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Here’s the optimal deck list built around Lucario ex and its synergy with Lucario and Sudowoodo. This deck is highly efficient for both casual and competitive play.
This lineup ensures early presence, mid-game momentum, and a threatening late game, all while maintaining decent draw power and field control.
Strengths of the Lucario ex Deck
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Fast Setup: Riolu evolves quickly, and you’ve got both Lucario and Lucario ex available.
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Spread Damage: Aura Sphere’s 100 damage plus damage to the Bench makes it devastating against evolving decks.
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Red and Rocky Helmet synergy: These trainer cards amplify your offense and punish opponents for attacking.
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Multi-threat: Sudowoodo gives you early pressure, letting Lucario ex power up safely on the bench.
Weaknesses of Lucario ex Decks
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Energy Requirement: Aura Sphere needs 3 energy for just 100 base damage — not enough for bigger ex Pokémon.
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Psychic-Type Weakness: Mewtwo ex and Giratina ex can easily take Lucario down in one hit.
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Retreat Cost: With a 2-energy Retreat, Lucario ex can get stuck if played poorly.
How Lucario and Lucario ex Work Together
The synergy here is tight. Lucario’s ability boosts the attack of your Active Fighting-type Pokémon — meaning Lucario ex benefits from its support, enhancing Aura Sphere to levels where knockouts become a real threat. Having both Lucario and Lucario ex on the field drastically reduces the chances of getting stuck with an unevolved Riolu.
Role of Sudowoodo in Lucario Decks
Don’t sleep on Sudowoodo. For just one Fighting energy, Fighting Headbutt does 50 damage to ex Pokémon — an incredible early-game disruption. While Lucario ex gets charged up on the Bench, Sudowoodo softens targets and puts pressure on your opponent.
Deck Core: Pokémon Lineup Explained
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Riolu is your essential base. Two copies ensure quick access.
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Lucario isn’t just a middle evolution — it adds real utility thanks to its supportive Ability.
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Lucario ex is your closer, ideal for cleaning up after Sudowoodo’s early pressure.
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Marshadow is your wild card — flexible and tricky.
Key Trainer Cards and Their Purpose
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Red: Boosts damage at key moments — ideal before swinging with Aura Sphere.
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Rocky Helmet: Punishes contact damage, especially useful vs low-HP attackers.
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Sabrina: Forces out your opponent’s evolving Pokémon for a quick KO.
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Cyrus: Good for early control or forcing tough decisions.
Energy Lineup: Less is More
Lucario ex decks don’t need a massive energy bank. 8–10 Fighting Energy is typically enough — you’re only attacking with 2–3 Pokémon per game. Use draw support wisely to cycle through and attach quickly.
Lucario ex Strategy: Early Game Plan
Open with Sudowoodo or Riolu. Start charging Lucario ex on the Bench while Sudowoodo applies pressure. Don’t rush the evolution unless you can protect Lucario from early snipes.
Mid-Game Execution: Damage Control
Mid-game is where Lucario ex shines. With boosted Aura Sphere, aim to soften or KO the opponent’s Active Pokémon while chipping their Bench. Use Red or Lucario’s Ability to reach those magic damage numbers.
Late Game Finisher: Dominating the Board
In the final stages, Lucario ex becomes a snowball. Most decks can’t keep up if they’ve already taken early Bench damage. At this point, retreat risks are minimal, and you should have backup attackers ready.
Using Rocky Helmet to Stack Pressure
This tool card causes pain for anyone foolish enough to swing first. It can turn a one-hit trade into a two-for-one value. Place it on Lucario ex when you expect retaliation.
Boosting with Red for Clutch Moments
Red gives your next attack an edge. Use it when your math is just short — pushing that Aura Sphere from 100 to 120+ can be the difference between a KO and survival.
Support Role of Lucario’s Ability
Lucario’s Ability is passive, but incredibly valuable. It automatically boosts attack power without needing an item or Trainer card. This lets you focus resources elsewhere while still enhancing Lucario ex’s output.
How to Beat Lucario ex Decks
The easiest way to handle this deck? Target its setup phase. Cards like Sabrina and Cyrus can force out unready Lucarios or Riolus, exposing them for early knockouts. Also, use Pokémon with high HP or type advantage to resist its momentum.
Using Sabrina and Cyrus to Disrupt Setup
If you can force Lucario ex or Riolu into the Active Spot early, you’re almost guaranteed value. These cards exploit Lucario’s slow evolution curve.
Sample Combos for Competitive Play
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Sudowoodo Start → Riolu Setup → Evolve to Lucario → Attach Rocky Helmet → Aura Sphere with Red Buff
This flow grants early damage, evolving pressure, and eventual board control.
Budget-Friendly Lucario Deck Options
Even dropping Lucario ex to one copy and focusing more on Lucario and Sudowoodo keeps the core strategy intact. Replace high-rarity Trainers with general-purpose draw cards.
Best Packs to Build Lucario ex Deck
You’ll want to focus on the Shining Revelry Expansion — especially:
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A2 091–092 (Riolu and Lucario)
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A2b 043 (Lucario ex)
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A2a 036 (Sudowoodo)
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P-A series for Trainer staples
Advanced Tips from Competitive Players
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Avoid evolving Riolu too soon unless protected.
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Time Red carefully — waste it and you’ll lose momentum.
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Check your prize cards early to avoid misplays in deck thinning.
Final Thoughts: Is Lucario ex Worth It?
Absolutely. The Lucario ex deck is fun, aggressive, and dynamic. It’s not the easiest to pilot perfectly, but that’s part of the charm. With careful setup and strategic play, you’ll find yourself outpacing many meta threats. I’ve tried dozens of decks, and Lucario ex remains a personal favorite for its versatility and pressure. If you’re ready to unleash power from the Bench and control the board with style — this deck’s for you.