The Pokémon TCG Pocket meta has undergone a continental shift with the arrival of the first booster pack of the C series: the Dual Fusion major expansion (C1 set). Featuring the new Dual types, Mega Evolutions, and several strong cards in the roster, trainers are more excited than ever!
One major reason behind this surge is the new line of ex cards that have caused a tidal wave to hit the meta. So let’s dive into all the Pokémon ex that have erupted in Dual Fusion.
We begin with one of the two Dual types in this set, and also one of the headliners of Dual Fusion: Mega Mewtwo X ex. First, let’s look at how this Psychic/Fighting-type powerhouse works.
- Dual typing means that a wider pool of Pokémon are weak to its attacks. As such, Mega Mewtwo X’s attacks will do super-effective damage (+20 DMG) to Pokémon weak to Psychic and Fighting. Therefore, it deals +20 DMG to Fighting types (weak to Psychic) as well as Metal types (weak to Fighting)
- It can use all Trainer cards whose effects apply to Psychic and Fighting types. So you can use Korrina and Arena of Antiquity to boost its damage, and Peculiar Plaza to reduce its retreat cost by 2 (free for Mega Mewtwo X ex!).
Mega Mewtwo X ex will function like a Basic Mega Lucario ex, with Korrina, Arena of Antiquity, and its own move mechanics contributing to an insane 190 DMG! For energy ramp, the new Mew ex (which we shall soon see in this article) serves as a superb accelerator, using its 1x [psychic-type] Energy to give [psychic-type] Energy to your Benched Pokémon corresponding to the number of heads you obtain from three coin flips. Even two heads will suffice to have Mega Mewtwo X ready to go in the next turn, given that the third Energy for attacking is gained from the new turn’s Energy.
Once Mew ex has done its job, withdraw it directly into your Hand using the Budding Expeditioner Supporter, and bring Mega Mewtwo X to the forefront. It really helps that both Mega Mewtwo X ex and Mew ex are Basic Pokémon, making your army threatening from the get-go.
For more support, have one copy of Comfey on the Bench to brush off any Special Condition trap shenanigans.
And since it’s a Psychic deck after all, why not play min games via Flutter Mane ex, who prevents your opponent from using their Trainers the first time it attacks them
Finally, there’s a new Pokémon Tool that helps Basic Pokémon brush off 20 DMG: Eviolite. With this deck brimming with Basics, feel free to use two copies of Eviolite.
The entire unit is a well-oiled machine, made using only Basics while also being Energy-efficient. This deck led by Mega Mewtwo X ex is arguably the best that Peculiar Plaza has ever felt, letting you move around four different Pokémon, each serving a different purpose. It’s also well-balanced, adding to its usability in battle modes.
Ladies and gentlemen, Pikachu ex from Dual Fusion is quite possibly the best Lightning-type Pokémon in TCG Pocket and part of the ultimate ‘fast and furious’ deck in the game’s history. Let me explain.
For just 1x [electric-type] Energy, it deals 30 DMG, instantly deleting Baby Pokémon (hello, Igglybuff). And 130 DMG for 3 Energy. But what’s really special is what Pika ex does with a new Tool created exclusively for the game’s mascot: the Light Ball.
This Tool adds a whopping 30 DMG to all Pikachu ex’s attacks. So, for just 1x 
Energy, you’re dishing out a massive 60 DMG! This is now even enough to take out the Basics of many Stage 2 ex mons! Now, if you’re worried about discarding 2 Energy after using the 160 DMG (w/ Light Ball) move, let me introduce you to Pawmot from Dual Fusion:
Its ability literally gives a free Energy to the Active Pokémon. So once two Energies are discarded, add the turn’s Energy and the Energy from Pawmot (on the Bench) to instantly replenish Pikachu ex and deliver 160 DMG. You can also add the Genetic Apex Magneton into the mix and use Elemental Switch to serve free Energy to Pikachu ex after Magneton generates it on its own. After Miraidon ex, this is the strongest that the Lightning type has felt in TCG Pocket. On that note, this particular Pikachu is also the closest we have to Ash’s Pikachu from the anime, haha.
Aside from being a straight-up attacker, Alolan Exeggutor ex is a shot in the arm (paw) for Leafeon ex. The popular Eeveelution takes center stage as the main attacker while also supplying 
Energy to Exeggcute | Alolan Exeggutor on the Bench. Once Alolan Exeggutor ex is all set, retreat Leafeon (only 1 Energy) and unleash this draconic tree, not only inflicting 100 DMG to the opponent’s Active Pokémon, but also chipping in a generous 50 DMG to a random mon from their Bench.
Enter Cyrus, and it’s lights out more often than not for the opponent. Do add a Teal Mask Ogerpon ex on the Bench to prevent Special Condition oopsies, and add in valuable grassy supporters such as Erika, Leaf Cape, and Quick-Grow Extract. This is a fine Grass-type ex which may not be top-tier meta like Mega Sceptile ex, but is a great addition for sure as it can virtually fit into any Grass deck and bring a lot of value to the table.
Don’t be fooled by looking at Fuecoco ex and thinking, “Eh, it’s just Fuecoco, not Skeledirge lol.” If you did, you’re in for a rude awakening, as this little croc is one of the strongest Fire-type Pokémon ex in TCG Pocket! For starters (no pun intended), it can OHKO Babies like Igglybuff. And while it’s Active, if you make the mistake of doing damage to it, it will do an explosive 120 DMG for only 2x 
Energy!
That’s not all! During the time Fuecoco ex taunts your opponent to attack, you can build a Charizard (or two) on the Bench! Since Fuecoco ex uses 2 Energy, this is a perfect setup for the Flame Patch Item to set up Mega Charizard X or Y (ideally Y).
Also, the new Charizard in the Dual Fusion set is a lethal addition to Zard decks and complements Fuecoco ex pretty well. For every Energy attached to this Zard, you do 30 DMG to your opponent’s Active Pokémon. Basically, you have Fuecoco ex stationed on the Active Spot, build this Charizard on the Bench (you ideally feed two Energy to Charmeleon), and then switch out Fuecoco to bring this monster. Add the next turn’s Energy to deal +30 DMG, and then attack with 90 DMG, making it a total of 120 DMG. This is more damage than Mega Charizard X ex, which technically does only 100 DMG for 3x [fire-energy] until it reaches half or lower HP (in which case, it hits with 180 DMG).
Another amazing perk is that you can give every turn’s Energy to Charizard after it’s live to:
- Inflict 30 chip damage every turn
- Retreat it easily
- Devote the 2 Energies to Mega Charizard Y ex
While Mega Charizard X and Y ex enjoy deck combinations with several partners, such as Moltres ex and Entei ex, Fuecoco ex might very well be the best to join its ranks.
On the surface, Mega Greninja ex looks like a stronger Kingdra ex, with 30 more HP and 10 more damage in its attack. But what Kingdra lacks is a Dual typing and a good partner… more specifically, a pre-evolution in the form of Frogadier (Dual Fusion).
On evolution, Frogadier summons another Frogadier and places it directly onto your Bench. In a deck accompanied by Suicune ex, include 2x Froakie and 2x Frogadier along with Mega Greninja ex, Greninja ex, and the infamous Water Shuriken Greninja.
- Evolve one Froakie into Frogadier, summon another Frogadier. Evolve the first Frogadier into one of the Greninja, say, Mega Greninja ex.
- Now, evolve the second Frogadier into another Greninja (preferably the Water Shuriken variant).
- Finally, use Rare Candy to evolve the second Froakie into Greninja ex or another Water Shuriken Greninja.
- This way, you end up having 3 Greninja variants across the board!
The instant summoning of Fraokie also adds to the damage output of Suicune ex. The best part is that Mega Greninja’s attacks do +20 DMG to Pokémon weak to Water (Fire) as well as Darkness (Grass)! And since it’s bound next turn after Mega Greninja ex hits, two Water Shuriken Greninja on the Bench as well as the next attack from Mega Greninja add up to 140!
While this deck obviously requires some setting up to execute its best potential, Mega Greninja ex is a fantastic inclusion to both the Water and Dark metas.
We spoke about Mew ex right at the beginning of your analysis, where we started with Mega Mewtwo X ex. This Pokémon is a superb Energy ramp for Psychic types, with Mega Mewtwo X ex being the biggest beneficiary of this tech. As mentioned earlier, Mew ex works as a support ex rather than being a strong attacker per se. For any future Psychic types and also past powerhouses like Mega Gardevoir ex, Mew ex is the Energy ramp of choice, although the Gardevoir from Fantastical Parade still holds weight.
After Fuecoco ex, here’s another that you would think twice before doing damage on: Lycanroc ex. On mere damage from a direct hit by the opponent, Lycanroc ex does 30 chip damage, and with 2x Energy, it does 70 DMG with Slashing Claw. As usual, with Fighting Coach Lucario (Space-Time Smackdown), the damage goes to 90 DMG or even 110 DMG (if you decide to stack two of those Lucario on the Bench). And against ex Pokémon, the combination of Korrina and Arena of Antiquity Stadium offers an additional 50 DMG.
To put it into perspective:
- Slashing Claw + Fighting Coach Lucario = 90 DMG (110 DMG with 2x Lucario)
- Slashing Claw + Fighting Coach Lucario + Korrina + Arena of Antiquity = 140 DMG (160 DMG with another Lucario)
- Add +30 DMG if Lycanroc is hit with an attack before its turn.
The Pulsing Aura set has instilled a new leash of life into Fighting Pokémon in TCG Pocket, and Lycanroc ex is just reaping those benefits. Do note that this won’t be anywhere as good as Mega Lucario ex or even closer to home, Mega Mewtwo X ex, but it’s usable for sure. Pair it with good ol’ Rampardos!
Darkness has always been among the best Pokémon types in TCG Pocket, and the latest to join the entourage is Mega Tyranitar ex, a brute that possesses more raw power than the other Darkness-type ex in this set, Mega Greninja ex.
Now, looking at 4x 
Energy and the same retreat cost seems daunting at first until you realize that Mega Tyranitar ex took a page right out of Mega Venusaur ex’s book and gave it to its pre-evolution, Pupitar. That’s right, just like the Crimson Blaze Ivysaur, Pupitar is an Energy generator.
Using the 1 Energy move Amass, Pupitar generates 2x 
Energy for itself. In a Darkness Energy deck, this will result in 1x from the turn and 2x Energy from the move. In the next turn, evolve Pupitar into Mega Tyranitar ex and add that turn’s Energy.
Tada! You have a Mega Tyranitar ex with 2x and 2x Energy, ready to deal a crazy 180 DMG to the opponent. Of course, you discard the top two cards of your deck, but that much damage output justifies the small sacrifice. Be sure to arm Mega Tyranitar with a Heavy Helmet to take 20 less damage from the opponent’s attacks. Bombirdier helps reduce the retreat cost by 1, and the very economical Mega Absol ex is a great partner. You can also add fellow Pseudo Legendary and one of the most feared non-ex Pokémon in TCG Pocket, Hydreigon, to the mix. Or, you can add the new Umbreon to the Mega Tyranitar line and build a simple yet deadly deck. Honestly, try this one, as Umbreon is arguably the most broken Pokémon in the Dual Fusion set.
Seriously, the Darkness type always gets some amazing cards! Welcome aboard the bandwagon, Mega Tyranitar ex!
Just like the Darkness type, the Metal type also consistently gets good cards. However, they are not as vicious and often end up being underused set after set. The Dual Fusion set adds Mega Skarmory ex to the mix, and honestly, it’s just a decent Mega Evolution, given the coin flip shenanigans.
Getting the three Energy is no big deal with Dialga ex and Orthworm out there. Once Mega Skarmory is live, it dishes out 90 DMG, and an extra 50 DMG for every head you get until the coin shows tails. Use it with the Will Supporter card to ensure at least a respectable 140 DMG. Of course, with multiple heads, Mega Skarmory ex can go ballistic and deliver the ceiling of damage numbers. However, as is the case with coin flips, high damage output relying on coin flips is too risky in a meta with 200+ HP opponents. Moreover, Mega Skarmory ex is also weak to Fire types, arguably the consistently heaviest hitters in the game. Don’t be surprised if players forget about Mega Skarmory ex as soon as the next set (C2) drops.
Similar to how Pulsing Aura was a boon to Fighting types, Ruler of the Skies gave life to Dragon types with a new Dragonair that grants free Energy to the Active Dragon with its ability, and the Rainbow Cave Stadium to possibly change the type of the incoming Energy (since Dragon-type attacks use multiple Energy types). Joining the fray is Mega Dragonite ex, a powerhouse who hits a random Pokémon of the opponent with a devastating 250 DMG!
Pair Mega Dragonite ex with regular Dragonite from Genetic Apex, and to stall in the Active Spot, go with Goomy (increases the opponent’s Energy requirement for attacks by 1) or the 100 HP, 70 DMG-hitting Drampa from Ruler of the Skies. Dragon decks are incredibly rewarding once the main attacker is live, and 250 DMG from Mega Dragonite ex is no joke. Imagine hitting a Mega Evolution and ending the game in your favor right there!
The Psychic-type Giratina ex from Shining Revelry (featuring the Altered Forme) was one of the most monumental additions to TCG Pocket, with this Pokémon ruling the Ranked mode for months. And now, we have another Giratina ex, this time featuring the Origin Forme and the Dragon typing.
This Legendary employs the same arrangement as Mega Dragonite ex or any current Dragon, with Dragonair, Rainbow Cave, and Goomy/Drampa in the setup. It can, however, deal 50 DMG with two Colorless Energy, and this, dear reader, is what makes this Giratina ex special. So not only does this Dragon require the least Energy to attack, but it’s also Colorless, meaning any Energy will do. As such, there is less reliance on Rainbow Cave, as any Energy type will do until you get both 
and Energies. Speaking of the Psychic type, do you realize that you can even pair this Giratina ex with the OG Giratina ex in a Psychic deck?! The latter generates Energy on its own after all!
And if you want to spice up your deck and make ot more versatile to deal with Oricorio, simply add the Space-Time Smackdown Giratina.
With even a single Energy attached, this Giratina has no retreat cost! Also, Eviolite helps Giratina ex sustain itself better in the Active Spot, although an argument can be made for Giant Cape also. Regardless of which Tool you use, Giratina ex is one of the most fun additions to the ever-evolving Dragon meta and can get more prominent as this season’s Ranked battles progress.
The final ex card in the Dual Fusion set is Bewear ex, a Colorless type and one that also relies on coin flips for high damage. For 3 Energy, this teddy does 100 DMG, and if you flip 2 coins and get heads on both, you scale to 200 DMG. Now, the Will Supporter guarantees 1 head, but there’s no way to ensure that you obtain another head. The coin flip prospects for Mega Skarmory ex are more feasible, and quite frankly, more formidable. Bewear is undoubtedly the most forgettable Pokémon ex from this set.
Dual Fusion is the best set to drop in Pokémon TCG Pocket in a long time! The cards are powerful, there are memorable Pokémon, and the artwork is stunning. What more could one ask for from a new set?! These ex cards are about to shake the meta to its core.
Happy collecting and battling!
