Aesop’s lesson to never dismiss the small fry proves true in Pokémon TCG Pocket. What starts as a humble Magikarp can evolve into Gyarados ex, one of the most formidable Pokémon of Mythical Island. Boasting a hefty 180 HP and a devastating Rampaging Whirlpool attack that deals 140 damage, Gyarados ex dominates as the strongest Stage 1 Pokémon ex to date, rivaling even many Stage 2 Pokémon ex in both durability and power.
Combined with the type privilege to accelerate Energy with Misty, Gyarados ex can unleash devastating attacks earlier than usual. It is also notably the first Stage 1 Pokémon capable of reliably dealing over 100 damage in a single hit, knocking out the vast majority of Pokémon in the game, including Pokémon ex.
Gyarados ex - Articuno ex variant
A straightforward Water deck, running the most powerful Basic Pokémon ex and the best Stage 1 Pokémon ex available. Some versions run Vaporeon from Mythical Island alongside Leaf to transfer Energies from Articuno ex to Gyarados ex, for a devastating sequence.
Weaknesses
- Gyarados ex must evolve from Magikarp, and unfortunately, both available versions of Magikarp are incredibly weak. With only 30 HP, it is easily knocked out by any flick of the fingers, and is at the mercy of Pokémon capable of hitting the bench such as Zebstrika or Hitmonlee.
- Rampaging Whirlpool is excessively energy-hungry, and if Misty either doesn't show up or fails to deliver, it can take forever to get the attack ready—long enough for your opponent to knock out Gyarados ex before it even has the chance to attack.
- Rampaging Whirlpool comes with an added effect that can easily backfire by discarding one of your own Energy.
