Machamp ex is the powerhouse of Fighting-type Pokémon in Genetic Apex, as the only 3-stage evolution line among F types, boasting 180 HP and a simple yet powerful Mega Punch attack that deals 120 damage.
Unlike most evolution lines, each of Machamp’s stages is ready to attack as soon as they hit the field: Machop with F for 20, Machoke with FF for 50, and Machamp ex with FFF for 120. No tempo is lost and the pressure is on.
Machamp ex - Marowak ex variant
Rarity requirements
◊◊◊◊ – Machamp ex, Marowak ex
◊◊ – Giovanni, Sabrina
Booster pack requirements
Machop line
Sabrina
Cubone line
Giovanni
The deck is very straightforward: gradually evolve your Pokémon to establish a consistent 120 damage output at the top. Marowak ex joins the mix as the second F Pokémon ex in the set. Although its Bonemerang can completely fizzle if you hit two tails, its baseline damage is respectable and can start as soon as turn 2.. If you’re lucky, it can also one-shot a Mewtwo ex.
The rest of the deck runs the usual set of Trainers. Since both Pokémon lines are strong on their own, X Speed isn’t necessary. Instead, Giovanni helps Machamp ex secure a one-shot on Starmie ex for example.
Machamp ex - Primeape variant
Rarity requirements
◊◊◊◊ – Machamp ex
◊◊ – Primeape, Giovanni, Sabrina
Booster pack requirements
Machop line
Primeape
Sabrina
Giovanni
Mankey
This variant runs the current best Fighting Pokémon: Machamp ex and Primeape. Thanks to the Mankey from Promo packs, Primeape’s Fight Back can deal a full-powered 100 damage starting from turn 2. The deck plays very linearly but is efficient nonetheless, especially when you can curve out your evolutions turn after turn.
Weaknesses
- Machamp ex is generally too slow: The lack of F Energy acceleration (except for the subpar Onix and Golem) leaves Fighting decks struggling to keep up, and while Machamp ex has decent bulk, its attack falls short against most key Pokémon ex, only managing to one-shot Pikachu ex. This leaves it both too slow and too weak in comparison to faster, stronger decks.
- The shallow pool of F Pokémon to pair with doesn’t help Machamp ex in finding synergies to get a better edge competitively.
