Raikou EX has electrified the Pokemon TCG Pocket meta since the Secluded Springs expansion! This legendary Electric-type beast brings incredible versatility, combining aggressive early-game pressure with consistent card draw. When paired with Magnezone’s devastating late-game power, this deck strikes the perfect balance between speed and strength.
Ready to harness the power of thunder? Let’s dive into the ultimate Raikou EX deck guide!
Table of Contents
Core Pokemon Cards Breakdown
Raikou EX – Your Lightning Leader
| Stats | Details |
|---|---|
| HP | 130 |
| Type | Electric |
| Ability | Legendary Pulse: Draw 1 card at end of turn (if Active) |
| Attack | Voltaic Bullet: 60 damage + 10 to Bench (2 Lightning Energy) |
| Role | Early-game attacker & card engine |
Why Raikou EX Dominates:
- Exceptional card draw keeps your hand full of options
- Bench sniping sets up perfect knockout opportunities
- 130 HP provides excellent survivability for an opening Pokemon
The Magnezone Evolution Line
Magneton (Genetic Apex)
- HP: 80
- Ability: Volt Charge – Attach 1 Lightning Energy per turn
- Purpose: Energy acceleration and setup
Magnezone (Space-Time Smackdown)
- HP: 140
- Attack: Thunder Blast – 110 damage, discard 1 Lightning Energy
- Purpose: Heavy-hitting finisher
Supporting Cast
Pichu – The perfect Turn 1 starter when Raikou isn’t available
- HP: 30, Retreat Cost: Free
- Attack: Crackly Toss – Attach Lightning Energy to Bench (Free cost!)
Essential Trainer Cards
| Card Name | Function | Synergy |
|---|---|---|
| Cyrus | Forces weak Benched Pokemon Active | Perfect with Raikou’s chip damage |
| Red Card | Opponent shuffles hand, draws 3 | Meta disruption tool |
| Leaf | Reduces Retreat Cost by 2 | Easy Pokemon switching |
| Lillie | Heals 60 damage | Keeps Magnezone healthy |
| Professor’s Research | Draw 2 cards | Consistent hand refill |
| Giant Cape | +20 HP equipment | Extra survivability |
| Elemental Switch | Move Lightning Energy | Flexible energy management |
Winning Strategy Guide
Early Game (Turns 1-3)
🎯 Opening Priorities:
- Lead with Raikou EX for immediate pressure and card draw
- Alternative: Start Pichu to accelerate energy to your Bench
- Set up Magnemite on the Bench immediately
- Use Voltaic Bullet to spread damage across opponent’s Pokemon
Mid Game (Turns 4-6)
⚡ Building Momentum:
- Evolve to Magneton and use Volt Charge for energy acceleration
- Continue Raikou pressure while building Bench threats
- Deploy Cyrus strategically to target damaged Benched Pokemon
- Save Red Card for crucial disruption moments
Late Game (Turns 7+)
💥 Finishing Power:
- Evolve to Magnezone when ready for knockout attempts
- Thunder Blast for 110 damage to secure victories
- Use Lillie to heal Magnezone between attacks
- Maintain board control with continued Bench pressure
Deck Strengths & Meta Position
✅ Why This Deck Dominates:
- Consistent card draw from Raikou’s Legendary Pulse
- Flexible energy management through multiple acceleration options
- Multi-angle pressure with Active and Bench damage
- Strong disruption package with Red Card and Cyrus
- Excellent HP distribution across all Pokemon
Current Meta Advantages:
- Counters popular EX-heavy strategies
- Red Card disrupts combo decks effectively
- Bench sniping bypasses traditional tank strategies
- Energy acceleration keeps pace with fastest decks
Advanced Deck Tips
🔧 Pro Techniques:
- Never evolve Magneton too early – keep it as an energy battery
- Time your Cyrus plays after Raikou spreads damage
- Save Giant Cape for your most threatened Pokemon
- Use Leaf proactively to avoid getting locked in unfavorable positions
For more competitive Pokemon strategies and deck guides, check out our comprehensive TCG Pocket tutorials and stay updated with the latest Pokemon gaming news.
Ready to electrify the competition? This Raikou EX deck offers the perfect blend of aggression and consistency for climbing the Pokemon TCG Pocket ranks. For more deck guides and gaming strategies, visit TechnoSports!
Sources: The Pokemon Company, Sportskeeda Gaming
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the ideal starting hand with this Raikou EX deck?
The perfect opening includes Raikou EX, at least one Lightning Energy, Magnemite, and a Trainer card like Professor’s Research or Red Card. If you don’t have Raikou EX, Pichu makes an excellent alternative starter due to its free attack and zero retreat cost.
How do I handle matchups against other meta decks?
Against aggressive decks, prioritize early Red Card disruption and use Raikou’s Bench sniping to eliminate threats. Against control decks, focus on consistent pressure with Raikou while building toward Magnezone. The key is adapting your Trainer card usage – use Cyrus aggressively against Bench-heavy decks and save Lillie for crucial healing moments.
