Melmetal EX has emerged as a powerhouse in Pokemon TCG Pocket’s competitive meta, offering incredible bulk combined with devastating 150-damage attacks. This Steel-type titan can stand toe-to-toe with the meta’s biggest threats when built correctly. Here’s your complete guide to mastering the best Melmetal EX deck.
Table of Contents
Pokemon Optimal Melmetal EX Deck List
| Card | Count | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Melmetal EX | 2 | Primary attacker with 150 damage potential |
| Meltan | 2 | Evolution line foundation |
| Dialga EX | 2 | Energy acceleration with Metallic Turbo |
| Magearna | 1 | Counters Pom-Pom Style Oricorio |
| Professor’s Research | 2 | Card draw engine |
| Poke Ball | 2 | Consistency booster |
| Rocky Helmet | 1 | Chip damage tool |
| Adaman | 2 | Damage reduction support |
Why Melmetal EX Works
Melmetal EX can deal 150 damage with Metal Arms when it has a Pokemon Tool attached, making it one of the hardest-hitting non-Legendary attackers available. Without tools, the damage drops to 100, so maximizing tool usage becomes critical for consistent knockouts.
The real strength lies in Melmetal EX’s incredible staying power. Combined with defensive tools and support cards, this deck can outlast aggressive ex-heavy strategies while building towards game-winning attacks.
The Dialga EX Engine
Dialga EX provides Energy acceleration for Melmetal EX with Metallic Turbo, and should be your ideal opening card as it sets up Melmetal EX in two attacks. This acceleration solves Melmetal EX’s biggest weakness—its high attack cost.
Once Dialga accelerates enough energy, you can transition into Melmetal EX as your main attacker or continue with Dialga EX’s Heavy Impact. This flexibility lets you adapt to different matchups while maintaining constant pressure.
Magearna: The Secret Weapon
Magearna plays a vital role against specific Pokemon like Pom-Pom Style Oricorio, a common meta pick that blocks damage from ex Pokemon. Since Magearna isn’t an ex, it bypasses that barrier and can one-shot Oricorio because the Lightning-type bird has an ability.
Magearna’s Steel Cannon deals additional damage to Pokemon with Abilities, allowing Magearna to score the OHKO. This coverage prevents opponents from walling your ex attackers with ability-based counters.
Tool Selection Strategy
Rocky Helmet is a good option, as it provides good chip damage that can put opponents in KO range. The passive damage accumulates quickly, especially against aggressive decks that attack multiple times per game.
Alternative tools include Steel Apron for damage reduction, creating a tanky Melmetal that’s nearly impossible to knock out in one hit. Choose based on your local meta—if you’re facing aggressive decks, prioritize Rocky Helmet; against control strategies, Steel Apron provides better value.
Playing the Deck
Early Game: Melmetal EX has a high Attack Cost, so it is best to set it up in the Bench. You may use a faster Metal-type Pokemon in the active spot during the early game. Dialga EX fills this role perfectly while accelerating energy.
Mid Game: Once you’ve attached tools and accumulated energy through Dialga’s Metallic Turbo, transition Melmetal EX to your active position. Start applying pressure with 150-damage attacks that threaten most meta Pokemon.
Late Game: Use supporters strategically to maintain board control. Red Card disrupts opponent setup, while Adaman reduces incoming damage during crucial turns.
For more deck-building strategies and meta analysis, visit our Pokemon TCG Pocket guides.
Countering the Deck
You may use Sabrina or Cyrus to draw Meltan or Melmetal EX onto the Active Spot while it is unprepared, disrupting their setup before they reach full power. You may also use Guzma to discard the opponent’s Pokemon Tool, which can prevent Melmetal EX from scoring a KO.
Energy disruption works exceptionally well. If opponents can remove energy before Melmetal reaches four attachments, the deck struggles to recover quickly enough.
Meta Matchups
This Melmetal EX build excels against Lightning-type decks and ability-reliant strategies thanks to Magearna’s coverage. The bulk and consistent damage output make it competitive against most meta decks when piloted correctly.
For official game updates and deck-building tools, check the Pokemon TCG Pocket website. Stay updated with tournament results and evolving strategies at TechnoSports.
FAQs
Should I prioritize Melmetal EX or Dialga EX as my active attacker?
Start with Dialga EX to accelerate energy using Metallic Turbo, then transition to Melmetal EX once it has sufficient energy and a Pokemon Tool attached. Dialga’s Heavy Impact deals solid damage.
