Steps to Obtain a Complimentary Starter Ex Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket

The new expansion adds shiny Pokémon and a much-anticipated Ranked mode to the game. But even better, this update also introduces a new time-limited event where you can complete missions for a batch of in-game rewards, including a free ex deck. You have roughly a month to complete the missions and collect the rewards. It started on Thursday, March 27, and will run until Saturday, April 26.

This guide will show you how to get a free ex deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket and help you decide the best deck to pick.

How to get a free ex starter deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket

In the past, Pokémon TCG Pocket has used a deck rental system where you can use certain special decks for a limited number of times. Now, Shining Revelry expansion introduced a new kind of reward that allows players to pick and choose an ex starter deck, adding all cards in it to your collection permanently.

Given that, here is how to get a free starter ex deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket.

A free starter ex deck isn’t the only decent reward you can get as part of this event. You can also get a shiny Cyclizar promo card and some bonus Shining Revelry packs. So make sure you check out the other missions after you get your deck.

Best ex starter deck to pick in Pokémon TCG Pocket

There are nine decks in total that you can choose from and each features a different ex Pokémon as their signature card. Here are all the themes for each deck:

There are a few ways you can go about picking a deck. Since you get to keep these cards, you can pick a deck that helps you fill out your collection and gives you cards you have had trouble getting from packs.

If you want to pick the strongest deck, well that’s subjective. So far, it’s looking like Giratina ex could be a strong contender and used in future decks. This card has 150 HP and a retreat cost of two energy. Its ability Broken-Space Bellow, allows you to take a psychic energy from your Energy Zone and attach it to Giratina ex and then end your turn immediately. This makes it a great Pokémon that allows you to take advantage of going first (a rarity in the game so far).

I also want to give a shoutout to Paldean Clodsire ex here. It has 160 HP and a retreat cost of three. Its only attack, Venoshock, requires two energy to use. It has a base attack of 60 and does 60 more damage if your opponent is poisoned. That’s nothing to scoff at and I am planning on picking it to see how I can fit it into decks with Dakrai ex, Weavile ex, and Weezing.

Additionally, other cards you can get like the new versions of Lucario ex and Charizard ex look promising. If you are already playing with fighting-type and fire-type decks, these could be worth checking out. However, these are all “starter” decks. Each deck only comes with one ex each, so these won’t necessarily be the sets that help you win a ton of matches in ranked. Just pick what you think could be fun to play! (Which is why personally I’ll probably end up picking Paldean Clodsire ex).