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Some of the best cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket are the ex Pokemon, which are so powerful that they’re worth twice as many Prize Points as regular Pokemon. There are a few ways to punish your opponent for using these incredible cards, but Oricorio is a game-changer.
Oricorio doesn’t deal extra damage to ex Pokemon like Meowscarada does. Instead, it has an ability that completely turns their damage off. If your opponent is using ex Pokemon exclusively, it becomes impossible for you to lose. But if you’re confused, cheer up! We’ve got the guide ready to go!
Magnemite (A1) x2
Magneton (A1) x2
Magnezone (A2) x2
Oricorio (A3 66) x2
Guzma x2
Sabrina x1
Cyrus x1
Potion x2
Pokemon Communication x1
Giant Cape x1
Since the deck is pure Lightning,the Genetic Apex version of Magnemite is optimalfor this deck. It deals an extra ten damage compared to the Space-Time Smackdown version that shows up in other decks that focus on other types of Energy.
We like the added consistency of Pokemon Communication, but that orGuzma can be replaced with two copies of Pokemon Center Ladyto keep your Pokemon up longer.
Make sure you’re using Oricorio number 66(or the Illustration Rare, 165) from Celestial Guardians. It’s the only Lightning-type print of the Pokemon, so don’t get confused and add a Psychic or Fire-type by accident.
Oricorio Magnezone Strategy
Oricorio Magnezone follows a disruption strategy:If all of your opponent’s Pokemon are ex Pokemon, they can’t attack Oricorio, grinding their strategy to a halt. Oricorio can still be KOed by Poison and effects like Darkrai ex’s Nightmare Aura, so it isn’t perfect, but it’s hard to play around.
Between Oricorio and Magnemite,Oricorio is a slightly better choice to lead with. It has 10 more HP and is immune to attacks from ex Pokemon. However, if your opponent has a non-ex Pokemon that can attack early, and you have a second Magnemite, swap it out for now.
Whichever Pokemon makes it to the Active position,keep it alive with Potions and your Giant Cape while you set up on the Bench.
If your opponent is using an ex-heavy deck like Charizard ex or Darkrai ex/Giratina ex, start adding Energy to Oricorio and attacking. Meanwhile,evolve the Magnemite on your Bench into Magneton and start using Volt Chargeto attach extra Energy.
If your opponent is playing a deck with all ex Pokemon, they might concede as soon as you play Oricorio.
Unlike other Stage 2 Pokemon,you don’t want to evolve Magneton into Magnezone until late in the game. Magnezone loses a Lightning Energy each time it attacks, so more Volt Charge activations means more freedom to distribute your normal Lightning Energy to other Pokemon.
Magnezone does a solid 110 damage, but Oricorio only does 50, so it can take several turns to KO some Pokemon.If your opponent uses Poison Barb or Rocky Helmet, use Guzmato prevent your Oricorio KOing itself.
Sabrina can stall your opponent by forcing one of the Benched Pokemon they’re setting up forward, whileshe and Cyrus can both gust out weakened Pokemonto attack for the final Prize Point.
If your opponent is using an ex-free deck likeLucario Rampardos, Oricorio’s ability becomes useless. In this scenario, feel free touse Oricorio as a shield while you set up your Magnezone.
Oricorio Magnezone Matchups
Giratina ex Darkrai ex
Oricorio punishesGiratina ex / Darkrai ex decksfor using ex Pokemon almost exclusively. Darkrai ex’s Nightmare Aura, plus Rocky Helmet and Rough Skin in versions still using Druddigon can wear out Oricorio, butif you play smart you should never lose.
If you get a chance,use Sabrina to pull out Darkrai ex earlyand attempt to KO it. That way, your opponent will have one less way to deal chip damage to Oricorio. Of course, don’t bother if they manage to get both out.
Giratina ex Snorlax
When Triumphant Light released in March 2025, Snorlax was criticized as one of the worst Pokemon in the game. Two months later it was a key piece in one of the most popular decks, anda deck Oricorio Magnezone struggles to take down.
Snorlax is mostly a blocker, but it can hit hard in a pinch. Meanwhile, your opponent is assembling two Greninja on the Bench to snipe with.Try to take those Greninja outso you have some breathing room to deal with Snorlax, but be ready for your opponent to scoop it with Ilima if it gets low.
Charizard ex Moltres ex
The classicCharizard ex Moltres ex deckcomes to a complete standstill against Oricorio.Neither Moltres ex nor Charizard ex can even scratch the little honeycreeper, so if they evolve both Charmander into Charizard ex while you still have both Oricorio, they’re dead in the water.
If they included Charmeleon instead of replacing it with Rare Candy,you could still lose: Charmeleon’s Combustion attack deals 40 damage, enough to 2HKO Oricorio and give your opponent a path to victory. As long as you KO Charmeleon before it KOs Oricorio, you’re golden.
