Pokémon TCG Pocket Tier List – Complete (March 2026) Guide
If you’re looking to dominate the competitive scene in Pokémon TCG Pocket, you’ve come to the right place. As someone who’s spent countless hours testing decks, analyzing tournament results, and staying on top of the ever-shifting meta, I’m excited to share this comprehensive tier list that will give you the competitive edge you need.
The Pokémon TCG Pocket meta has undergone a massive transformation with the recent Mega Rising expansion, introducing over 200 new cards and completely reshaping the competitive landscape. What was once a stagnant meta dominated by a few select decks has exploded into a dynamic environment where new strategies emerge daily.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll break down every viable deck from S-tier to D-tier, explain the reasoning behind each ranking, and provide you with the insights you need to climb the ranked ladder. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting started, this tier list will be your roadmap to success in November 2025.
Understanding the Tier List System (2026)
Before diving into the rankings, let me explain how this tier list works and what each tier represents:
| Tier | Description | Win Rate | Meta Prevalence |
|---|---|---|---|
| S Tier | Meta-defining decks with excellent matchups and consistency | 65%+ | Very High |
| A Tier | Strong competitive decks with minor weaknesses | 55-65% | High |
| B Tier | Viable decks that require skill to pilot effectively | 45-55% | Medium |
| C Tier | Niche decks that can surprise opponents | 35-45% | Low |
| D Tier | Underperforming decks with significant flaws | <35% | Very Low |
This tier list is based on tournament data, matchup analysis, and my personal experience playing hundreds of matches across all skill levels. The meta is still settling after the Mega Rising expansion, so expect some shifts in the coming weeks.
S Tier Decks: The Meta Kings
These are the decks that define the current meta. If you’re serious about climbing ranks, you need to understand these decks inside and out.
???? Suicune ex Greninja
Last Updated: November 2025
Meta Prevalence: 25% of tournament decks
The Suicune ex Greninja combination remains one of the most powerful and consistent decks in the game. Here’s why it dominates:
Strengths:
- Suicune ex’s Ability allows rapid evolution of Greninja
- Incredible draw power and consistency
- Giratina ex provides late-game finishing potential
- Excellent matchup spread against most meta decks
Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to disruption strategies
- Can struggle against highly aggressive decks
- Suicune ex deals low damage if opponent has no Benched Pokémon
Core Cards:
- 2x Suicune ex (A4a-020)
- 2x Froakie (A1-087)
- 2x Greninja (A1-089)
- 1x Giratina ex (A2b-035)
- 2x Professor’s Research
Why It’s S Tier: This deck’s consistency is unmatched. The ability to draw cards while setting up your board creates an advantage that most decks can’t overcome. Even with the Mega Rising expansion shaking things up, Suicune ex Greninja remains a top contender.
???? Flareon ex Jolteon
Last Updated: November 2025
Meta Prevalence: 20% of tournament decks
The Eeveelution strategy has evolved into one of the most versatile and powerful archetypes in the game.
Strengths:
- Multiple evolution paths keep opponents guessing
- Eevee Bag provides incredible consistency
- Flareon ex can be set up quickly with Magby
- Strong against both aggressive and control decks
Weaknesses:
- Low HP on basic Pokémon makes them vulnerable
- Can be disrupted by early pressure
- Relies on drawing the right Eeveelution combination
Core Cards:
- 2x Flareon ex (A3b-009)
- 2x Jolteon (A1-102)
- 2x Eevee ex (A3b-056)
- 2x Pichu (A4-066)
- 2x Eevee Bag (A3b-066)
Why It’s S Tier: The flexibility of this deck is its greatest strength. With multiple Eeveelutions to choose from and the consistency provided by Eevee Bag, you can adapt your strategy based on what you draw and what your opponent is playing.
???? Suicune ex Greninja Oricorio
Last Updated: November 2025
Meta Prevalence: 18% of tournament decks
A variation of the classic Suicune ex Greninja deck that includes Oricorio for additional tanking capabilities.
Strengths:
- All the benefits of regular Suicune ex Greninja
- Oricorio provides excellent tanking against EX Pokémon
- More time to set up Greninja evolution line
- Better matchup against EX-heavy decks
Weaknesses:
- Slightly less consistent than the original version
- Oricorio can be a dead card in some matchups
- More complex to pilot effectively
Core Cards:
- 2x Suicune ex (A4a-020)
- 2x Froakie (A1-087)
- 2x Greninja (A1-089)
- 2x Oricorio (A3-066)
- 1x Giant Cape (A2-147)
Why It’s S Tier: The addition of Oricorio solves one of the biggest weaknesses of the original deck – vulnerability to EX Pokémon. This extra protection gives you more time to set up your board and execute your game plan.
⚫ Darkrai ex Giratina ex
Last Updated: November 2025
Meta Prevalence: 15% of tournament decks
This Dark-type powerhouse combines two of the most feared EX Pokémon in the current meta.
Strengths:
- Giratina ex can charge itself with Psychic Energy
- Darkrai ex provides passive damage with Nightmare Aura
- Incredible late-game potential
- Strong against most control decks
Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to Energy disruption
- Can be slow to set up
- Weak to Fighting-type decks
Core Cards:
- 2x Darkrai ex (A2-110)
- 2x Giratina ex (A2b-035)
- 2x Cyrus (A2-150)
- 2x Rocky Helmet (A2-148)
- 2x Professor’s Research
Why It’s S Tier: The synergy between Darkrai ex and Giratina ex creates a win condition that’s difficult for most decks to handle. Once both are set up, the pressure becomes overwhelming with both direct damage and passive chip damage.
⚫ Guzzlord ex
Last Updated: November 2025
Meta Prevalence: 12% of tournament decks
Guzzlord ex has emerged as a surprise contender in the post-Mega Rising meta, thanks to its disruptive capabilities.
Strengths:
- Grindcore can discard Energy from Defending Pokémon
- Tyrannical Hole deals massive damage
- Positive matchup against Suicune ex decks
- Disruptive strategy punishes setup-reliant decks
Weaknesses:
- Low damage output without setup
- Can struggle against aggressive decks
- Relies on specific Trainer combinations
Core Cards:
- 2x Guzzlord ex (A3a-043)
- 1x Celesteela (A3a-062)
- 2x Cyrus (A2-150)
- 2x Rocky Helmet (A2-148)
- 2x Professor’s Research
Why It’s S Tier: In a meta dominated by setup-reliant decks, Guzzlord ex’s disruptive capabilities make it a perfect counter. Its ability to discard Energy and disrupt opponent strategies gives it an edge that many players underestimate.
???? Flareon ex Eevee ex
Last Updated: November 2025
Meta Prevalence: 10% of tournament decks
This streamlined version of the Eeveelution strategy focuses on speed and consistency.
Strengths:
- Very fast setup with Magby
- Consistent Energy acceleration
- Simple game plan easy to execute
- Strong early-game presence
Weaknesses:
- Less versatile than full Eeveelution decks
- Vulnerable to disruption
- Can run out of steam in long games
Core Cards:
- 2x Flareon ex (A3b-009)
- 2x Eevee ex (A3b-056)
- 2x Magby (A4-032)
- 2x Eevee Bag (A3b-066)
- 2x Professor’s Research
Why It’s S Tier: Sometimes simplicity is strength. This deck’s straightforward game plan and fast setup make it incredibly consistent, and in a meta that’s still adapting to Mega Rising, consistency wins games.
A Tier Decks: Strong Contenders
These decks are just a step below S-tier but can still compete at the highest level when piloted correctly.
???? Tapu Koko ex Pikachu ex
Last Updated: November 2025
Meta Prevalence: 8% of tournament decks
This Electric-type combination brings speed and versatility to the table.
Strengths:
- Zeraora provides Energy acceleration
- Oricorio tanks against EX Pokémon
- Both Tapu Koko and Pikachu can deal significant damage
- Good matchup against Water-type decks
Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to Fighting-type decks
- Can be inconsistent without proper setup
- Relies on multiple pieces working together
Core Cards:
- 1x Tapu Koko ex (A3a-019)
- 1x Pikachu ex (A2b-022)
- 2x Zeraora (A3a-021)
- 2x Oricorio (A3-066)
- 2x Elemental Switch (A4-151)
???? Silvally Zeraora
Last Updated: November 2025
Meta Prevalence: 7% of tournament decks
Silvally’s versatility combined with Zeraora’s Energy acceleration creates a solid mid-range deck.
Strengths:
- Silvally can deal consistent damage
- Zeraora provides Energy acceleration
- Type: Null is a solid starter
- Good matchup spread
Weaknesses:
- Low HP on basic Pokémon
- Can be disrupted by early pressure
- Requires specific Supporter combinations
Core Cards:
- 2x Silvally (A3a-061)
- 2x Type: Null (A3a-060)
- 2x Zeraora (A3a-021)
- 2x Gladion (A3a-067)
- 2x Professor’s Research
???? Dragonite ex Sylveon ex
Last Updated: November 2025
Meta Prevalence: 6% of tournament decks
This Dragon/Psychic combination brings power and draw power to the battlefield.
Strengths:
- Dragonite ex can deal massive damage
- Sylveon ex provides incredible draw power
- Good late-game potential
- Strong against most meta decks
Weaknesses:
- Slow setup
- Vulnerable to early aggression
- Relies on drawing the right combination
Core Cards:
- 1x Dragonite ex (A2b-022)
- 1x Sylveon ex (A3b-034)
- 2x Professor’s Research
- 2x Cyrus (A2-150)
- 2x Poke Ball
???? Espeon ex Sylveon ex
Last Updated: November 2025
Meta Prevalence: 5% of tournament decks
This Psychic-type combination focuses on healing and consistency.
Strengths:
- Espeon ex’s Psychic Healing keeps Pokémon healthy
- Sylveon ex provides draw power
- Good matchup against Fighting-type decks
- Consistent damage output
Weaknesses:
- Low HP on Espeon ex
- Vulnerable to disruption
- Can be slow to set up
Core Cards:
- 1x Espeon ex (A3b-034)
- 1x Sylveon ex (A3b-034)
- 2x Professor’s Research
- 2x Cyrus (A2-150)
- 2x Poke Ball
B Tier Decks: Viable Options
These decks can compete but require more skill to pilot effectively and have more pronounced weaknesses.
???? Silvally Rampardos
Last Updated: November 2025
Meta Prevalence: 4% of tournament decks
This Fighting-type combination focuses on early control and quick damage.
Strengths:
- Rampardos can deal massive damage for low Energy
- Silvally provides consistency
- Strong early-game presence
- Good against EX-heavy decks
Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to Psychic-type decks
- Can be inconsistent
- Fragile Pokémon
Core Cards:
- 2x Silvally (A3a-061)
- 2x Rampardos (A2-XXX)
- 2x Gladion (A3a-067)
- 2x Professor’s Research
- 2x Poke Ball
???? Suicune ex Gyarados Palkia ex
Last Updated: November 2025
Meta Prevalence: 3% of tournament decks
This Water-type combination brings power and versatility.
Strengths:
- Suicune ex provides draw power
- Gyarados ex can deal massive damage
- Palkia ex provides board control
- Strong against Fire-type decks
Weaknesses:
- High Energy requirements
- Slow setup
- Vulnerable to disruption
Core Cards:
- 2x Suicune ex (A4a-020)
- 1x Gyarados ex (A2-XXX)
- 1x Palkia ex (A2-XXX)
- 2x Professor’s Research
- 2x Misty
C Tier Decks: Niche Strategies
These decks are less common but can surprise opponents when piloted by skilled players.
???? Buzzwole ex Pheromosa
Last Updated: November 2025
Meta Prevalence: 2% of tournament decks
This Grass/Fighting-type combination focuses on speed and disruption.
Strengths:
- Fast setup
- Good against Psychic-type decks
- Disruptive capabilities
- Surprise factor
Weaknesses:
- Fragile Pokémon
- Inconsistent
- Weak to common types
Core Cards:
- 2x Buzzwole ex (A3a-XXX)
- 2x Pheromosa (A3a-XXX)
- 2x Professor’s Research
- 2x Cyrus (A2-150)
- 2x Poke Ball
D Tier Decks: Limited Potential
These decks struggle in the current meta and should generally be avoided for competitive play.
???? Venusaur ex
Last Updated: November 2025
Meta Prevalence: <1% of tournament decks
This Grass-type deck focuses on healing but struggles in the current meta.
Strengths:
- Healing capabilities
- Tank potential
- Good against Water-type decks
Weaknesses:
- Very slow setup
- Vulnerable to Fire-type decks
- Low damage output
- Outclassed by other options
2026 Meta Analysis and Trends
The Mega Rising expansion has completely transformed the Pokémon TCG Pocket meta. Here are the key trends I’ve observed:
1. Speed is King
With the introduction of Mega Evolution, decks that can set up quickly have a significant advantage. This explains why decks like Suicune ex Greninja and Flareon ex Jolteon continue to dominate.
2. EX Pokémon Domination
The meta is heavily centered around EX Pokémon, making cards like Oricorio incredibly valuable for their anti-EX capabilities.
3. Energy Acceleration Matters
Decks with reliable Energy acceleration (like Zeraora, Magby, and Pichu) have a significant edge in the current meta.
4. Disruption is Key
With so many setup-reliant decks, disruption strategies (like Guzzlord ex’s Grindcore) have become increasingly effective.
Building Your Own Tier-Worthy Deck
If you want to build your own competitive deck, here are the key principles I’ve learned from analyzing the top-tier decks:
1. Consistency First
The best decks all have one thing in common: consistency. Include cards like Professor’s Research, Poke Ball, and draw-supporting Pokémon to ensure you can execute your game plan.
2. Energy Acceleration
Include at least one form of Energy acceleration. Whether it’s Zeraora, Magby, Pichu, or something else, being able to power up your Pokémon quickly is crucial.
3. Anti-EX Tech
With so many EX Pokémon in the meta, include at least one card that can handle them effectively. Oricorio is the most popular choice, but there are other options.
4. Flexible Win Conditions
The best decks have multiple ways to win. Don’t rely on a single strategy – have backup plans for when your primary approach gets disrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a deck S-tier in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
S-tier decks have excellent matchup spreads, high consistency, and can adapt to different game scenarios. They typically win 65% or more of their matches against the current meta.
How often does the meta change in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
The meta can shift significantly with each new expansion release. With expansions coming every 2-3 months, you should expect major meta changes quarterly, with smaller shifts occurring weekly as players adapt.
Are expensive decks always better?
Not necessarily. While some top-tier decks require rare cards, many competitive decks can be built with common and uncommon cards. Consistency and strategy often matter more than card rarity.
How do I counter the popular Suicune ex Greninja deck?
Effective counters include disruption strategies (Cyrus, Red Card), aggressive early-game pressure, and decks that can out-draw Suicune ex’s ability. Guzzlord ex is particularly effective due to its disruptive capabilities.
What’s the best deck for beginners?
For beginners, I recommend starting with a simplified version of Flareon ex Eevee ex. It’s straightforward, consistent, and teaches important fundamentals about Energy management and evolution timing.
How important is the new Mega Rising expansion?
Mega Rising is game-changing. It introduces over 200 new cards, including powerful Mega Evolution Pokémon that have completely reshaped the meta. If you want to stay competitive, you need to understand these new cards.
Can I succeed with budget decks?
Absolutely! While having access to all cards helps, many competitive decks can be built on a budget. Focus on consistency and strategy rather than trying to copy expensive decks card-for-card.
How do I stay updated on meta changes?
Follow community resources like PTCGPocket.gg, join Discord communities, and participate in tournaments. The meta evolves quickly, so staying connected with the community is crucial.
Conclusion
The Pokémon TCG Pocket meta is more dynamic and exciting than ever, thanks to the Mega Rising expansion. While the decks I’ve ranked as S-tier currently dominate the competitive scene, the beauty of this game is that innovation can quickly shift the meta.
Whether you choose to pilot one of the top-tier decks or innovate with your own creation, remember that consistency, strategy, and adaptability are the keys to success. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new combinations – the next S-tier deck could be your own creation!
For more Pokémon TCG Pocket guides and strategies, check out our beginner decks guide and Miltank deck guide. Stay tuned for more updates as the meta continues to evolve!
Remember to bookmark this page and check back regularly – I’ll be updating this tier list as the meta evolves and new strategies emerge. The world of Pokémon TCG Pocket moves fast, and you don’t want to fall behind!