Best Pikachu ex Deck List in Pokémon TCG 2026
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Best Pikachu ex Deck List in Pokémon TCG 2026
How to Play the Deck
Pikachu ex is one of the most fun and accessible competitive archetypes in 2026 Standard. The aggressive Turn 2 attack plan is easy to understand and execute, making it a great second deck after learning with a Battle Deck. Its main weakness is decks that stream single-Prize attackers — check our counter guide to understand how opponents might try to slow you down. The matchup against Gardevoir ex is particularly important to understand as both are top-tier archetypes that frequently meet in tournament play.
Frequently Asked Questions
⚡ Quick Answer
Pikachu ex Deck List (60 Cards)
The Pikachu ex deck is a fast Lightning-type aggro deck that uses Pikachu ex’s Thunderbolt attack (200+ damage) and Raichu’s energy acceleration ability to attack as early as Turn 2. It’s a consistent, beginner-friendly archetype that applies constant early pressure and is competitively viable in 2026 Standard format. The key engine: Pikachu ex + Raichu + Iono + 14 Lightning Energy.
1
Pokémon (18): 4× Pikachu ex, 3× Raichu (Paldea Evolved — for Thunder Lance ability), 3× Pikachu (basic for Raichu), 2× Radiant Jolteon, 2× Magnemite, 2× Magneton, 2× Magnezone (energy acceleration backup). Radiant Jolteon provides a secondary attacker that hits the Bench for spread damage.
2
Trainer Cards (28): 4× Professor’s Research, 4× Iono, 3× Boss’s Orders, 4× Nest Ball, 4× Ultra Ball, 3× Switch, 3× Escape Rope, 3× Defiance Band. The high Iono count disrupts opponent’s hand while refilling yours — essential for the deck’s tempo game plan.
3
Energy (14): 14× Lightning Energy. The deck needs consistent energy attachments for Pikachu ex’s Thunderbolt attack, which requires 3 Lightning. Raichu’s ability moves energy from Bench Pokémon to your active attacker, making energy management more flexible.
4
Key card — Defiance Band: This Tool card adds 30 damage to attacks when your opponent has taken more Prizes than you. Pikachu ex with Defiance Band and Raichu’s energy boost hits for 230+ damage — one-shotting most Pokémon ex in the game without needing a full 3-energy setup.
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Turn 1 priority: Get Pikachu ex into the active spot and attach one energy. Use Nest Ball or Ultra Ball to find a second Pikachu and place it on the Bench. Play Professor’s Research if your hand has fewer than 4 playable cards.
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Turn 2 target: Attach your second energy to the active Pikachu ex. If Raichu is on the Bench with energy, use its Thunder Lance ability to move that energy to Pikachu ex and attack for 200+ damage. Going second, this gives you a knockout before your opponent can fully set up.
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Manage Pikachu ex’s Thunderbolt drawback: Thunderbolt discards all energy attached after attacking. Use Switch or Escape Rope to retreat Pikachu ex after attacking and bring up a fresh one, or attach new energy the following turn if no switch is available.
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Use Iono as a disruption tool — late game when your opponent has a developed board, drop Iono when they have 6+ cards in hand to shuffle them away and shrink their options. Best played when they’re about to draw into a key card for their win condition.
Is Pikachu ex a good deck for beginners?
Yes — it’s one of the most straightforward competitive decks in the format. The game plan is clear (attack fast with Pikachu ex), the energy curve is simple (14 Lightning, no special energy needed), and the Trainer suite is standard across most decks so the skills transfer. It’s a great second deck after learning the basics.
What does Pikachu ex’s Thunderbolt attack do?
Thunderbolt costs 3 Lightning Energy and deals 200 base damage, then discards all energy attached to Pikachu ex. The energy discard is the main drawback — you need a plan to reattach energy or switch to a fresh Pikachu ex the following turn to maintain attacking pressure.
What is Pikachu ex weak to?
Pikachu ex is weak to Fighting-type Pokémon — Fighting attacks deal double damage to it. Decks running Fighting-type attackers (Koraidon ex, Garchomp ex) can one-shot Pikachu ex more easily. Plan around this weakness by having backup attackers ready and prioritising speed to take Prizes before the opponent’s Fighting attacker is set up.
How much does the Pikachu ex deck cost to build?
A full competitive Pikachu ex deck costs approximately £60–£120 / $70–$140 depending on your region and where you buy. Pikachu ex cards themselves are moderately priced — the most expensive singles are Boss’s Orders and Iono at around £5–£10 each. See our budget deck guide if cost is a concern.