Analyzing Charizard ex (A2b 010) from Pokémon TCG Pocket’s Shining Revelry
The recent release of Pokémon TCG Pocket‘s expansion, Shining Revelry, has brought a refreshed version of Charizard ex into the spotlight. This new iteration features an ability known as Stoke, which can theoretically gather three Fire-type Energies. Despite its intriguing concept, many players have discovered that its practical application is lacking. Notably, Stoke functions as an attack, requiring players to forfeit a turn without inflicting any damage.
Currently, opinions within the TCG Pocket community are split regarding the practicality of this new Charizard ex. Some enthusiasts believe it suits a ramp strategy, while others contend that sacrificing a turn for a mere energy boost is not a viable strategy. To navigate this discussion, we’ve delved into the current metagame and identified the most promising deck configuration for Charizard ex, highlighting its synergy with Moltres ex.
Overview of Charizard ex (A2b 010)
- HP: 180
- ATK: 150
- Ability: Take 3 Fire Energy from your Energy Zone and attach it to this Pokémon.
- Weakness: Water
- Attack Cost: Three Fire and two Colorless
- Retreat Cost: Three
- Evolution Line: Charmander > Charmeleon
Optimal Deck for Charizard ex (A2b 010)

The most effective deck strategy for the Shining Revelry Charizard ex revolves around a synergistic build featuring Moltres ex, supplemented by an array of robust Trainer Cards. This deck falls within the Stall & Ramp archetype, utilizing Fire-type energy optimally. Key components include:
- Key Cards: Charizard ex (A2b), Red, Iono, Pokémon Communication, Sabrina, and Cyrus
Complete Decklist for Charizard ex (A2b 010)
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Effective Strategies for Playing Charizard ex (A2b 010)
To maximize the effectiveness of Charizard ex, consider the following play sequence:
- Start with Moltres ex on your bench.
- Evolve Charizard ex on the bench.
- Utilize Moltres ex to ramp energy for Charizard ex.
- Switch Charizard ex to the active spot after attaching a minimum of two Energies.
- Activate Charizard ex’s Stoke ability to further energize it and commence attacks.
- Employ Red to neutralize opposing Giant Cape or healing cards.
- Use Sabrina or Cyrus to target necessary enemy cards.
- Utilize Iono and Pokémon Communication to enhance drawing options for Charizard ex’s evolution line.
Counter Strategies Against Charizard ex (A2b 010)

To counter Charizard ex, two particular decks have emerged as dominant options: the 18-Trainer setup featuring Articuno ex and the combination of Gallade ex & Hitmonlee. The Articuno ex deck boasts a win rate exceeding 60% against Charizard ex (A2b), whereas the latter strategy showcases an even more formidable 70% win rate.
Evaluating Shining Revelry’s Charizard ex Performance

When assessing the competitive viability of the Shining Revelry Charizard ex, it has yet to demonstrate tangible advantages over its predecessor from the Genetic Apex set. Although it introduces an energy-generating ability, the limitations—including reduced damage output and the necessity to skip a turn—significantly mitigate this potential benefit.
Nonetheless, it is premature to definitively categorize Charizard ex (A2b) as a success or failure; the metagame typically stabilizes two weeks post-expansion. Early observations suggest that the new evolutions of Charmander and Charmeleon may hold greater potential for inclusion in existing Genetic Apex Charizard decks due to their compatibility.