Pokémon TCG Pocket – Ho-Oh ex and Lugia ex Deck Strategy Guide
The synergy between Ho-Oh ex and Lugia ex offers a powerful, momentum-driven deck archetype that thrives on energy acceleration and high-damage pressure. With Lugia ex’s raw power and Ho-Oh ex’s self-recursion and energy spread, this combo lets you stay on the offensive while recycling resources efficiently. In this guide, we’ll break down the ideal deck composition, key strategies, support cards, and how to counter common threats in the current Pokémon TCG Pocket meta.
How does the Ho-Oh EX and Lugia EX Deck work?
At the heart of this deck is a tag-team approach:
- Ho-Oh ex provides early and mid-game pressure while accelerating energy to the board.
- Lugia ex acts as the heavy finisher, utilizing powered-up attacks to overwhelm opponents once the field is set.
Ho-Oh ex is known for its “Revival Flame” ability, which allows it to return from the discard pile and attach up to 3 basic energy when doing so. This makes Ho-Oh ex both a renewable attacker and an energy engine. Every time it’s knocked out, you potentially get value by returning it again, fueling your field with multiple energy types.
Lugia ex is the main attacker and late-game powerhouse in this deck. With its high-damage attacks like “Elemental Blast”, which consumes multiple energy types but deals devastating damage, Lugia ex capitalizes on the energy that Ho-Oh ex brings back into play. While its attack costs are steep, they’re not an issue thanks to Ho-Oh ex and various support cards.
All Cards in Ho-Oh EX and Lugia EX Deck
Use the following cards to maximize the utility of this deck:
- 2x Ho-Oh ex – Your engine and early-game attacker. Run at least two for consistency.
- 2x Lugia ex – The primary win condition. Late-game powerhouse.
- 1x Radiant Greninja – For energy discard and draw power.
- 1–2x Lumineon V – For Trainer search when needed.
- 1x Manaphy – Protects your bench from snipe damage.
- 4x Professor’s Research – Max draw potential.
- 3x Judge / Iono – Hand disruption and mid-game draw.
- 4x Ultra Ball – Search and fuel your discard with energy.
- 2x Nest Ball / Battle VIP Pass – Early bench setup.
- 2x Energy Recycler – Recover energy to extend the game.
- 2x Energy Switch / Mirage Step – Move energy between Pokémon.
- 2x Pal Pad – Recover Supporters like Boss’s Orders.
The Ho-Oh ex and Lugia ex deck is all about tempo and power. It excels at overwhelming opponents with energy-fueled attacks while recovering from knockouts quickly. With proper sequencing, draw support, and field awareness, this deck becomes a reliable option both for casual and competitive Pokémon TCG Pocket players. If you enjoy fast-paced playstyles with strong finishes and resilient setups, this duo offers one of the most satisfying archetypes in the format.
Early Game Strategies
In the early game, your opening goal is to:
- Get Ho-Oh ex in the discard pile.
- Get at least 1 Lugia ex on the bench.
- Start attaching basic energy to power up Ho-Oh or secondary attackers.
Use Ultra Ball or Professor’s Research to discard Ho-Oh ex and energy cards early. Then, you can bring Ho-Oh back with its ability, ideally with 2–3 basic energies attached. This sets up a strong field without burning too many resources. If you start first, setting up bench Pokémon and attaching to Ho-Oh is your safest route. If you go second, try to pressure immediately by reviving Ho-Oh with energies and attacking turn one.
Mid-Game Strategies
In the mid-game, your goal should be to:
- Continue looping Ho-Oh ex if it gets knocked out.
- Transfer energy to Lugia ex for big hits.
- Use draw engines like Professor’s Research to reload your hand.
If Ho-Oh ex survives, you can manually retreat or switch it to the bench and bring in Lugia. Use Energy Switch to accelerate Lugia’s setup. Once Lugia is ready, it should become the main threat, capable of OHKO’ing most Pokémon. Use Boss’s Orders strategically to target key enemy support Pokémon or other attackers before they’re powered up.
Late Game Strategies
In the late game, you should ideally have the following conditions met:
- You’ll likely have 6+ energy in play.
- Lugia ex is fully powered and dealing massive damage.
- Your opponent is likely low on resources or trying to stall.
Lugia ex’s high-damage attacks should secure knockouts every turn. Keep your bench healthy with Manaphy support and don’t overextend. Always keep a backup attacker (even another Ho-Oh or a tech attacker) ready on the bench in case of disruption. If Lugia goes down, revive Ho-Oh again and spread more energy. Loop until victory.
Players can enjoy playing Pokémon TCG Pocket on a bigger screen of their PC or Laptop via BlueStacks along with your keyboard and mouse.
Keep progressing in Pokémon TCG Pocket with our other in-depth guides:
