Hey there, fellow Pokémon TCG Pocket enthusiast! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been excited about the Electric-type meta ever since Raichu ex dropped into the game. I’ve spent countless hours testing different Raichu ex builds, tweaking card ratios, and climbing the ranked ladder to bring you the most comprehensive guide possible. Trust me, when I first started building around Raichu ex, I made plenty of mistakes – but now I’m here to share everything I’ve learned so you can skip the frustration and jump straight to victory.
Why Raichu ex Deserves Your Attention in 2025
Let me tell you something straight up: Raichu ex might not be the absolute top-tier card in the current meta, but it’s an absolute blast to play and can catch opponents completely off guard. When I first pulled my Raichu ex from the Promo-A pack, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. I mean, dealing 130 damage with Volt Tackle is nothing to sneeze at, but that 30 recoil damage had me worried. However, after extensive testing, I’ve discovered that with the right support, Raichu ex can be an absolute monster on the field.
What makes Raichu ex special in my experience is its potential for explosive turns. Unlike some other Electric-type attackers that need multiple turns to set up, Raichu ex can come online relatively quickly and start swinging for massive damage. I’ve found that opponents often underestimate it until it’s too late – and that’s when the fun really begins!
My Top Raichu ex Deck Builds: Tested and Proven
After dozens of matches and countless refinements, I’ve narrowed down the best Raichu ex deck builds to three main variants. Each has its own strengths and playstyle, so I’ll walk you through each one so you can choose what fits your preferences best.
1. The Raichu ex & Zeraora Aggro Deck (My Personal Favorite)
This is the deck I’ve had the most success with in ranked matches. It’s fast, aggressive, and can overwhelm opponents before they know what hit them. Here’s the exact list I’ve been running:
| Card | Amount | Set |
|---|---|---|
| Pikachu | 2 | Triumphant Light |
| Zeraora | 2 | Extradimensional Crisis |
| Raikou ex | 2 | Secluded Springs |
| Raichu ex | 2 | Promo-A |
| Giant Cape | 1 | Spacetime Smackdown |
| Cyrus | 2 | Spacetime Smackdown |
| Mars | 1 | Spacetime Smackdown |
| Pokemon Center Lady | 1 | Shining Revelry |
| Red | 1 | Shining Revelry |
| Elemental Switch | 2 | Wisdom of Sky and Sea |
| Poke Ball | 2 | Promo-A |
| Professor’s Research | 2 | Promo-A |
Why This Deck Works: I love this build because it’s incredibly consistent. Raikou ex’s ability helps you find the evolution cards and supporters you need, while Zeraora can generate energy if you start with it. The key is getting Zeraora out on your first turn – when I manage that, my Elemental Switches become so much more impactful.
My Play Strategy: When I play this deck, I’m always looking to set up my board quickly. I prioritize getting Zeraora active early to generate energy, then use Elemental Switch to move that energy to Raichu ex when it’s time to go for the knockout. Giant Cape and Pokemon Center Lady are absolute lifesavers for keeping your low HP Pokemon healthy – I can’t tell you how many times they’ve saved me from losing key attackers.
2. The Magneton Energy Engine Deck
This is the build I recommend if you want a more controlling playstyle that focuses on energy acceleration. It’s a bit slower but can be incredibly powerful once set up:
| Card | Amount | Set |
|---|---|---|
| Pichu | 1 | Wisdom of Sea and Sky |
| Pikachu | 2 | Triumphant Light |
| Raichu ex | 2 | Promo-A |
| Magnemite | 2 | Genetic Apex |
| Magneton | 2 | Genetic Apex |
| Magnezone | 1 | Genetic Apex |
| Oricorio | 2 | Celestial Guardians |
| Poke Ball | 2 | Promo-A |
| Professor’s Research | 2 | Promo-A |
| Cyrus | 1 | Spacetime Smackdown |
| Sabrina | 1 | Genetic Apex |
| Red | 1 | Shining Revelry |
| Elemental Switch | 2 | Wisdom of Sky and Sea |
Why This Deck Works: The beauty of this build is how it stacks up energy with Magneton’s ability, then uses Elemental Switch to transfer it to Raichu ex. I’ve found this creates explosive turns where you can suddenly have a fully charged Raichu ex ready to attack. Oricorio is my secret tech here – it’s fantastic as an anti-ex card and gives you switching flexibility.
My Play Strategy: When I pilot this deck, I’m patient in the early game, focusing on setting up my Magneton line. I don’t rush to attack unless I have a clear path to victory. Once I have Magneton set up, that’s when I start looking for opportunities to chain energy onto Raichu ex and go for big knockouts. The Magnezone inclusion is something I’ve been testing recently, and it’s been working great as a finisher.
3. The Budget-Friendly Raichu ex Deck
I know not everyone has access to all the cards, so I’ve also developed a more budget-friendly version that still packs a punch:
| Card | Amount | Set |
|---|---|---|
| Pikachu | 2 | Triumphant Light |
| Raichu ex | 2 | Promo-A |
| Magnemite | 2 | Genetic Apex |
| Magneton | 2 | Genetic Apex |
| Pachirisu | 2 | Mythical Island |
| Zeraora | 1 | Extradimensional Crisis |
| Poke Ball | 2 | Promo-A |
| Professor’s Research | 2 | Promo-A |
| Elemental Switch | 2 | Wisdom of Sky and Sea |
| Pokemon Center Lady | 1 | Shining Revelry |
| Red | 1 | Shining Revelry |
Why This Deck Works: This build focuses on cards that are relatively easy to obtain while still maintaining the core Raichu ex strategy. I’ve found that Pachirisu can help with energy acceleration, and even with just one Zeraora, you can still pull off some nice energy switching plays.
My Play Strategy: With this budget version, I play even more conservatively, making sure I have the right pieces before committing to big plays. I rely more on Professor’s Research to dig through my deck and find the cards I need. It might not have the explosive potential of the other builds, but I’ve still won plenty of matches with this list.
Essential Cards for Any Raichu ex Deck: My Must-Haves
Through all my testing, I’ve identified certain cards that I believe are absolutely essential for any Raichu ex deck. These are the cards I never leave home without:
Core Pokémon
- Raichu ex (2x): This is obvious, but I want to emphasize running two copies. When I tried running just one, I found myself too often without my main attacker when I needed it most.
- Pikachu (2x): Having the evolution line complete is crucial for consistency. I’ve learned the hard way that skipping Pikachu can leave you vulnerable to early aggression.
Essential Trainer Cards
- Elemental Switch (2x): This is the heart of any good Raichu ex deck in my experience. The ability to move energy around is what makes the deck tick.
- Professor’s Research (2x): Card draw is king in Pokémon TCG Pocket, and this is the best draw supporter we have access to.
- Poke Ball (2x): Consistency is everything, and these help you find your key Pokémon when you need them.
Tech Cards I Swear By
- Giant Cape (1x): I can’t stress enough how important this is for keeping your fragile Electric-types alive. The 20 HP boost has saved my Raichu ex countless times.
- Pokemon Center Lady (1x): Healing is crucial in a deck that takes recoil damage. I’ve won so many matches thanks to timely healing from this card.
My Advanced Strategies and Pro Tips
Now that I’ve covered the deck lists, let me share some of the advanced strategies I’ve developed through extensive playtesting. These are the tips that separate good Raichu ex players from great ones.
Energy Management: The Key to Success
One thing I’ve learned is that energy management is absolutely critical with Raichu ex. Here’s my approach:
Early Game: I’m always looking to get energy on the board as quickly as possible. If I have Zeraora, I try to get it active turn one to start generating energy. With Magneton builds, I focus on evolving to Magneton so I can start accelerating energy.
Mid Game: This is where Elemental Switch becomes my best friend. I’m constantly looking for opportunities to move energy from benched Pokémon to my active Raichu ex. I’ve found that timing these switches correctly is often the difference between winning and losing.
Late Game: In the late game, I become very deliberate about my energy attachments. I make sure I have enough energy for future turns while still being able to attack now. I’ve lost games by being too greedy with energy attachments, so now I always think two turns ahead.
When to Use Volt Tackle (And When Not To)
Volt Tackle is Raichu ex’s signature move, dealing 130 damage at the cost of 30 recoil damage. Through my experience, I’ve developed some guidelines for when to use it:
Use Volt Tackle When:
- You can get a knockout on a key Pokémon
- Your Raichu ex has enough HP to survive the recoil
- You have healing cards ready to mitigate the damage
- It’s your only path to victory
Hold Off on Volt Tackle When:
- The recoil would put your Raichu ex in knockout range
- You can win without using it
- Your opponent has no benched Pokémon worth targeting
- You have better options available
Bench Management Strategies
I’ve found that proper bench management is crucial with Raichu ex decks. Here’s what I focus on:
Keep Key Supporters Safe: I always try to keep my Magneton or Zeraora safe on the bench until I need them. Losing these to random bench damage can cripple your game plan.
Don’t Overextend: Early on, I made the mistake of putting too many Pokémon on my bench, making me vulnerable to cards that target multiple benched Pokémon. Now I’m more selective about what I bench.
Plan for Elemental Switch: I always think about my energy distribution when setting up my bench. I want to have energy where I can easily move it to Raichu ex when needed.
Countering the Meta: My Matchup Guide
Part of what makes Raichu ex decks fun is learning how to adapt to different matchups. Let me share my insights on how to handle some of the most common decks in the current meta.
Against Fighting-Type Decks
Fighting-type decks are Raichu ex’s worst nightmare due to the type disadvantage. Here’s how I handle them:
Early Game: I play very defensively, trying to avoid giving up easy knockouts. I focus on setting up my board while taking minimal damage.
Mid Game: I look for opportunities to use Oricorio if I have it in my build. The ability to prevent damage from ex Pokémon can be game-winning in these matchups.
Late Game: I try to win through attrition, using healing cards to outlast my opponent. I’ve found that many Fighting-type decks run out of steam in the late game, so patience is key.
Against Water-Type Decks
Water-type decks can be tricky because they often have high HP Pokémon. Here’s my approach:
Energy Race: I focus on accelerating my energy faster than my opponent. Raichu ex’s three-energy attack cost can be a disadvantage here, so I need to be efficient.
Target Key Threats: I prioritize knocking out their key Water-type Pokémon before they can set up completely. I’ve learned that letting certain Water Pokémon set up can be disastrous.
Use Switching Wisely: I’m very deliberate about when I use my switching effects in these matchups. Sometimes it’s better to take a hit and switch on my turn rather than switch immediately.
Against Other Electric-Type Decks
Mirror matches can be interesting because they often come down to who plays better. Here’s what I focus on:
Win the Prize Card Trade: I’m very careful about which Pokémon I knock out, trying to get the most value from each knockout.
Out-resource My Opponent: I focus on using my draw supporters more efficiently than my opponent. Card advantage is huge in mirror matches.
Play Around Their Switch Effects: I try to anticipate when my opponent will use their own switching effects and play around them accordingly.
My Card Acquisition Guide: What Packs to Open
I know that building these decks requires getting the right cards, so let me share my recommendations for which packs to prioritize:
Priority Packs for Raichu ex Decks
| Pack | Key Cards | My Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Promo-A | Raichu ex, Poke Ball, Professor’s Research | Open these first – you need the Raichu ex copies |
| Spacetime Smackdown | Giant Cape, Cyrus, Mars | Essential for the support cards |
| Wisdom of Sky and Sea | Elemental Switch | Crucial for the deck’s strategy |
| Triumphant Light | Pikachu | Needed for evolution line |
| Extradimensional Crisis | Zeraora | Great for energy acceleration |
| Genetic Apex | Magnemite, Magneton, Magnezone | Core of the energy engine builds |
My Pack Opening Strategy
When I was building my Raichu ex collection, I followed this strategy:
- Start with Promo-A packs until I had at least 2 Raichu ex
- Move to Spacetime Smackdown for the essential trainer cards
- Open Wisdom of Sky and Sea for Elemental Switch
- Fill in gaps with other packs as needed
I found this approach gave me the core cards I needed most efficiently. Of course, your mileage may vary depending on what you pull, but this is what worked for me.
Common Mistakes I See (And Made Myself)
Let me share some common mistakes I’ve seen other players make with Raichu ex decks – and yes, I made all of these myself when I was starting out!
Mistake #1: Overcommitting to the Board
Early on, I would put way too many Pokémon on my bench, thinking more was always better. I learned the hard way that this makes you vulnerable to bench damage and can clog up your hand. Now I’m much more selective about what I bench.
Mistake #2: Using Volt Tackle Too Early
I can’t tell you how many games I lost because I got greedy with Volt Tackle early on, only to have my Raichu ex knocked out by recoil damage. Now I’m much more patient and wait for the right moment to use it.
Mistake #3: Neglecting Energy Management
I used to just attach energy to whatever Pokémon was active without thinking ahead. This led to so many situations where I had energy stuck on Pokémon I couldn’t use effectively. Now I always think about where I want my energy to be in future turns.
Mistake #4: Forgetting About Healing
In my early games, I would often forget to use my healing cards at the right time. I learned that proactive healing can save your key attackers and win you games you would otherwise lose.
My Frequently Asked Questions
Based on my experience playing Raichu ex decks and helping others learn them, here are the questions I get asked most often:
Is Raichu ex Viable in Ranked Play?
Honestly, Raichu ex isn’t going to be topping any major tournaments anytime soon, but I’ve found it can absolutely hold its own in ranked play if built and played correctly. I’ve climbed to the higher ranks with my Raichu ex builds, so yes, it’s definitely viable!
How Many Raichu ex Should I Run?
I always recommend running exactly 2 copies. Running just one makes you too vulnerable to it being prized or knocked out, and running three or more is usually overkill. Two is the sweet spot for consistency.
What’s the Best Counter to Raichu ex Decks?
Fighting-type decks are definitely the biggest threat, specifically ones with fast attackers like Rampardos or Passimian ex. If you’re facing a lot of Fighting-type decks, you might want to tech in some cards to handle them.
Can I Make Raichu ex Work on a Budget?
Absolutely! I included a budget build in this guide specifically because I know not everyone has access to all the cards. You can make Raichu ex work with more common cards – you just need to be a bit more creative with your strategy.
How Do I Handle the Recoil Damage from Volt Tackle?
This is something I struggled with early on. The key is using healing cards like Pokemon Center Lady and Giant Cape proactively. Don’t wait until your Raichu ex is almost knocked out – start healing before it gets to that point.
My Final Thoughts and Recommendations
After spending so much time with Raichu ex decks, I can honestly say they’re some of the most fun I’ve had in Pokémon TCG Pocket. There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling off a well-timed Elemental Switch to power up Raichu ex for a game-winning Volt Tackle.
If I had to recommend just one build to start with, it would be the Raichu ex & Zeraora Aggro Deck. I’ve found it to be the most consistent and forgiving for players still learning the ropes. However, all three builds I’ve shared are viable and can win matches in the right hands.
Remember, the key to success with Raichu ex is patience and good energy management. Don’t get discouraged if you lose some games early on – I certainly did! With practice and the strategies I’ve shared, you’ll be climbing the ranks and having a blast with Raichu ex in no time.
I hope this guide helps you on your journey with Raichu ex decks! If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, feel free to reach out. I’m always excited to hear about other players’ successes with Electric-type decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
Happy dueling, and may your Volt Tackles always find their mark!
Want more Pokémon TCG Pocket content? Check out my other guides on Electric-type deck strategies and beginner deck building tips. Don’t forget to bookmark this page for future updates as the meta evolves!