Best Magcargo Deck Guide for Pokemon TCG Pocket

Here is a comprehensive guide for building the best Magcargo deck for ranked matches in Pokemon TCG Pocket.

The best Magcargo deck is here in Pokemon TCG Pocket (Image via The Pokemon Company)
The best Magcargo deck is here in Pokemon TCG Pocket (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Pokemon TCG Pocket receives new expansions approximately on a monthly basis. The latest set, Wisdom of Sea and Sky, has introduced a bunch of Pokemon from Generation 2, Johto.

There are many ex and normal cards that have been dominating ranked matches recently. One such deck that took people by surprise is Magcargo. Magcargo’s attacks seem mostly reliant on luck. However, this deck aims to minimize that chance and provide the best results possible.

Pokemon TCG Pocket Wisdom of Sea and Sky Best Magcargo Deck Guide Overview

Magcargo is a chance-based card (Image via The Pokemon Company)
Magcargo is a chance-based card (Image via The Pokemon Company)

This deck relies solely on Magcargo to deal all its damage. It can deal up to 150 damage to one of the opponent’s Pokemon (if you are lucky). Meanwhile, you use Gladion to thin down your deck and draw the needed cards faster. Silvally is not meant to be used in battle. If you can master the timing and operation of this deck, almost nothing can stand in your way.

Another advantage of using this deck is that you do not need any ex cards. So, it will be quite easy to get all the necessary cards by opening packs or buying them using Pack Points.

Read More: Best Tyranitar Deck Guide for Pokemon TCG Pocket

All Cards in Best Pokemon TCG Pocket Wisdom of Sea and Sky Magcargo Deck

Magcargo deck list (Image via The Pokemon Company)
Magcargo deck list (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Here is a complete list of cards you should use for this deck:

  • 2x Slugma
  • 2x Magcargo
  • 1x Silvally
  • 2x Pokemon Communication
  • 2x Rescue Scarf
  • 2x Poke Ball
  • 2x Professor’s Research
  • 2x Red Card
  • 1x Pokemon Center Lady
  • 2x Gladion
  • 2x Silver

Read More: Best Skarmory ex Deck Guide for Pokemon TCG Pocket

How To Play This Best Magcargo Deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket Wisdom of Sea and Sky

Setup Magcargo early (Image via The Pokemon Company)
Setup Magcargo early (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Ideal Starting Hand for Best Magcargo Deck

You will want to start with one copy of Slugma and Magcargo, which will allow you to deal high damage as early as possible. An early copy of Silver is also great, as it helps you get a feel for your opponent’s cards while denying them good opening Supporter cards (like Professor’s Research).

In addition, a Rescue Scarf is a good but not essential option, as it allows you to recycle Magcargo if it gets knocked out once.

Read More: Best Donphan ex Deck Guide for Pokemon TCG Pocket

Best Magcargo Deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket: Strategy

The deck relies upon Magcargo to do all the heavy lifting.

  • Your main source of damage is Magcargo. Its main limitation is the random nature of its attack, which can deal damage to your own Pokemon. However, there is one key detail many players overlook: if there are no other Pokemon on your side, Magcargo will only deal damage to the opponent’s side.
  • Use Gladion to thin down the deck by drawing Silvally. Type: Null is not used, as it might interfere with Poke Ball or appear in the opening hand instead of Slugma.
  • You can use Pokemon Communication to exchange Silvally for Slugma or Magcargo.

Best Matchups for This Magcargo Deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Take out low health Pokemon quite easily (Image via The Pokemon Company)
Take out low health Pokemon quite easily (Image via The Pokemon Company)

You will be able to deal with decks that rely on lesser health quite easily. An example of this would be Alcremie. You should also be able to counter decks that rely on Oricorio, as Magcargo is not an ex card. However, on the flip side, you could struggle against these decks if your damage is spread out among many Pokemon.

Counters To This Magcargo Deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket

Watch out for Water Pokemon (Image via The Pokemon Company)
Watch out for Water Pokemon (Image via The Pokemon Company)

There are not many direct counters to this deck. First, using many high-HP Pokemon on the bench reduces the chance of a knockout from Magcargo. Therefore, Giratina ex and Darkrai ex might be able to survive and land counterattacks. Two other possible counters are Silvally, which can dish out 100 damage by the opponent’s second turn, and Crobat ex, which can attack early and hit fast.

Lastly, Magcargo is weak to Water. So, Greninja or Primarina ex can be quite dangerous.

Best Magcargo Deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket Wisdom of Sea and Sky: Tips and Tricks

These tips will help you use Magcargo in an efficient manner:

  • Use Rescue Scarf on Magcargo to get it back into your hand for a second Slugma.
  • Use Gladion as early as possible to reduce the number of cards in your deck. Then do the following:
    • Use the Poke Ball cards to get two Slugma cards into your hand.
    • With only Magcargo left in your deck, using Pokemon Communication on Silvally will get you a Magcargo.
  • Use Red Card and Silver whenever possible to disrupt your opponent’s tactics.

FAQs About Magcargo Deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket

What Is Magcargo’s Weakness?

Magcargo is weak to Water Pokemon.

Why Are Gladion and Silvally Necessary in Magcargo Deck?

They are not strictly necessary. However, it is a useful tactic that players are currently using to thin the deck and pay the cost for Pokemon Communication.

Should You Play Slugma on the Bench When Magcargo Is in the Active Zone?

That depends on your situation. Most of the time, the answer will be “no,” as long as you are sure Magcargo won’t be knocked out on the next turn. However, if you suspect your opponent might knock out Magcargo next turn, then you are forced to play Slugma to avoid losing the game immediately.


Thank you for reading this guide. We provide the latest news and create guides for Pokemon TCG Pocket. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!