Pikachu ex (Shining Revelry) deck

Lightning-type Pokémon have struggled with a lack of raw power in a single hit. Zapdos ex is inconsistent, and Raichu (Genetic Apex) requires an evolution. Pikachu ex from Shining Revelry (SR) finally offers easy access to a strong attack with Thunderbolt, which hits a key threshold of 150 damage, enough to take down all major Basic Pokémon ex and most Stage 1s as well.

Printed in the same set as Pikachu ex, Pachirisu from Shining Revelry was clearly designed to work with the bigger electric rodent. Its Plasma attack provides a way to accelerate Energy onto Pikachu ex. The 10 damage it deals goes both ways: it helps set up one-shots on targets with 160–170 HP, a common scenario due to the widespread use of Giant Cape... but it also hurts Pachirisu if the Defending Pokémon has Rocky Helmet.

After the required energy is present on Pikachu ex SR, Pachirisu is retreated to bring the latter to the Active Spot to wreck whatever stands in its way. Then, Pachirisu can come back to the Active Spot and provides energy to Pikachu ex SR for a second attack.

Pikachu ex Magnezone

The most promising build for Pikachu ex (SR) pairs it with the Magnemite line, a classic since Magnezone's release. This combination provides a strong 1-point attacker to complement Pikachu ex.

The ideal opening includes Pachirisu, Magnemite, and Pikachu ex: Pachirisu in the Active spot charges up Pikachu ex, while Magnemite prepares to evolve into Magneton, then Magnezone. When Pachirisu is knocked out, Magnezone can take its place and still only trades for a single point. For bigger threats, Pikachu ex’s Thunderbolt comes in to close the deal.

With Magneton’s self-charging Volt Charge ability, combined with Pachirisu’s Plasma and the Energy from the Energy Zone, you can charge two attackers per turn, a compelling reason why this variant has become the most popular.

Pikachu ex Volkner

Pikachu ex burns at least 3 energy after using Thunder. 2 of them can be reused the turn later with Volkner, attaching them to an active Luxray or Electivire for a potential 120 damage attack.

Tech cards in Pikachu ex (SR)

Oricorio

Oricorio is the first Pokémon in TCG Pocket to have the Safeguard ability, which makes it impervious to your opponent's Pokémon ex attacks. If your opponent's strategy is based around these, it's essentially impossible for them to get over the bird.

On top of that, Oricorio packs decent stats with 70HP and a Zzzap attack dealing 50 damage for 2 Energies.

Shaymin (Triumphant Light)

All the electric rodents have a single retreat cost. Thanks to its Sky Support ability, Shaymin from Triumphant Light enables free retreat without wasting Energy. This is a very important help, as lacks fast acceleration options (through Supporters or Abilities), and you don’t want to discard an Energy from Pikachu ex (SR), given how many Thunderbolt requires.

Weaknesses

• Thunderbolt is expensive and doesn’t benefit from the support that Raichu gets with Lt. Surge. Not only do you have to charge it manually, but once it’s used, you’re left doing nothing for a couple of turns while you recharge.
• Pikachu ex hasn’t gained any bulk in this version and still sits at just 120 HP. While the Genetic Apex version made up for this with unmatched turn-2 damage, the slower pace of this Pikachu ex makes it even more vulnerable to being knocked out before using its big attack–or right after. It falls within the range of popular attackers of the format like Giratina ex, Arceus ex and Gyarados ex.
• As it shares the same name as Pikachu ex from Genetic Apex, you can’t run more than two copies in total across both versions in the same deck.