Pokemon Pocket: Golem Guide (Deck, Strategy, Counter)

Almost everyone in the Pokemon Pocket community is buzzing about the new Golem. It appears to be the only card in the Mythical Island set capable of challenging the Genetic Apex META—not Celebi ex, not even Mew ex. But what’s driving Golem’s sudden popularity? What makes it a true META-shaker?

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By Mohsen Baqery

Golem’s rise to fame began when a Pokemon Pocket player won a major tournament with a Golem deck. They paired the new A1a #45 Golem with two other fresh cards (Marshadow and Druddigon), forming an unstoppable and consistent lineup. The deck featured in this guide closely mirrors the tournament-winning build, with slight adjustments based on our testing of alternative approaches.

Golem (A1a #45) Card Overview

golem card description in pokemon tcg pocket.

HP: 160
ATK: 120
Text: During your opponent’s next turn, this Pokemon takes 30 less damage from attacks.
Weakness: Grass
Energy Requirements: Four Energy to attack (three Fighting-Type and one Colorless), three Colorless Energy to Retreat.

The Best Deck for Golem in Pokemon Pocket

best cards for a golem deck in pokemon tcg pocket.

Recent statistics and metagame data show that Golem performs best in a slow-build Fighting deck when paired with Marshadow and Druddigon. To replicate this lineup, include the trio alongside these key cards: Geodude, Graveler, Hitmonlee, Brock, Leaf, Giovanni, Poke Ball, Professor’s Research, and X Speed.

The following table shows the complete decklist:

Golem Deck Details

Card	Quantity	Effect
Golem	x2	Primary DPS (120 DMG)
Geodude	x2	Required for Graveler’s Evolution
Graveler	x2	Required for Golem’s Evolution
Marshadow	x1	Deals 100 DMG when played after a Knock Out
Hitmonlee	x2	Deals 30 DMG to a Benched enemy
Brock	x2	Gives an extra Fighting Energy to Golem
Leaf	x2	Provides a two-Energy Retreat discount
Giovanni	x2	Boosts the Active Pokemon’s ATK
Poke Ball	x2	Draws a Basic Pokemon
Professor’s Research	x2	Draws two cards
X Speed	x1	Provides a one-Energy Retreat Discount

X Speed is a flex option. You can replace it with another Marshadow or a Sabrina.

How to Play Golem Effectively

Golem is a straightforward plug-and-play card: Evolve it, load it with four Energy, and start blasting your opponent. However, optimizing the other cards in your Golem deck can take its power to the next level:

1. Swap Marshadow In and Out

Marshadow’s Revenge move is crucial for balancing damage in Golem decks. Keep it ready on the Bench for when one of your Pokemon is about to be Knocked Out. Swap it in to deal 100 damage, then replace it with another Pokemon. Marshadow acts like an assassin, quickly stepping in for revenge and retreating.

2. Run Only One Energy Type

Ignore Druddigon’s Water and Fire Energy requirements. Build the deck using Fighting-Type Energy exclusively and treat Druddigon as an early-game tank to chip away at the opponent’s HP.

3. Use Leaf Strategically

Retreating is vital in Golem decks. Both Druddigon and Marshadow frequently need to borrow the Active Spot and return to the Bench. Use Leaf’s Energy discount wisely, ensuring it maximizes your ability to swap cards efficiently throughout the match.

How to Counter Golem

best counters for a golem deck in pokemon tcg pocket.

The current Celebi ex and Serperior META performs well against Golem decks. In general, countering Golem requires a lineup with quick Evolutions and strong early-game damage. Pikachu ex and Mewtwo ex decks are also effective, particularly the Mew ex edition of Mewtwo ex, which can copy Golem’s attack and take it down quickly. You could also use Hitmonlee, Zebstrika, or the Mythical Island Raichu to disrupt Golem's Evolution and nullify its effect.

Is the Golem Deck Any Good?

The new Golem from the Mythical Island set has stirred up the metagame. If you’re ready to move on from Pikachu ex and Mewtwo ex, Golem might be your next best choice. While this deck may not dominate the META, it’s a strong contender and could easily claim the title of the best Fighting-Type deck in the game.

Golem’s strength in the current metagame comes down to two key factors: 1) Golem decks rely on consistent damage with minimal RNG and no coin tosses, just massive DPS once set up. 2) It offsets its slow build-up with Hitmonlee’s ability to deal early Bench damage.

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