In the Pokémon TCG Pocket, some of the strongest cards are the ex Pokémon, which are twice as valuable as regular Pokémon in terms of Prize Points. While there are ways to counter these high-powered cards, Oricorio stands out as a game-changer.
Unlike Meowscarada, which inflicts extra damage on ex Pokémon, Oricorio has a unique ability that nullifies their damage completely. If your opponent relies solely on ex Pokémon, winning becomes nearly impossible for them. And if you’re feeling uncertain, don’t worry—our guide has you covered!
Sample Decklist
|
Oricorio Magnezone |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
Magnemite (A1) x2 |
Magneton (A1) x2 |
Magnezone (A2) x2 |
Oricorio (A3 66) x2 |
|
|
|
|
|
Professor’s Research x2 |
Guzma x2 |
Sabrina x1 |
Cyrus x1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Potion x2 |
Poke Ball x2 |
Pokemon Communication x1 |
Giant Cape x1 |
Because this deck focuses purely on Lightning types, the Genetic Apex version of Magnemite is the best fit, as it delivers an extra ten damage compared to the Space-Time Smackdown version commonly used in decks with different energy types.
While we appreciate the added stability from using Pokemon Communication, you can substitute that or Guzma for two Pokemon Center Ladies to enhance your Pokémon’s longevity in games.
Be sure to use Oricorio number 66 (or the Illustration Rare, 165) from Celestial Guardians, as it’s the only Lightning-type version of this Pokémon. Don’t mistakenly add a Psychic or Fire-type instead.
Oricorio Magnezone Strategy
The Oricorio Magnezone strategy revolves around disruption: when all of your opponent’s Pokémon are ex Pokémon, they cannot attack Oricorio, effectively stalling their game plan. However, Oricorio can still be knocked out by statuses like Poison or Darkrai ex’s Nightmare Aura, so it’s not without its vulnerabilities.
Between Oricorio and Magnemite, it’s usually better to start with Oricorio due to its higher HP and immunity to attacks from ex Pokémon. If your opponent has a non-ex Pokémon that can strike first, consider swapping in a second Magnemite.
No matter which Pokémon you lead with, use Potions and your Giant Cape to keep it alive while you build your bench.
If your opponent plays a deck focused on ex Pokémon like Charizard ex or Darkrai ex/Giratina ex, begin adding Energy to Oricorio for attacks. At the same time, evolve the bench Magnemite into Magneton and utilize Volt Charge to attach more Energy.
In matchups where your opponent is solely using ex Pokémon, they may choose to concede as soon as you play Oricorio.
Unlike other Stage 2 Pokémon, avoid evolving Magneton into Magnezone until later in the game. Evolving too soon results in losing a Lightning Energy with each attack, so maximizing Volt Charge activations allows better distribution of regular Lightning Energy to your other Pokémon.
Magnezone packs a solid punch with its 110 damage, while Oricorio only manages 50, which may require several turns to take down some opponents. If your opponent is using Poison Barb or Rocky Helmet, utilize Guzma to prevent Oricorio from taking unnecessary damage.
Sabrina can disrupt your opponent’s plan by bringing a Benched Pokémon to the front, while both she and Cyrus can pull out weakened Pokémon to secure the final Prize Point.
In matchups against ex-free decks like Lucario Rampardos, Oricorio’s ability becomes ineffective. In such cases, feel free to utilize Oricorio as a shield while you develop your Magnezone.
Oricorio Magnezone Matchups
Giratina ex Darkrai ex
Oricorio excels against decks featuring Giratina ex or Darkrai ex due to their reliance on ex Pokémon. While Darkrai ex’s Nightmare Aura, along with items like Rocky Helmet, can challenge Oricorio, a smart strategy will keep you in control of the game.
If the opportunity arises, use Sabrina to target Darkrai ex early and aim for a knockout. This limits your opponent’s options for applying chip damage to Oricorio. However, avoid this if they manage to field both Pokémon.
Giratina ex Snorlax
When Triumphant Light released in March 2025, Snorlax was slammed as one of the weaker Pokémon in the game. Just two months later, it became a critical element in a popular deck, one that poses a challenge for the Oricorio Magnezone setup.
Even though Snorlax primarily serves as a blocker, it can deal significant damage when necessary. Meanwhile, your opponent might be assembling two Greninja on the bench to snipe at your Pokémon. Focus on eliminating those Greninja to create breathing room for dealing with Snorlax, but prepare for your opponent to switch it out with Ilima if it takes too much damage.
Charizard ex Moltres ex
The classic Charizard ex and Moltres ex combo hits a wall against Oricorio. Neither Moltres ex nor Charizard ex can impact Oricorio, making it tough for them if they evolve both Charmanders into Charizard ex while you still have Oricorio in play.
If they opted for Charmeleon instead of Rare Candy, you could still find yourself in trouble. Charmeleon’s Combustion attack hits for 40 damage, sufficient to 2HKO Oricorio and open a path to victory for your opponent. As long as you can take down Charmeleon before it can knock out Oricorio, you’ll be in a strong position.
