Pokémon TCG Pocket: How to master the metagame with the Ho‑Oh ex and Lugia ex deck

The Saber Marino y Celeste expansion of the Pokémon Pocket Trading Card Game (Pokémon Pocket TCG) introduced one of the most powerful and legendary combinations of the moment: Ho‑Oh ex and Lugia ex.

Together, they offer a solid, aggressive, and adaptable gameplay strategy for all types of matchups. This guide presents a key approach to getting the most out of this deck, enhancing its synergies with cards like Zeraora, Rojo, and Permuta Elemental.

Recommended card list

• 2 Ho-Oh ex (Saber Marino y Celeste: Ho-Oh)
• 2 Lugia ex (Saber Marino y Celeste: Lugia)
• 2 Zeraora (Crisis Dimensional)
• 2 Professor's Research
• 2 Rojo (Festival Brillante)
• 1 Lira (Saber Marino y Celeste: Lugia)
• 1 Helio (Pugna Espaciotemporal: Palkia)
• 1 Hoja (La Isla Singular)
• 1 Sabrina (Genes Formidables: Charizard)
• 2 Poké Ball
• 2 Casco Dentado (Pugna Espaciotemporal: Palkia)
• 1 Permuta Elemental (Saber Marino y Celeste: Lugia)
• 1 Pokémon Communication (Pugna Espaciotemporal: Dialga)

How to start the strategy: accelerate Energy with Ho‑Oh ex

The initial step is to activate Turbofénix, Ho‑Oh ex's attack that allows you to accelerate Fire, Water, and Lightning Energy to Basic Pokémon on the Bench. This resource prepares you to launch Lugia ex with its devastating Elemental Burst attack, capable of dealing up to 180 damage points.

The use of Casco Dentado on Ho‑Oh ex adds extra pressure, damaging the opposing Pokémon or deterring it from attacking. If it becomes necessary to retreat it, Hoja can reduce its retreat cost to 0, thus making it easier for Lugia ex to enter the Active Spot.

Zeraora: key to Energy acceleration

Including Zeraora from the first turn is vital thanks to its Destello Fulgurante ability, which allows you to attach Lightning Energy even while it's on the Bench. This acceleration can be complemented with the Permuta Elemental item, further facilitating the preparation of Ho‑Oh ex.

Additionally, Zeraora is an excellent answer against Oricorio, which with its Velo Sagrado ability blocks attacks from Pokémon ex. The residual damage from Casco Dentado, followed by a precise Garra Relámpago from Zeraora, can knock it out in a single blow.

Alternating attacks and controlling the field

The secret of this deck lies in the versatility to alternate between Ho‑Oh ex and Lugia ex, optimizing the pace of play and the damage dealt. Lira and Hoja are key cards for rotating Pokémon between the Active Spot and the Bench, depending on the situation.

If it becomes necessary to rely on Ho‑Oh or Zeraora to attack, Rojo can add the extra damage needed to finish off the opposing Pokémon. Meanwhile, Sabrina serves to destabilize the opponent's plans and pave the way for a more forceful offensive from Lugia ex.

Power, speed, and control in a single deck

The duo of Ho‑Oh ex and Lugia ex represents one of the most promising strategies in the current Pokémon Pocket TCG metagame.

Their ability to accelerate Energy, generate pressure from the very first turns, and adapt to multiple situations makes them a solid option for both experienced players and those just starting out with the new cards from this expansion.