Golem Guide (Decks, Strategy, Counters)

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

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

Golem (A1a #45) Card Overview

Golem card details 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 combat-type and one colorless), three colorless energy to retreat.

The perfect deck for Golem in Pokemon Pocket

The best cards for the Golem Deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket.

Current statistics and metagame data show that Golem performs well A slow-build fighting deck when combined with Marsado and Drudigan. To replicate this lineup, include three with these key cards: Geodude, Graveler, Hitmonlee, Brock, Leaf, Giovanni, Poke Ball, Professor's Research, and X Speed.

The following table shows the full decklist:

Golem Deck Details

card	quantity	effect
Golem	x2	Primary DPS (120 DMG)
Geodude	x2	Required for Graveler's Evolution
Graveler	x2	Necessary for the evolution of Golem
marsado	x1	Deals 100 DMG when played after Knock Out
Hitmonly	x2	Deals 30 DMG to a benched enemy
Brock	x2	Gives Golem an extra combat energy
the leaf	x2	Two-energy retreat offers discounts
Giovanni	x2	Increases the ATK of the active Pokemon
poke ball	x2	Draws a basic Pokemon
Professor's research	x2	Draws two cards
x speed	x1	A one-energy retreat offers discounts

X Speed is a flex option. You can replace it with another Marshado or 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, customizing other cards in your Golem deck can take its power to the next level:

1. Swap the marshmallows in and out

Marsado's Revenge move is important to balance out the damage in Golem decks. Keep it ready on the bench for when one of your Pokemon is about to be knocked out. Swap it to deal 100 damage, then swap it with another Pokemon. Marcado acts like an assassin, immediately seeking revenge and retreating.

2. Run only one energy type

Ignore Druddigon's water and fire energy needs. Build a deck using Fighting-Type Energy exclusively and treat Druddigon as an early game tank to chip away at the opponent's HP.

3. Use leaves strategically

Retreating is important in Golem decks. Both Druddigon and Marshadow often have to borrow an active spot and return to the bench. Use Leaf's Energy discount wisely, it maximizes your ability to effectively swap cards throughout the game.

How to Counter Golem

The best counters for the Golem deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket.

The current Celebi ex and Serperior META perform well against Golem decks. In general, countering Golem requires a lineup with fast evolution and strong early-game damage. Pikachu Ex and Mewtwo Ex decks are also effective, especially the Mew ex Edition of Mewtwo ex, which can copy the Golem's attack and take it down quickly. You can also use Hitmonlee, Zebstrika, or Legendary Island Raichu to disrupt the Golem's evolution and nullify its effects.

Is the Golem deck any better?

A new golem from the Mythical Island set has shaken up the metagame. If you're ready to move on from Pikachu ex and Mewtwo ex, Golem might be your next best option. While this deck may not dominate the META, it is a strong contender and can easily claim the title. The best fighting-type deck in the game.

Golem's strength in the current metagame boils down to two main factors: 1) Golem decks rely on constant damage with minimal RNG and no coin toss, only massive DPS once set up. 2) It offsets its slow build with hitmonally's ability to deal early bench damage.