Poliwrath EX from the Secluded Springs pack is one of the most versatile Stage 2 cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket. With 180 HP, a Psychic weakness, a retreat cost of 3, and a 4-Diamond rarity, it offers both durability and power. Its main attack, Hydro Knuckle, deals 100 damage or 140 if Poliwrath EX has any Water Energy attached. That dual requirement of Fighting and Water energy makes the deck slightly tricky to build but extremely rewarding when it comes together.
This guide covers the best Poliwrath EX decks, strategies, and counters to help you maximize its potential.
Poliwrath EX Card Overview
- Stage/Type: Stage 2, Fighting
- HP: 180
- Retreat Cost: 3
- Weakness: Psychic
- Rarity: ◇◇◇◇ (4-Diamond)
- ex Rule: When Poliwrath EX is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 points
- Attack — Hydro Knuckle
- Cost: Fighting + 2 Colorless
- Damage: 100 (+40 if Poliwrath EX has any Water Energy attached, for a total of 140)
This means Poliwrath EX can reach one-hit knockouts when fully powered, especially if it sets up early with Mantyke and Rare Candy.
Best Poliwrath EX Deck Variants
1. Standard Poliwrath EX Deck (Source Build)
Pokémon: Komala ×1, Poliwag ×2, Poliwhirl ×1, Mantyke ×2, Poliwrath EX ×2
Trainers: Sabrina ×1, Leaf ×1, Pokémon Communication ×1, Cyrus ×1, Irida ×2, Rare Candy ×2, Poké Ball ×2, Professor’s Research ×2
Energy: Fighting + Water
Strategy: Mantyke is the crucial starter — its Splashy Toss can only accelerate Water Energy to Basic Pokémon like Poliwag. From there, use Rare Candy to quickly evolve into Poliwrath EX and start swinging as early as turn two. Komala acts as an efficient single-point attacker while Poliwrath prepares to dominate. This list is balanced and consistent, offering both acceleration and backup options.
See also: Mega Machamp in Pokémon Legends Z-A – Abilities, Typing, and Battle Potential
2. Casual Poliwrath EX + Politoed Variant
Pokémon: Poliwrath EX ×2, Poliwhirl ×1, Poliwag ×2, Politoed ×1, Mantyke ×2
Trainers: Rare Candy ×2, Poké Ball ×2, Professor’s Research ×2, Sabrina ×1, Cyrus ×1, Misty ×2, X Speed ×2
Strategy: This variant is fun but slower and more high-roll dependent. Politoed boosts Poliwrath EX’s damage output once both Fighting and Water are attached, making Hydro Knuckle lethal. The issue is consistency — if you fail to draw Mantyke or Rare Candy early, the deck can stall out. It’s a great casual build but may struggle in higher competitive tiers.
3. Author Variant: Poliwrath EX + Lucario
This version leans into raw damage with Lucario as a bench booster.
Core Pokémon: Poliwag ×2, Poliwrath EX ×2, Mantyke ×2, Riolu ×2, Lucario ×2
Key Trainers: Professor’s Research ×2, Rare Candy ×2, Irida ×2, Pokémon Communication ×1
Strategy: Mantyke fuels Poliwag early, and Lucario enhances Poliwrath EX’s offense. By turn two, Poliwrath EX can start one-shotting threats while Lucario keeps the pressure consistent.
See also: Pokemon GO Necrozma Shiny Guide: Raid Counters, Fusions & 100% IVs
4. Author Variant: Poliwrath EX + Miltank
This build adds bulk and stall before Poliwrath EX comes online.
Core Pokémon: Poliwag ×2, Poliwrath EX ×1, Politoed ×1, Miltank ×2
Key Trainers: Ilima ×2, Whitney ×2, Leftovers ×2, Rare Candy ×2
Strategy: Miltank acts as a wall in the active slot while Poliwrath EX and Politoed set up behind it. Whitney and Leftovers extend Miltank’s survivability, while Ilima can reset board state if needed. Once Poliwrath EX is ready, it takes over the match.
Deck Strategy Tips
- Mantyke + Poliwag is your ideal opening hand. Splashy Toss accelerates Water to Poliwag (Basic only), then Rare Candy jumps straight to Poliwrath EX.
- Rare Candy enables a turn-two Hydro Knuckle, a critical tempo spike that defines the deck’s power.
- Always ensure at least one Water Energy is attached; without it, Poliwrath caps at 100 instead of 140 damage.
- Maintain a backup attacker (Komala, Lucario, or Miltank) to prevent losing momentum when Poliwrath EX falls.
- Remember the point trade dynamic: Poliwrath EX gives up 2 points when KO’d, while Komala only gives up 1 — sometimes it’s correct to swing with Komala to stay ahead in the prize race.
How to Counter Poliwrath EX Decks
- Exploit Psychic weakness: Giratina EX can nearly OHKO Poliwrath EX, though beware of a return knockout.
- Energy denial cripples the deck, since it relies on having both Water and Fighting at the right time.
- Aggro decks that pressure before Poliwrath EX evolves can overwhelm it.
How to Get Poliwrath EX
- Set: Secluded Springs (A4a), released August 28, 2025
- Pack: Suicune Pack
- Rarity: ◇◇◇◇ (4-Diamond)
- Pull Rate: Appears at 0% / 0.333% / 1.332% depending on slot
- Crafting: 500 Pack Points (PP are expansion-specific, so only Secluded Springs packs add to Poliwrath’s PP pool)
- Alt Arts: A4a 082 (Mochizuki) and A4a 089 (Teeziro)
This makes Poliwrath EX both a collector’s card and a competitive piece worth investing in.
See also: Eternatus Pokémon GO Counters and Guide – Weaknesses, Catch, and Max Finale
Poliwrath EX is a flexible, hard-hitting Stage 2 that thrives when supported by Mantyke acceleration and Rare Candy evolution. With the right energy mix, it consistently threatens 140-damage Hydro Knuckle swings as early as turn two. While Psychic decks can punish it, and setup can feel slow, Poliwrath EX rewards players who enjoy balancing power with strategic setup. Whether you prefer the consistent Komala list, the supportive Politoed build, or experimental Lucario/Miltank variants, Poliwrath EX is a card worth mastering in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
