Recommended Decks for Pokémon Card Beginners: 5 Selections｜Carefully Selected Strong and Easy-to-Use Decks

For beginners who have just started with Pokémon cards, choosing the first deck is one of the most important decisions. After learning the basics with a starter set, many may wonder, "What kind of deck should I build next?" You want to use a strong deck, but if it's too complicated, you won't be able to master it, and budget is also a concern.

In this article, we will carefully introduce five beginner-friendly decks that are active in the latest environment of 2025. We will explain the characteristics of each deck, specific card compositions, necessary budgets, and tips for usage in detail, so you are sure to find the perfect deck for you. Each deck is easy for beginners to handle and has the strength to win, so feel free to choose.

Before selecting a deck, we recommend checking the related articles: Basic Rules of Pokémon Cards and Glossary of Pokémon Card Terms. Understanding the basic rules and terms will make the explanations of each deck easier to understand.

Three Points for Beginners When Choosing a Deck

When beginners choose a deck, there are several important criteria. Even if you try to imitate the strongest decks for advanced players, it is not uncommon to lose continuously because they are too complicated to master. Here, we will explain three points that beginners should focus on.

• Simplicity and Ease of Use
• Consistent Strength
• Can Be Built Within Budget

Simplicity and Ease of Use

The first thing beginners should prioritize is that the deck's operation is intuitive and easy to understand. Decks that require complex combos or multi-step preparations can be difficult to master at the stage of getting used to the rules. By starting with a deck that has a simple strategy of "attach energy and attack," you can aim for victory while understanding the flow of the game. For more details on the basics of deck building, please refer to the related article: How to Build a Pokémon Card Deck.

Consistent Strength

No matter how powerful the combo is, a deck that is prone to accidents due to luck cannot be played enjoyably. By choosing a highly stable deck that can consistently compete every time, you can focus on honing your playing skills. Especially for beginners, decks that have fewer hand accidents and can maintain a consistent performance against any opponent are recommended.

Can Be Built Within Budget

When building a Pokémon card deck, a deck composed entirely of expensive cards can inflate your budget. As a beginner, it is advisable to choose a deck that can be built within a budget of around 3,000 to 10,000 yen and prioritize getting used to the game first. There is also the enjoyment of gradually adding cards later to strengthen the deck.

5 Recommended Decks for Beginners [Latest 2025]

Now, I will specifically introduce five decks that are recommended for beginners in the 2025 environment. I will explain the characteristics and strengths of each deck, the deck list, budget, and tips for usage in detail, so please find a deck that suits you.

• ①Soublaze ex Deck【Can be started at the lowest price】
• ②Takeru Raikou ex Deck【High attack power】
• ③Paojian ex Deck【High stability】
• ④Lizardon ex Deck【Strong with popular Pokémon】
• ⑤Mew ex Deck【Technical and interesting】

①Soublaze ex Deck【Can be started at the lowest price】

The Soublaze ex Deck is a representative deck for beginners that can be built on the lowest budget. By using the ex starter deck "Flame Soublaze ex" as a base and adding just a few cards, you can complete a deck at a practical level. With a straightforward strategy based on the Fire type, it is optimal as a first deck.

Features and Strengths of the Deck

The biggest feature of the Soublaze ex Deck is its simple strategy and low cost. Soublaze ex is a high-damage Pokémon that can deal up to 190 damage with 2 energy, and it has an attack that deals "60 damage for each Fire energy in the discard pile." The strategy is clear: send energy to the discard pile using the abilities of Magby and Magcargo, and aim for high damage with Soublaze ex. It is easy to prepare, and the speed at which you can launch high-damage attacks from the 2nd to 3rd turn is also appealing.

Deck List and Budget

The basic composition is as follows: Soublaze ex (3 copies), Magby (3 copies), Magcargo (2 copies), Carvanna (3 copies), and Grelenar (1 copy) as the main attackers. Support cards include Professor's Research (4 copies), Nanjamo (2 copies), Boss's Orders (2 copies), and items include Ultra Ball (4 copies), Nest Ball (3 copies), Pokémon Switch (2 copies), with Fire Energy (12 copies) as the basic energy.

The budget is based on the ex starter deck "Flame Soublaze ex" (about 1,500 yen), and even if you buy the additional necessary cards as singles, you can build it for a total of about 3,000 to 5,000 yen. Since there are few essential high-cost cards, it is a price range that is accessible for beginners.

Tips for Usage

In the early game, prioritize spreading Magby and Magcargo on the bench and sending energy to the discard pile with the ability "Magma Hideout." Once you have 3 to 4 energy in the discard pile, start attacking with Soublaze ex. It is important to check the HP of your opponent's Pokémon and adjust the number of energy sent to the discard pile based on the damage needed to knock them out. The strategy of using Boss's Orders to bring out weakened Pokémon from the bench and knock them out is also effective.

②Takeru Raikou ex Deck【High attack power】

The Takeru Raikou ex Deck is an aggressive deck centered around high-damage Lightning type attackers. The overwhelming attack power and speed at which it can take down the opponent's Pokémon one after another is appealing, making it recommended for beginners who enjoy aggressive play. It has been active in the environment since the latter half of 2024 and is popular as a powerful deck that is easy for beginners to handle.

Features and Strengths of the Deck

The greatest strength of Takeru Raikou ex is its exceptional firepower of 120 damage for just 1 energy. The move "Lightning Round" can be used with 1 Lightning energy and has the excellent ability to deal 30 damage to 2 benched Pokémon as well. This allows you to apply pressure from the early game, making it possible to secure victory without giving your opponent a chance to counterattack. Additionally, being a Lightning type, it is strong against Water Pokémon, allowing it to fight favorably against commonly seen decks like Paojian ex.

Deck List and Budget

The basic structure is as follows. Takeru Raikou ex (3 copies) serves as the main attacker, with support roles filled by Miraidon ex (1 copy), Thunder ex (1 copy), Raikou V (1 copy), and Zeburayka (evolution line 2-2). Support cards include Professor's Research (4 copies), Nanjamo (3 copies), Boss's Orders (2 copies), and Pepper (2 copies). Items consist of Hyper Ball (4 copies), Nest Ball (3 copies), Pokémon Switch (2 copies), and Earth’s Vessel (2 copies), with the energy being basic Lightning energy (10 copies).

The budget is approximately 6,000 to 9,000 yen. Takeru Raikou ex itself is relatively easy to obtain at a reasonable price, but gathering Miraidon ex and support cards will slightly increase the cost. However, the strength it provides is guaranteed.

Tips for Use

Using Miraidon ex on the first turn to deploy 2 Lightning Pokémon to the bench with its ability "Tandem Unit" is the ideal move. This allows you to start attacking with Takeru Raikou ex from the second turn. Energy should not only be attached manually but also accelerated to benched Pokémon using Earth’s Vessel and Zeburayka's ability "Swift Howl." Always be aware of preparing for the next attacker after being knocked out, as attaching energy to them is key for continuous attacks.

③ Paojian ex Deck [High Stability]

The Paojian ex deck is particularly stable among Water types and is a popular choice used widely by both beginners and advanced players. Its energy acceleration system is very efficient, making it less likely to experience hand issues, allowing for stable battles in every match. It is an ideal option for beginners who want to win consistently.

Features and Strengths of the Deck

The core of the Paojian ex deck is the ability "Extreme Sound" of Segureibu. This ability allows you to attach as much Water energy as you like from your hand to benched Water Pokémon every turn. This means you can accelerate multiple energies in one turn, quickly preparing powerful attackers like Paojian ex and Irukaman ex. Additionally, the deck is well-equipped with draw support and energy recovery systems, making it a stable choice recommended for beginners.

Deck List and Budget

The basic structure is as follows. Pokémon line includes Paojian ex (3 copies), Irukaman ex (1 copy), Ikirinko ex (1 copy), Sebie (4 copies), Segoru (2 copies), Segureibu (3 copies), and Shiny Gekkouga (1 copy). Support cards consist of Professor's Research (4 copies), Nanjamo (3 copies), Boss's Orders (2 copies), and Pepper (1 copy). Items include Hyper Ball (4 copies), Nest Ball (3 copies), Battle VIP Pass (2 copies), Prime Catcher (2 copies), and Super Energy Retrieval (2 copies), with the energy being basic Water energy (10 copies).

The budget is approximately 7,000 to 10,000 yen. While the Paojian ex itself is relatively inexpensive, including general cards like Ikirinko ex and Prime Catcher slightly increases the cost. However, these cards can be used in other decks, making them a worthwhile investment.

Tips for Use

In the early game, prioritize evolving from Sebie to Segor and then to Segreave. Ideally, if you can set up Segreave by turn 2, you can rapidly accelerate energy with the ability "Kyokuteion." If you have few Water Energy in your hand, utilize Super Energy Retrieval or the ability "Kakushifuda" of Shiny Gekkouga to return energy to your hand. The move "Hail Blade" of Paojian ex deals damage equal to the number of Water Energy on your field multiplied by 20, so by distributing energy across the field, you can achieve high damage output.

④ Charizard ex Deck [Strong with Popular Pokémon]

The Charizard ex deck combines the fun of using Charizard, one of the most popular Pokémon in the Pokémon world, with its strength in actual battles. You can enjoy the strategic depth unique to evolution decks while overwhelming your opponent with high damage. It is especially recommended for beginners who want to win with their favorite Pokémon.

Features and Strengths of the Deck

The strength of Charizard ex lies in its overwhelming attack power of 280. The move "Burning Dark" requires 2 Fire Energy and 1 Colorless Energy, dealing damage equal to 120 times the number of abilities of the opponent's battling Pokémon. Since many Pokémon with abilities are currently being used in the environment, you can consistently deal 240 to 280 damage in most cases. Additionally, combining it with Pidgeot ex provides stability by allowing you to add necessary cards to your hand every turn. The enjoyment of organizing the evolution line also serves as a good learning experience for beginners.

Deck List and Budget

The basic composition is as follows: Charizard ex (3 copies), Charmander (4 copies), Charmeleon (2 copies), Pidgeot ex (2 copies), Pidgey (3 copies), Pidgeotto (1 copy), Manaphy (1 copy) for the Pokémon line. Support cards include Professor's Research (4 copies), Nanjamo (3 copies), Boss's Orders (2 copies), and Furisode (2 copies). The items are Hyper Ball (4 copies), Nest Ball (3 copies), Mysterious Candy (3 copies), Pokémon Switch (2 copies), and the energy consists of Basic Fire Energy (9 copies) and Basic Grass Energy (2 copies).

The budget is approximately 8,000 to 12,000 yen. Since Charizard ex is quite popular, its price tends to be slightly higher, but you can build the deck for around 10,000 yen even with Pidgeot ex included. Considering the satisfaction of using popular Pokémon, the cost performance is sufficient.

Tips for Use

In the early game, prioritize setting up Pidgey and Charmander on the bench. Use Mysterious Candy to evolve into Pidgeot ex on turn 2 and add necessary cards to your hand with the ability "Mach Search." Aim to evolve into Charizard ex by turn 3, preparing to attach 3 energy by then. Using Furisode allows you to attach Fire Energy directly from your deck, providing peace of mind even if you have no energy in hand. The basic strategy is to prioritize targeting the opponent's Pokémon with abilities and take them down in one hit with high damage.

⑤ Mew ex Deck [Technical and Interesting]

The Mew ex deck is an attractive deck due to its high versatility and depth of strategy in the Psychic type. Its unique play style, which allows you to copy various moves, lets you fully enjoy the fun of Pokémon cards. It is recommended for beginners who want to enjoy a more advanced strategy after learning the basics.

Features and Strengths of the Deck

The biggest feature of Mew ex is its ability to copy the moves of the opponent's Pokémon using the move "Genome Hack." This allows you to attack using the opponent's powerful moves, providing flexibility to deal with any opponent. Additionally, there is a dedicated support system called the Fusion System, which allows you to replenish your hand every turn with the ability "Fusion System" of Genesect V, ensuring high stability. While it is technical, the basic movements are easy to understand, making it manageable even for beginners.

Deck List and Budget

The basic composition is as follows: 3 Mew ex, 1 Mew V, 3 Genesect V, 2 Woobat, 1 Meloetta, 1 Klefki, and 1 Manaphy for the Pokémon line. The support cards include 4 Professor's Research, 2 Nanjamo, 2 Boss's Orders, and 1 Tsuji, while the items consist of 4 Ultra Balls, 3 Nest Balls, 3 Battle VIP Passes, 4 Fog Crystals, 4 Fusion Energies, 4 Double Turbo Energies, and 2 Basic Psychic Energies.

The budget is approximately 8,000 to 11,000 yen. Mew ex and Genesect V are the main costs, but the need for special energy cards slightly increases the budget. However, the strategic depth and enjoyment it offers are guaranteed.

Tips for Use

In the early game, it is important to deploy multiple Genesect V on the bench and stabilize your hand with the ability "Fusion System." Evolve into Mew ex early, and observe the opponent's Pokémon's moves to copy and attack at the optimal timing. Fusion Energy functions as two energy for using Psychic type moves, making energy acceleration easy. Flexibility to change strategies according to the opponent's deck type is required, but that is the greatest charm of this deck.

Deck Comparison Table [Budget, Strength, Difficulty]

I have introduced five decks, but for those wondering, "Which one should I choose?" I have prepared a comparison table. You can compare them from three perspectives: budget, strength, and difficulty, so please use it as a reference to choose the deck that best suits your situation.

• How to Choose by Budget
• How to Choose by Play Style

Deck Name	Budget	Strength	Difficulty	Recommended Points
Soul Blaze ex	3,000–5,000 yen	★★★☆☆	★☆☆☆☆	The cheapest to start
Takeru Raikou ex	6,000–9,000 yen	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	High firepower and aggressive
Paojian ex	7,000–10,000 yen	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆	Outstanding stability
Charizard ex	8,000–12,000 yen	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	Strong and popular Pokémon
Mew ex	8,000–11,000 yen	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	Technical and interesting

How to Choose by Budget

Here are some recommended decks based on your budget. If you want to start with a low budget of 3,000 to 5,000 yen, the Soublaze ex deck is optimal. Since it can be based on the ex starter deck, additional card purchases can be kept to a minimum. For a medium budget of 6,000 to 10,000 yen, the Takeru Raiko ex deck or the Paojian ex deck is recommended. Both decks combine strength and stability, making them capable of competing well in tournaments. If you can secure a budget of over 10,000 yen, try the Lizardon ex or Mew ex decks. You can enjoy the joy of using popular Pokémon and the depth of strategy.

Choosing Based on Play Style

Choosing a deck that matches your play style is also important. For those who enjoy aggressive play, the Takeru Raiko ex deck is recommended. You can enjoy the speed of overwhelming your opponent with high firepower from the early game. If you want to focus on stability and win reliably, choose the Paojian ex deck. With its energy acceleration system, you can consistently compete in every match. For those who want to enjoy strategy, the Mew ex deck and Lizardon ex deck are recommended. There is enjoyment in thinking about building evolution lines and copying moves. If you are unsure about your first deck, it is a good idea to start with the simple Soublaze ex deck and transition to the next deck after getting used to the game. After selecting your deck, it is also reassuring to check the actual battle flow in the related article: Pokémon Card Battle Flow.

Universal Cards to Strengthen Your Deck

When building a deck, there are powerful universal cards that can be included in any deck. By prioritizing these cards, you can reuse them when building multiple decks, improving long-term cost performance. Here, we introduce universal cards that beginners should acquire first.

• Essential Support Cards
• Essential Item Cards
• Convenient Stadiums and Special Energies

Essential Support Cards

Support cards can only be used once per turn, but they play a crucial role in changing the flow of the game. The most important is "Professor's Research," a powerful draw card that allows you to discard your entire hand and draw seven new cards. Since this card is included in all decks, prioritize acquiring four copies. Next, "Nanjamo" has the effect of returning both players' hands to their decks, allowing the opponent to draw four cards based on the remaining number of their prize cards, functioning as a comeback tool in unfavorable situations and a way to reduce the opponent's hand size. "Boss's Orders" is a card that drags the opponent's benched Pokémon into the battle area, allowing you to choose and attack the Pokémon you want to defeat, making it an essential card for ending the game. All three types of support cards can be used in every deck, so it is recommended to have multiple copies.

For more details on these cards, please refer to the related article: List of Universal and Essential Pokémon Cards.

Essential Item Cards

Goods cards can be used any number of times in a turn, making them an important element for enhancing deck stability. "Hyper Ball" is the strongest search card that allows you to add any Pokémon from your deck to your hand by discarding 2 cards from your hand. Since it is included as 4 copies in all decks, make sure to secure 4 copies. "Nest Ball" is a card that allows you to put basic Pokémon from your deck onto your bench, facilitating smooth early game development. "Pokémon Switch" is a card that swaps a battling Pokémon with a benched Pokémon, allowing you to switch without paying the retreat cost, making it a convenient card. Since these goods cards can also be used in multiple decks, it is advisable to have 3 to 4 copies of each.

Convenient Stadiums and Special Energies

Stadium cards can only be placed one at a time on the field and affect both players. "Snowy Road to the Summit" is a powerful disruption stadium that nullifies the abilities of Pokémon with abilities (such as V, VMAX, ex, etc.). Depending on the opponent's deck type, it can provide a significant advantage. Among special energies, "Double Turbo Energy" is highly versatile, functioning as two colorless energy with one card. However, there is a drawback that the damage of the attacks of the Pokémon with this energy attached is reduced by 20. While these are not essential for all decks, they can be useful for broadening the deck's options, so if your budget allows, consider gradually collecting them.

How to Purchase and Obtain Decks

There are several ways to gather the necessary cards for a deck, but I will introduce the most efficient method for beginners. While there is enjoyment in opening packs, purchasing single cards is the most cost-effective way to build a specific deck.

• Recommendation for Purchasing Single Cards
• Tips for Keeping to Your Budget

Recommendation for Purchasing Single Cards

Purchasing single cards means buying the necessary cards one at a time. Online shops such as "Card Rush," "Hareruyya," and "Surugaya" are well-known, allowing you to compare prices and buy at the lowest cost. By checking the market price of each card and purchasing only the required number, you can avoid waste. Physical stores like "Pokémon Card Gym" and "Trading Card Shops" also handle single cards, providing the reassurance of being able to check the actual items before purchasing. If you inform the staff that you are a beginner, you may receive advice on deck building. Buying an ex starter deck and then strengthening it with single cards is the most recommended route for beginners. For more detailed purchasing methods, please refer to the related article: Complete Guide to Buying Pokémon Cards.

Tips for Keeping to Your Budget

There are several tips to keep your budget in check when building a deck. First, many expensive cards have substitute cards, so start with inexpensive alternatives. For example, a combination of Boss's Orders and Pokémon Switch can work just as well as Prime Catcher. It's also important to prioritize and gradually strengthen your deck. By initially gathering only the essential cards and purchasing additional cards when you have the budget, you can avoid large expenses all at once. Furthermore, if you build multiple decks of the same type, reusing generic cards can help reduce overall costs. Trading cards with friends or selling unwanted cards to fund your next card purchase is also a smart strategy.

Summary: Choose a Deck That Suits You and Enjoy

In this article, we have introduced five recommended decks for Pokémon card beginners in detail. Each deck has its own unique appeal, and the best choice varies depending on your budget, play style, and the Pokémon you want to use.

The most important thing is to "choose a deck that you enjoy." If you want to start on a low budget, the Soul Blaze ex deck is a good choice; if you like aggressive play, the Takeru Raikou ex deck is for you; if you prioritize stability, the Paojian ex deck is ideal; if you want to win with your favorite Pokémon, the Charizard ex deck is perfect; and if you want to enjoy strategy, the Mew ex deck is designed for beginners to handle well.

Once you've built your deck, try using it in free matches with friends or at Pokémon card gyms. By gaining practical experience, you'll naturally learn how to use the cards and manage your deck. You may lose at first, but that is part of the growth process. The joy of gradually adding cards and strengthening your deck is one of the great appeals of Pokémon cards.

Now, why not use this article as a reference to build your first deck and dive into the world of Pokémon card battles? New enjoyment is surely waiting for you.