How to Counter Oricorio (Lightning) in Pokémon TCG Pocket – Top 7 Cards to Shut It Down

Oricorio (Lightning) is shaking up the Pokémon TCG Pocket meta with its anti-ex power. Here are the 7 best counters to stop it in its tracks during the Celestial Guardians era.

Quick Summary: Best Oricorio Counters in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Oricorio (Lightning) Is Ruining ex Decks—Here’s How to Beat It

Nobody expected a tiny bird to be the biggest threat in Pokémon TCG Pocket, but here we are—Oricorio (Lightning) is dominating the Celestial Guardians era by dismantling powerful ex-focused decks like Darkrai ex and Giratina ex. Thanks to its Safeguard-like ability, it shuts down many ex attackers with ease.

But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Here’s a list of seven cards that counter Oricorio (Lightning) effectively, ranked from strong to strongest.

7. Charizard (A1 035)

Reason: Durable and Dangerous

• Attack Cost: 2 Fire, 2 Colorless
  
• Damage Output: 150
  

This non-ex Charizard might be the firepower you need. It can survive multiple hits from Oricorio and eventually one-shot it—especially if you’re flipping well with Moltres ex support. It’s not the most efficient, but it will do the job with some ramp-up.

6. Drampa (A3 124)

Reason: Revenge Striker

• Attack Cost: 2 Colorless
  
• Damage Output: 70 (conditional)
  

Drampa thrives on revenge. If any of your Benched Pokémon are damaged, it dishes out 70 damage—enough to instantly knock out Oricorio. Just watch out for its high retreat cost and the fact that it’s ineffective unless the damage trigger is met.

5. Floragato (A2b 006)

Reason: High HP and Evolution Potential

• Attack Cost: 2 Grass
  
• Damage Output: 40
  

With Leaf Cape, Floragato’s HP jumps to 120, giving it the staying power to survive Oricorio’s attacks and counterattack over two turns. Plus, it evolves into Meowscarada, a key piece in decks that have been crushing Oricorio-based lineups in tournaments.

4. Regice (A2 034)

Reason: Tanky Staller

• Attack Cost: 2 Water
  
• Damage Output: 50
  

Regice doesn’t rely on effects, making it a solid, straightforward counter. It tanks damage well and can wear Oricorio down while surviving a few rounds. Not flashy, but dependable.

3. Skarmory (A2 111)

Reason: Fast and Efficient

• Attack Cost: 1 Steel
  
• Damage Output: Up to 50
  

If you’re running Solgaleo decks, Skarmory is a fantastic early-game answer to Oricorio. It’s cheap to power up and, when paired with Rocky Helmet, can effectively one-shot Oricorio if it attacks first.

2. Magearna (A3 123)

Reason: One-Shot Potential

• Attack Cost: 2 Steel
  
• Damage Output: 80 (vs. Ability Pokémon)
  

Magearna is built to crush Ability-based threats. When attacking a Pokémon with an ability (like Oricorio’s Safeguard), its attack gains +40 damage, hitting 80 total—enough to KO Oricorio in one hit unless it’s protected by Giant Cape.

It also has a low retreat cost, so you can tag it in, knock Oricorio out, and rotate out if needed.

1. Lucario (A2 092)

Reason: The Best All-Around Answer

• Attack Cost: 2 Fighting
  
• Damage Output: 80 (vs. Lightning Types)
  

Oricorio’s Fighting weakness makes Lucario the absolute best counter in the meta. Here’s the math:

• Base attack: 40
  
• Boost from Lucario’s Fighting Coach: +20
  
• Double damage due to Weakness: 80 total
  

Lucario one-shots Oricorio without effort—and the best part? It remains useful even after Oricorio is gone, working well against other threats. Combine it with Rampardos for a nearly unbeatable deck against Safeguard strategies.

Oricorio may be dominating the ex decks for now, but with the right cards and strategy, that little bird doesn’t stand a chance.

What’s your go-to Oricorio counter?

Related Articles: 

• Pokémon TCG Pocket Devs Announce Big Changes to Trading System
• Pokémon TCG Pocket: Why Porygon-Z is the Ultimate Troll Deck
• How to Find and Open Old Booster Packs in Pokémon TCG Pocket
• Pokémon Go Director Clears Up Major Concerns After Scopely Deal

For more Games Guide follow us