This guide delves into the intricacies of Poisoned status in Pokémon TCG Pocket, a Special Condition mirroring the tabletop game. This guide explains how Poisoned works, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and strategies for building effective Poison decks.
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What is Poisoned?
Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP damage at the end of each round. Unlike some effects, it persists until cured or the Pokémon is knocked out. While it stacks with other Special Conditions, multiple Poisoned effects don't increase the damage beyond 10 HP per round. However, Pokémon benefiting from Poisoned opponents, such as Muk, gain a damage boost.
Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards inflict the Poisoned status: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as a Basic Pokémon applying Poisoned with a single Energy. Weezing's Gas Leak ability (requiring no Energy) is also effective, but only while active.
For Poison decks, consider Koga's Rental Deck, featuring Grimer and Arbok, as a starting point.
How to Cure Poisoned?
Three methods exist to counter Poisoned:
- Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
- Retreat: Benching the Pokémon halts HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP, extending survivability but not curing Poisoned.
Best Poison Decks?
While not a top-tier archetype, a strong Poison deck centers around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. Grimer quickly poisons, Arbok traps opponents, and Muk inflicts significant damage on Poisoned Pokémon.
Here's a sample deck build leveraging these synergies:
Poison Deck Composition
| Card | Quantity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Grimer | x2 | Applies Poisoned |
| Ekans | x2 | Evolves into Arbok |
| Arbok | x2 | Locks in the opponent's Active Pokémon |
| Muk | x2 | Deals 120 DMG to Poisoned Pokémon |
| Koffing | x2 | Evolves into Weezing |
| Weezing | x2 | Applies Poisoned with an Ability |
| Koga | x2 | Returns Active Weezing or Muk to your hand |
| Poké Ball | x2 | Draws a Basic Pokémon |
| Professor's Research | x2 | Draws two cards |
| Sabrina | x1 | Forces opponent's Active Pokémon to Retreat |
| X Speed | x1 | Discounts Retreat cost |
Alternative strategies include using Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking).
