This guide explores the mechanics of the "Poisoned" status condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, including how it works, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and effective deck strategies.
Quick Links
- What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
- Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
- How to Cure Poisoned
- Best Poison Decks
Pokémon TCG Pocket incorporates several Special Conditions from the physical card game, including Poisoned. This effect gradually depletes an Active Pokémon's HP until it faints or the condition is removed. Understanding its application, associated cards, cures, and effective deck builds is crucial.
What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Poisoned is a Special Condition that inflicts 10 HP damage at the end of each round. Calculated during the round's Checkup phase, it persists until cured or the Pokémon faints. It doesn't automatically disappear and doesn't involve coin flips. While it can combine with other Special Conditions, it doesn't stack with additional Poison effects; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn regardless of how many times Poisoned is applied. However, this status can be exploited by cards that benefit from a poisoned opponent, such as Muk, which gains +50 DMG.
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 an efficient Basic Pokémon, poisoning opponents with a single Energy. Weezing is another strong contender, using its "Gas Leak" ability (no Energy required) while Active.
How to Cure Poisoned?
Three methods exist to counter Poisoned:
- Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
- Retreat: Benching the affected Pokémon prevents further HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP, extending survivability but not curing Poisoned outright.
Best Poison Decks?
While not a top-tier archetype, a strong Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. The strategy centers on rapid poisoning with Grimer, opponent lock-in with Arbok, and Muk's high damage against poisoned opponents (up to 120 DMG).
Here's a sample META deck leveraging these synergies:
Poisoned Deck Details
| Card | Quantity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Grimer | x2 | Applies Poisoned |
| Ekans | x2 | Evolves into Arbok |
| Arbok | x2 | Locks in the enemy'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 hand |
| Poké Ball | x2 | Draws a Basic Pokémon |
| Professor's Research | x2 | Draws two cards |
| Sabrina | x1 | Forces enemy Active Pokémon to Retreat |
| X Speed | x1 | Discounts Retreat cost |
Alternative strategies include using Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage approach with the Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking).
