This guide explores the nuances of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, covering its mechanics, relevant cards, countermeasures, and optimal deck building 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's knocked out or healed. Understanding how Poisoned is applied, which Pokémon possess this ability, how to counteract it, and effective deck strategies are crucial.
What is Poisoned in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP loss at the end of each round. Calculated during the round's Checkup phase, it persists until cured or the Pokémon faints, unlike some temporary effects. While it can coexist with other Special Conditions, it doesn't stack with additional Poison effects; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn regardless of application frequency. However, this status can be exploited by cards like Muk, which gains a damage boost against Poisoned opponents.
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 effective Basic Pokémon, poisoning opponents with a single Energy. Weezing offers another strong option, using its "Gas Leak" ability (no Energy required) while Active.
For aspiring Poison deck builders, exploring Rental Decks, particularly Koga's deck (featuring Grimer and Arbok), is recommended.
How to Cure Poisoned?
Three methods exist to manage the Poisoned effect:
- Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
- Retreat: Benching the Poisoned Pokémon prevents further HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion mitigate damage but don't cure Poisoned, extending the Active Pokémon's survival.
Best Poison Decks?
While not a top-tier archetype, a potent Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. The strategy involves rapid poisoning with Grimer, opponent lock-in with Arbok, and Muk's boosted damage against Poisoned targets.
A sample META deck leveraging these synergies is detailed below:
Poisoned Deck Details
| 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 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 approach with the Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking).
