This guide explores the intricacies of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, a Special Condition mirroring the tabletop game. It explains how Poisoned works, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and strategies for building effective Poison decks.
Quick Links
- What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
- Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
- How to Cure Poisoned
- Building a Strong Poison Deck
Pokémon TCG Pocket features several Special Conditions, including Poisoned. This condition causes an Active Pokémon to lose 10 HP at the end of each round until cured or knocked out. It doesn't automatically expire and doesn't stack with itself (only one 10 HP loss per round, regardless of how many times Poisoned is applied). However, it can stack with other Special Conditions. Some Pokémon, like Muk, benefit from the Poisoned status, dealing increased damage.
What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting a 10 HP loss at the end of each round, calculated during the round Checkup. It persists until cured or the Pokémon is knocked out.
Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards inflict the Poisoned status: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer is particularly effective as a Basic Pokémon that poisons with a single Energy. Weezing's Gas Leak ability also inflicts Poisoned without Energy cost, but only while active.
How to Cure Poisoned?
Three methods exist to counter 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 heal HP, extending survivability but not curing Poisoned itself.
Building a Strong Poison Deck
While not a top-tier archetype, a powerful Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. Grimer quickly poisons opponents; Arbok locks them in; and Muk delivers significant damage (+120 to Poisoned opponents).
Here's a sample decklist focusing on this synergy:
Poisoned Deck Sample
| 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 Ability (Gas Leak) |
| 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).
