This guide explores the mechanics of the "Poisoned" status condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, covering its effects, applicable cards, cures, and optimal 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 is cured. Understanding its application, relevant cards, cures, and effective deck builds is 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, it persists until cured or the Pokémon faints, unlike some temporary effects. 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 application frequency. However, this status can be leveraged by certain Pokémon, such as Muk, which gains a damage boost against Poisoned opponents.
Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards inflict Poisoned: 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 Poison decks, explore Rental Decks, particularly Koga's deck featuring Grimer and Arbok.
How to Cure Poisoned?
Three methods exist to counter Poisoned:
- Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the effect.
- Retreat: Benching the Pokémon prevents further 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 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 high damage against Poisoned Pokémon.
Here's a sample META deck leveraging these synergies:
Sample Poison Deck
| 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 "Gas Leak" 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 Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking).
