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 utilizing this condition.
Quick Links
- What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
- Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
- How to Cure Poisoned?
- Best Poison Decks?
Pokémon TCG Pocket features several Special Conditions mirroring 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 phase, it persists until cured or the Pokémon faints, unlike some temporary effects. While it can combine with other Special Conditions, multiple "Poisoned" effects don't stack; the HP loss remains at 10 per turn. Pokémon benefiting from a Poisoned opponent, like Muk (+50 DMG), can exploit this status.
Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards inflict Poisoned: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as a Basic Pokémon poisoning opponents with a single Energy. Weezing's "Gas Leak" ability (requiring no Energy) is effective when active, but limited to that position.
How to Cure Poisoned?
Three methods exist:
- Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the effect.
- Retreat: Benching the Pokémon halts HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP, extending survivability but not curing the condition.
Best Poison Decks?
Poison isn't a top-tier archetype, but a strong strategy centers around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. Grimer quickly poisons, Arbok traps, and Muk deals significant damage (up to 120) to Poisoned opponents.
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 "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 enemy'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).
