This guide explores the intricacies of the Poisoned condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, detailing its mechanics, affected cards, countermeasures, and optimal deck strategies.
Quick Links
- What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
- Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
- How to Cure Poisoned
- Building Effective Poison Decks
Pokémon TCG Pocket incorporates the Special Condition "Poisoned," mirroring the tabletop game. This condition gradually depletes an Active Pokémon's HP until cured or knocked out. This guide clarifies its application, affected cards, cures, and effective deck building.
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 Checkup, it persists until cured or the Pokémon is knocked out. While it can coexist with other Special Conditions, it doesn't stack with itself; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn regardless of multiple Poisoned applications. 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 Poisoned: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as a Basic Pokémon applying Poisoned with a single Energy. Weezing's "Gas Leak" ability offers another strong option, requiring no Energy but only usable while Active.
Consider exploring Rental Decks, such as Koga's deck (featuring Grimer and Arbok), for a Poisoned deck foundation.
How to Cure Poisoned?
There are three methods to counteract Poisoned:
- 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 directly.
Building Effective Poison Decks
While not a top-tier archetype, a strong Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. Grimer quickly poisons opponents, Arbok traps them, and Muk inflicts significant damage (up to 120) against Poisoned Pokémon.
Here's a sample decklist leveraging these synergies:
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 "Gas Leak" ability |
| Koga | x2 | Returns Active Weezing or Muk to your 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).
