This guide delves into the intricacies of Poisoned status in Pokémon TCG Pocket, a Special Condition mirroring the physical card game. This guide explains how Poisoned works, which Pokémon inflict it, how to counter it, and effective deck-building strategies.
Quick Navigation
- Understanding Poisoned in Pokémon TCG Pocket
- Pokémon with the Poisoned Ability
- Curing Poisoned Status
- Building a Winning Poison Deck
Pokémon TCG Pocket incorporates Special Conditions like Poisoned, causing gradual HP loss to an Active Pokémon until cured or defeated. Unlike some effects, it doesn't automatically expire or rely on chance. Let's explore the mechanics.
Understanding Poisoned
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 combine with other Special Conditions, it doesn't stack with itself; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn regardless of multiple Poisoned applications. This status can be exploited by certain Pokémon, like Muk, who deal bonus damage to Poisoned opponents.
Poison-Inflicting Pokémon
In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards apply Poisoned: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as a Basic Pokémon poisoning foes with a single Energy. Weezing offers another strong option, using its Gas Leak ability (no Energy required) while Active.
For aspiring Poison deck builders, explore Rental Decks, particularly Koga’s deck, featuring Grimer and Arbok.
Curing Poisoned
Three methods exist to counter Poisoned:
- Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
- Retreat: Benching the Pokémon halts HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP, extending survivability but not curing Poisoned.
Building a Winning Poison Deck
While not a top-tier archetype, a potent Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. Grimer quickly poisons opponents, Arbok traps them, and Muk delivers up to 120 DMG to Poisoned foes.
The following table details a META Poison deck built around this synergy:
Poison Deck Composition
| 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 your 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 the Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex lineup, or a slower, high-damage Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking).
