Pokemon TCG Pocket: Poisoned, Explained (& All Cards with ‘Poison’ Ability)

This guide delves into the mechanics of the "Poisoned" status condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, exploring its effects, applicable cards, countermeasures, and optimal deck strategies.

Quick Navigation

• Understanding "Poisoned" in Pokémon TCG Pocket
• Cards with the Poisoned Ability
• Curing the Poisoned Status
• Crafting a Top-Tier Poison Deck

Pokémon TCG Pocket incorporates various Special Conditions from the physical card game, including the debilitating "Poisoned" effect. This condition inflicts gradual HP loss on an Active Pokémon until it's either defeated or healed. This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of this mechanic.

Understanding "Poisoned" in Pokémon TCG Pocket

The "Poisoned" status is a Special Condition that deducts 10 HP from an Active Pokémon at the end of each round. This calculation occurs during the round's Checkup phase. Unlike some temporary effects, "Poisoned" persists until cured or the Pokémon is knocked out. While it can coexist with other Special Conditions, it doesn't stack with additional Poison effects; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn regardless of multiple applications. However, this status can be exploited by certain Pokémon, such as Muk, which inflicts bonus damage to Poisoned opponents.

Cards with the Poisoned Ability

Within the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards possess the ability to inflict the "Poisoned" status: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as a particularly effective Basic Pokémon, poisoning opponents with a single Energy. Weezing offers another strong option, using its "Gas Leak" ability (requiring no Energy) to apply Poisoned while active.

For players interested in building a Poison-centric deck, exploring the game's Rental Decks is recommended. Koga's Rental Deck, featuring Grimer and Arbok, serves as an excellent starting point.

Curing the Poisoned Status

Three methods exist to counteract the "Poisoned" effect:

1. Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
2. Retreat: Moving the Poisoned Pokémon to the Bench halts HP loss.
3. Item Cards: Cards like Potion mitigate the effect by restoring HP, but they don't cure the "Poisoned" status itself; they merely extend the Active Pokémon's survival.

Crafting a Top-Tier Poison Deck

While not a top-tier archetype, a potent Poison deck can be constructed using the synergistic trio of Grimer, Arbok, and Muk. The strategy revolves around swiftly poisoning opponents with Grimer, immobilizing them with Arbok, and leveraging Muk's increased damage against Poisoned foes.

The following table details a meta-focused deck built around these synergies:

Poisoned Deck Composition

Alternative strategies could incorporate the Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex lineup or the Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking) for a slower, higher-damage approach.