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

This guide delves into the intricacies of Poisoned status in Pokémon TCG Pocket, a condition mirroring the tabletop game. This guide explains how Poisoned works, which cards inflict it, how to counteract it, and strategies for building effective Poison decks.

Quick Navigation

• Understanding Poisoned in Pokémon TCG Pocket
• Cards Capable of Inflicting Poisoned
• Neutralizing the Poisoned Effect
• Crafting a Winning Poison Deck

Pokémon TCG Pocket incorporates several Special Conditions, with Poisoned being a key example. This effect gradually drains an Active Pokémon's HP until cured or knocked out. This guide will cover its mechanics, relevant cards, cures, and effective deck-building strategies.

Understanding Poisoned

Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP loss at the end of each round. This calculation occurs during the round's Checkup phase and persists until cured. Unlike some effects, it doesn't resolve automatically or through chance.

While Poisoned can coexist with other Special Conditions, it doesn't stack with itself. A Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn, regardless of how many times Poisoned is applied. However, this status can be exploited; for instance, Muk inflicts an additional +50 DMG to Poisoned opponents.

Poison-Inflicting Cards

Within the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards can inflict Poisoned: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as a Basic Pokémon poisoning enemies with a single Energy. Weezing provides another strong option, using its Gas Leak ability (no Energy required), but only while active.

For aspiring Poison deck builders, exploring Pokémon Pocket's Rental Decks is recommended. Koga's Rental Deck, featuring Grimer and Arbok, serves as an excellent starting point.

Neutralizing the Poisoned Effect

Three methods exist to counter the Poisoned effect:

1. Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
2. Retreat: Benching the Poisoned Pokémon halts HP loss.
3. Item Cards: Cards like Potion mitigate HP loss but don't cure Poisoned, extending the Active Pokémon's survival.

Crafting a Winning Poison Deck

While not a top-tier archetype, a strong Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. The strategy focuses on rapid poisoning with Grimer, enemy trapping with Arbok, and maximizing Muk's damage against Poisoned opponents (up to 120 DMG).

The table below details a META deck built on these synergies:

Poison Deck Composition

Alternative strategies include using Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage approach with the Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking).