This guide explores the Special Condition "Poisoned" in Pokémon TCG Pocket, explaining its effects, which cards inflict it, how to cure it, and effective deck-building strategies.
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Pokémon TCG Pocket features Special Conditions like Poisoned, mirroring the physical card game. A Poisoned Active Pokémon loses 10 HP at the end of each round until cured or knocked out. This guide details how Poisoned works, which cards utilize it, cures, and effective deck strategies.
What is Poisoned?
Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP damage at the end of each round during the Checkup phase. Unlike some effects, it doesn't automatically expire; it persists until cured or the Pokémon is defeated. While it can combine with other Special Conditions, it doesn't stack with itself—only 10 HP is lost per turn regardless of how many times it's applied. However, Pokémon benefiting from Poisoned status, such as Muk (+50 DMG to Poisoned opponents), can exploit this weakness.
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 only usable while active.
Consider exploring Pokémon TCG Pocket's Rental Decks, such as Koga's Deck (featuring Grimer and Arbok), for a Poisoned deck starting point.
How to Cure Poisoned?
Three methods exist to counter Poisoned:
- Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
- Retreat: Moving a Poisoned Pokémon to the Bench halts HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP, extending survivability but not curing Poisoned.
Best Poison Decks?
Poison isn't a top-tier archetype in the current metagame, but a powerful strategy revolves around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. Quickly poison opponents with Grimer, lock them with Arbok, and unleash Muk's potent damage against Poisoned foes (up to 120 DMG).
Below is a sample META deck leveraging these synergies:
Sample Poison Deck
| 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 an 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 Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking).
