This guide delves into the intricacies of Poison in Pokémon TCG Pocket, a Special Condition mirroring the physical card game. This guide explains how Poisoned works, which cards inflict it, how to counteract it, and viable deck strategies.
Quick Navigation
- Understanding 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket
- Cards with the Poisoned Ability
- Curing the Poisoned Status
- Top Poison Decks
Pokémon TCG Pocket incorporates Special Conditions like Poisoned, causing gradual HP loss to the affected Active Pokémon until cured or knocked out. This guide clarifies its mechanics, affected cards, cures, and effective deck builds.
Understanding '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. Unlike some effects, it persists until cured or the Pokémon is defeated. While it can combine with other Special Conditions, multiple Poisoned effects don't stack; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn. This status can be exploited by cards like Muk, which gains a damage boost against Poisoned opponents.
Cards with the Poisoned Ability
The Genetic Apex expansion features five cards capable of inflicting Poisoned: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as an efficient Basic Pokémon, poisoning foes with a single Energy. Weezing offers another strong option, using its Gas Leak ability (no Energy needed) while Active.
For aspiring Poison deck builders, exploring Rental Decks, especially Koga's deck (featuring Grimer and Arbok), is recommended.
Curing the Poisoned Status
Three methods exist to counter Poisoned:
- Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the effect.
- Retreat: Benching the affected Pokémon prevents further HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP, extending survivability but not curing Poisoned itself.
Top Poison Decks
While not a top-tier archetype, a potent Poison deck can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. The strategy hinges on quick poisoning with Grimer, enemy lock-in with Arbok, and Muk's boosted damage against Poisoned opponents.
The following table details a META-focused deck leveraging these synergies:
Poisoned Deck Composition
| Card | Quantity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Grimer | x2 | Applies Poisoned |
| Ekans | x2 | Evolves into Arbok |
| Arbok | x2 | Locks the opponent's Active Pokémon |
| Muk | x2 | Deals 120 DMG to Poisoned Pokémon |
| Koffing | x2 | Evolves into Weezing |
| Weezing | x2 | Applies Poisoned via Ability (Gas Leak) |
| 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 | Reduces 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).
