In *Pokemon Pocket*, the Poisoned status is one of the Special Conditions borrowed from the physical *Pokemon Trading Card Game*. When a Pokemon is Poisoned, it loses 10 HP at the end of each round until it's either knocked out or cured. Understanding how Poisoned works, which cards can apply it, how to cure it, and which decks leverage this effect is crucial for mastering the game. This guide dives into all these aspects to help you navigate the *Pokemon TCG Pocket* world effectively.
What Is 'Poisoned' in Pokemon TCG Pocket?
Poisoned is a Special Condition that causes an Active Pokemon to lose 10 HP at the end of each round. This effect is assessed during the round's Checkup phase. Unlike some other conditions, Poisoned doesn't dissipate automatically or through coin flips; it persists until the Pokemon is cured or knocked out.
While multiple Poison effects cannot stack on a single Pokemon, you can still benefit from a Poisoned opponent. For instance, cards like Muk can deal an additional +50 DMG to a Poisoned foe, making strategic use of Poisoned a powerful tactic.
Which Cards Have the Poisoned Ability?
In the Genetic Apex expansion, the following cards can apply the Poisoned status:
- Weezing
- Grimer
- Nidoking
- Tentacruel
- Venomoth
Among these, Grimer stands out as a Basic Pokemon that can poison an opponent with just one Energy. Weezing is another potent option, using its Gas Leak ability to apply Poisoned without needing Energy, though it must be in the Active Pokemon slot to do so.
For those looking to experiment with a Poisoned deck, consider starting with Pokemon Pocket's Rental Decks, such as Koga’s Rental Deck, which includes Grimer and Arbok.
How Do You Cure Poisoned?
There are three primary methods to address the Poisoned condition:
- Evolution: Evolving the Poisoned Pokemon will remove the Poisoned status.
- Retreat: Moving the Poisoned Pokemon to the bench will halt its HP loss.
- Item Cards: While cards like Potion can heal HP, they don't cure Poisoned directly; they merely extend the Active Pokemon's lifespan.
What Is the Best Poison Deck?
Although Poison decks aren't at the top of the Pokemon Pocket metagame, a strong lineup can be built around Grimer, Arbok, and Muk. The strategy involves quickly poisoning opponents with Grimer, trapping them with Arbok, and then using Muk to deal up to 120 DMG to Poisoned enemies.
Below is a detailed breakdown of how to construct a competitive Poison deck:
Poisoned Deck Details
| Card | Quantity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Grimer | x2 | Applies Poisoned |
| Ekans | x2 | Evolves into Arbok |
| Arbok | x2 | Locks in the enemy’s Active Pokemon |
| Muk | x2 | Deals 120 DMG to Poisoned Pokemon |
| Koffing | x2 | Evolves into Weezing |
| Weezing | x2 | Applies Poisoned with an Ability |
| Koga | x2 | Puts an Active Weezing or Muk back in hand |
| Poke Ball | x2 | Draws a Basic Pokemon |
| Professor’s Research | x2 | Draws two cards |
| Sabrina | x1 | Forces the enemy’s Active Pokemon to Retreat |
| X Speed | x1 | Discounts the Retreat |
For alternative strategies, consider using the Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex lineup as a backup plan within a Poisoned deck. Alternatively, the Nidoking Evolution lineup (Nidoran, Nidorano, Nidoking) offers a slower but high-damage approach to utilizing Poisoned effects.
