Unveiling Pokémon TCG Pocket: Poisoned, Empowering 'Poison' Abilities

This guide delves into the Special Condition "Poisoned" in Pokémon TCG Pocket, explaining its mechanics, affected cards, cures, and optimal deck strategies.

Quick Navigation

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

Pokémon TCG Pocket features several Special Conditions mirroring the physical card game, including Poisoned. This condition gradually depletes an Active Pokémon's HP until it faints or the effect is removed. This guide clarifies how Poisoned works, which cards inflict it, how to counter it, and effective deck builds.

Understanding Poisoned

Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting 10 HP loss at the end of each round. Calculated during the round's Checkup phase, it persists until cured or the Pokémon faints, unlike some temporary effects. While it can combine with other Special Conditions, multiple Poisoned effects don't stack; a Pokémon only loses 10 HP per turn. However, this status can be leveraged; for example, Muk deals bonus damage (+50) to Poisoned opponents.

Cards with the Poisoned Ability

In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards inflict the Poisoned status: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as a Basic Pokémon poisoning foes with a single Energy. Weezing is another strong contender, using its "Gas Leak" ability (no Energy required) while Active.

Explore Pokémon Pocket's Rental Decks, particularly Koga's, which features Grimer and Arbok, for a Poisoned deck starting point.

Curing the Poisoned Status

Three methods neutralize the Poisoned effect:

1. Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
2. Retreat: Benching the affected Pokémon prevents further HP loss.
3. Item Cards: Cards like Potion heal HP but don't cure Poisoned, extending survivability.

Building a Top-Tier Poison Deck

While not a top-tier archetype, a potent Poison deck centers on the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. Grimer quickly poisons, Arbok traps opponents, and Muk inflicts up to 120 damage to Poisoned targets.

The following table details a meta-focused deck build:

Poisoned Deck Composition

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