This guide explores the intricacies of the "Poisoned" status condition in Pokémon TCG Pocket, covering its mechanics, applicable cards, countermeasures, and optimal deck building strategies.
Quick Links
- What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
- Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
- How to Cure Poisoned
- Building Effective Poison Decks
Pokémon TCG Pocket incorporates several Special Conditions from the physical card game, including "Poisoned." This effect gradually depletes an Active Pokémon's HP until it's knocked out or the condition is removed. Understanding how Poisoned is applied, which Pokémon possess this ability, how to counteract it, and how to leverage it strategically is crucial for success.
What is 'Poisoned' in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Poisoned is a Special Condition inflicting a 10 HP reduction at the end of each round. This calculation occurs during the round's Checkup phase. Unlike some temporary effects, Poisoned persists until cured or the Pokémon is knocked out. While stackable with other Special Conditions, multiple Poisoned effects on a single Pokémon don't increase the HP loss beyond 10 per turn. However, this status can be exploited by certain Pokémon, such as Muk, which inflicts bonus damage against Poisoned opponents.
Which Cards Inflict Poisoned?
In the Genetic Apex expansion, several cards can inflict the Poisoned status:
- Weezing
- Grimer
- Nidoking
- Tentacruel
- Venomoth
Grimer stands out as an effective Basic Pokémon, applying Poisoned with a single Energy. Weezing offers another strong option, utilizing its "Gas Leak" ability (no Energy required) while Active.
For aspiring Poison deck builders, exploring the game's Rental Decks is recommended. Koga's Rental Deck, featuring Grimer and Arbok, serves as an excellent starting point.
How to Cure Poisoned?
Three methods exist for removing the Poisoned status:
- Evolution: Evolving a Poisoned Pokémon removes the condition.
- Retreat: Moving a Poisoned Pokémon to the Bench halts further HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion mitigate the effect by restoring HP, but don't cure the condition itself.
Building Effective Poison Decks
While not a top-tier archetype, a potent Poison deck can be constructed around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk synergy. This strategy focuses on quickly poisoning opponents with Grimer, trapping them with Arbok, and capitalizing on Muk's increased damage against Poisoned targets.
The following table details 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 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 incorporating Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex, or a slower, high-damage approach using the Nidoking evolution line (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking).
