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Pokemon Pocketreplicates several Special Conditions from the physicalPokemon Trading Card Game, with Poisoned being one of them. When this effect is applied, an Active Pokemon gradually loses HP until it’s either knocked out or cured. But there’s more to it. You need to understand how Poisoned is applied, which cards have this ability, how to cure it, and which decks exploit this effect in the current metagame. ThisPokemon TCG Pocketguide answers all these questions.
What Is ‘Poisoned’ in Pokemon TCG Pocket?
Poisoned isa Special Condition that reduces 10 HP at the end of each round. Like other Special Conditions, Poisoned is calculated during the round Checkup. However, unlike some effects, it doesn’t go away automatically or through coin flips. Once a Pokemon is Poisoned, it will keep losing HP until it’s cured or knocked out.
While Poisoned can stack with other Special Conditions, it cannot stack with additional Poison effects. In other words, a Pokemon will only lose 10 HP per turn regardless of how many times Poisoned is applied. However, you can leverage a Pokemon’s Poison status to deal extra damage with Poisoned beneficiaries like Muk, which adds +50 DMG when its opponent is Poisoned.
Which Cards Have the Poisoned Ability?
Inthe Genetic Apex expansion, only five cards can apply Poisoned: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Among these, Grimer is the most effective choice as a Basic Pokemon that poisons enemies with just one Energy. Weezing is another strong option, applying Poisoned through its ability, Gas Leak, which requires no Energy. However, it can only be used when Weezing is in the Active Pokemon slot.
If you’re interested in trying a Poisoned deck, check outPokemon Pocket’s Rental Decks. A great starting point is Koga’s Rental Deck, which includes cards like Grimer and Arbok.
There are three ways to handle the Poisoned effect:
What Is the Best Poison Deck?
Inthe currentPokemon Pocketmetagame, Poison isn’t a top-tier archetype, but you can create a strong lineup withthe Grimer, Arbok, and Muk trio. The strategy involves poisoning opponents quickly with Grimer, trapping them with Arbok, and leveraging Muk to deal up to 120 DMG to Poisoned enemies.
The table below outlineshow to build a META deckcentered around these synergies.
x2
Locks in the enemy’s Active Pokemon
Puts an Active Weezing or Muk back in your hand
Draws two cards
x1
Discounts the Retreat
You can use the Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex lineup in a Poisoned deck as a backup plan. You could also go with the Nidoking Evolution lineup (Nidoran, Nidorano, Nidoking) if you’re looking for a slow-build, high-damage Poisoned deck.
