In *Pokemon TCG Pocket*, the Poisoned condition is a strategic element that can significantly impact gameplay. This guide delves into the intricacies of Poisoned, including its mechanics, the cards that can apply it, methods to cure it, and the most effective Poison decks to use in the current meta.
What Is 'Poisoned' in Pokemon TCG Pocket?
The Poisoned condition is a Special Condition that causes an Active Pokemon to lose 10 HP at the end of each round. This effect persists through the round's Checkup phase, and unlike some conditions, it doesn't resolve automatically or via coin flips. A Poisoned Pokemon will continue to lose HP until it's either cured or knocked out. While Poisoned can coexist with other Special Conditions, it does not stack with multiple Poison effects; a Pokemon will only lose 10 HP per turn, no matter how often Poisoned is applied. However, cards like Muk can exploit this status to deal additional damage, adding +50 DMG when facing a Poisoned opponent.
Which Cards Have the Poisoned Ability?
In the Genetic Apex expansion, five cards can inflict the Poisoned condition: Weezing, Grimer, Nidoking, Tentacruel, and Venomoth. Grimer stands out as a highly effective choice due to its ability to poison enemies with just one Energy as a Basic Pokemon. Weezing also offers strong Poison application through its Gas Leak ability, which requires no Energy but can only be used when Weezing is Active. For those new to Poison decks, *Pokemon Pocket*'s Rental Decks, such as Koga's, provide a great starting point, featuring cards like Grimer and Arbok.
How Do You Cure Poisoned?
To counter the Poisoned effect, you have three options:
- Evolution: Evolving the affected Pokemon removes the Poisoned status.
- Retreat: Moving the Poisoned Pokemon to the bench stops it from losing HP.
- Item Cards: Using cards like Potion can heal some HP, helping the Active Pokemon survive longer, though it doesn't cure the Poisoned condition itself.
What Is the Best Poison Deck?
While Poison decks may not dominate the current *Pokemon Pocket* meta, a strong lineup can be built around the Grimer, Arbok, and Muk trio. The strategy involves quickly poisoning opponents with Grimer, trapping them with Arbok, and then using Muk to deal up to 120 DMG to Poisoned foes. Here's a breakdown of a meta-relevant 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 your 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 |
As a backup strategy, consider incorporating Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex into your Poison deck. Alternatively, for a slower build that culminates in high damage, the Nidoking Evolution lineup (Nidoran, Nidorino, Nidoking) offers a compelling Poisoned strategy.
