Unveiling the Synergy: Corrosive and Toxic Spikes in Pokémon Battles
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is: Yes, to a degree. The Corrosive Ability allows a Pokémon to poison Pokémon that are normally immune to poison, namely Steel and Poison types. Toxic Spikes lays down poison upon entry. The key here is the interaction upon entry. When a Pokémon that is not a Flying-type and does not have the Levitate ability, switches in, it is poisoned or badly poisoned based on how many layers of Toxic Spikes are set. Therefore, the corrosive ability will allow Pokémon that are normally immune to be poisoned by toxic spikes.
Understanding the Mechanics
To fully understand the relationship, let’s break down each element separately:
The Corrosive Ability
Introduced with Salandit and Salazzle, the Corrosive Ability is a game-changer in the world of Pokémon status conditions. Traditionally, Poison and Steel-type Pokémon are immune to the Poison status. Corrosive bypasses this immunity. It’s important to note that Corrosive doesn’t guarantee a poison, it only removes the immunity. Moves like Poison Gas or items like the Toxic Orb still need to inflict the Poison status successfully. Furthermore, certain abilities like Immunity override Corrosive, preventing the Poison status regardless.
Toxic Spikes: The Entry Hazard
Toxic Spikes is a Ground-type entry hazard. The more layers of Toxic Spikes, the worse the consequence:
-
One Layer: Pokémon entering the battle are Poisoned.
-
Two Layers: Pokémon entering the battle are Badly Poisoned (also known as Toxic Poison), increasing damage each turn.
Crucially, Flying-type Pokémon, those with the Levitate Ability, and Poison and Steel-type Pokémon are immune to Toxic Spikes.
The Interaction: Where Corrosion and Toxic Spikes Meet
Here’s where the Corrosive Ability comes into play with Toxic Spikes. If the opposing player has Toxic Spikes set on their side of the field and a Steel or Poison-type Pokémon with the Corrosive Ability switches in, it won’t remove the hazard but, if the opposing player switches out into a Steel or Poison-type without Corrosive, the Corrosive Ability allows that Pokémon to be affected by the Toxic Spikes and become poisoned (or badly poisoned if two layers are present), as the Corrosive Ability removes their natural immunity. In summary, Corrosive allows the Pokémon to be vulnerable to the Toxic Spikes.
However, if the switch-in has Immunity, they are still immune. It is also worth noting that switching a Poison-type Pokémon without the Corrosive ability into Toxic Spikes will remove the hazard.
This adds a layer of strategic complexity, forcing players to consider their opponent’s abilities when using Toxic Spikes.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Toxic Spikes and Corrosion
To further enhance your understanding of these mechanics, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. What gets rid of Toxic Spikes?
Toxic Spikes can be removed by:
- Switching in a Poison-type Pokémon (without Corrosive, remember!). This absorbs the spikes and removes them from the field.
- Using the move Rapid Spin.
- Using the move Defog.
2. Does Corrosion work on Poison types?
Yes. Traditionally, Poison types are immune to being poisoned. Corrosion negates this immunity, allowing you to poison them with moves like Poison Gas or items like Toxic Orb.
3. Do Steel types absorb Toxic Spikes?
No. Steel types are immune to Toxic Spikes, but they do not absorb them. This means switching in a Steel-type Pokémon will not remove the Toxic Spikes from the field.
4. Does toxic debris work with substitute?
No, Toxic Debris does not activate on substitutes. Also, if more than two layers of Toxic Spikes should be set, the ability does not activate.
5. Does Salazzle’s Corrosion Affect Toxic Spikes In Pokemon Sun & Moon?
Salazzle‘s Corrosion ability can affect Poison or Steel-type Pokémon as previously described, however, it doesn’t affect the spikes themselves as Toxic Spikes is an entry hazard, not a Pokémon. It can however bypass the Poison and Steel-type immunity on the opposing team, making it vulnerable to the hazard.
6. Is toxic or Toxic Spikes better?
It depends on your battle strategy. Toxic inflicts the Badly Poisoned status immediately, while Toxic Spikes requires setup. Toxic Spikes can be absorbed by Poison-type Pokémon.
7. Is Toxic Spikes worth it?
Toxic Spikes can be very powerful if you can get two layers up, inflicting the Badly Poisoned status on switching Pokémon. However, its effectiveness is situational and depends on the opponent’s team composition.
8. Does Toxic Spikes affect Steel?
Normally, Toxic Spikes do not affect Steel-type Pokémon, however, Corrosive will allow Toxic Spikes to affect them.
9. What’s better Toxic Spikes or stealth rock?
This is subjective and dependent on team composition and strategy, however, most people agree that Stealth Rock is better due to many Pokemon being weak to rock or have abilities like Sturdy.
10. Can you use both spikes and Toxic Spikes?
Yes. You can have multiple layers of Spikes and Toxic Spikes simultaneously, alongside Stealth Rock and Sticky Web, if applicable.
11. Is corrosive the same as toxic?
No. Corrosive is an ability that removes Poison-type immunity. Toxic is a move that inflicts the Badly Poisoned status.
12. How many turns does Toxic Spikes last?
Toxic Spikes persists until removed by a method listed in question 1. Each layer can be set once.
13. What is corrosive or non corrosive poison?
The use of the term “corrosive poison” here is not in the context of Pokémon.
14. Are Toxic Spikes permanent?
No, Toxic Spikes are not permanent and can be removed. See question 1.
15. What does 2 layers of Toxic Spikes do?
Two layers of Toxic Spikes inflict the Badly Poisoned (Toxic Poison) status on opposing Pokémon that switch in.
Strategic Implications
The combination of Corrosive and Toxic Spikes creates interesting strategic possibilities:
-
Bait and Switch: Use a Corrosive Ability Pokémon to lure out Steel or Poison-type Pokémon, set up Toxic Spikes, then switch to a Pokémon that can take advantage of the Poison status.
-
Area Control: Toxic Spikes creates an element of area control, punishing opponents for switching. Corrosive expands the area control to include traditionally safe Pokémon.
-
Mind Games: The mere presence of a Corrosive Ability Pokémon forces your opponent to second-guess their switches, potentially leading to misplays.
Beyond the Battlefield: The Psychology of Status Effects
Status conditions in Pokémon, like Poison, Burn, Paralysis, and Sleep, are not just mechanics; they are psychological tools. Inflicting a status effect on your opponent can induce frustration, leading to rash decisions. This psychological warfare is a subtle but crucial aspect of competitive Pokémon battling. The Games Learning Society understands the impact of game design on our psychology and behavior. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the educational power of gaming.
The interplay between Corrosive and Toxic Spikes exemplifies the depth and complexity of the Pokémon battle system. It’s a testament to the strategic layers that make Pokémon a consistently engaging and rewarding game. By understanding these interactions, you can elevate your gameplay and become a more formidable trainer.