Is Anything Immune to Poison Pokémon? A Comprehensive Guide
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.
Yes, several Pokémon types exhibit immunity to Poison-type attacks. The primary categories of Pokémon immune to poison are Steel-type and Poison-type Pokémon themselves. However, the specifics and nuances surrounding these immunities, along with other related aspects, are more detailed and require deeper exploration. This article aims to provide a complete guide, addressing all aspects of poison immunity in the Pokémon universe and answering 15 related frequently asked questions to clear up all the confusion.
Understanding Poison Immunity in Pokémon
Steel-Type Immunity
Steel-type Pokémon are the most straightforward example of immunity to Poison. Their metallic composition renders them completely unaffected by the toxic effects of poison. This immunity is part of their broader resistance profile, which also includes resistances to Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type attacks. However, it’s important to note that Steel types are vulnerable to Fire, Fighting, and Ground-type moves. Their immune to poison status sets them apart, as they are not susceptible to its damaging and status-inflicting properties.
Poison-Type Immunity
Poison-type Pokémon are also immune to being poisoned by other Poison-type attacks, a case of “like resisting like“. This inherent immunity is logical; just as a fire type is generally unaffected by fire moves, Poison types, by their toxic nature, would not typically succumb to poison themselves. However, the caveat to this is the introduction of the ability Corrosion in Generation VII. Pokémon with the ability Corrosion can inflict poison status even on Poison-type Pokémon, thus circumventing their usual immunity.
Grounded Poison-Types and Toxic Spikes
There’s another interesting mechanic related to grounded Poison-type Pokémon. When a Poison-type Pokémon is switched into battle, and is on the ground (not flying, levitating or otherwise held up), it will automatically clear Toxic Spikes from its side of the field. Toxic Spikes are a hazard that causes poison upon switching into battle. This adds a strategic element, giving Poison-type Pokémon a tactical advantage in battles involving these entry hazards.
Other Related Resistances and Interactions
Bug-Type Interactions
In early generations, Bug and Poison were mutually “super-effective” against each other. However, this was changed in Generation II. Now, Poison-type moves are normally effective against Bug-types but now are also resisted by bug-type Pokémon.
Dark-Type and Steel-Type Changes
While Dark-type Pokémon do not have any special interactions with poison specifically, they were adjusted in Generation VI to be neutral to steel, and their spammable moves are now often unresisted. Similarly, Ghost was also adjusted to have spammable moves that are unresisted.
Fairy-Type Weaknesses
While Fairy-type Pokémon are not immune to Poison, they are significantly weak against them. This weakness, alongside weaknesses to Steel and Fire, helps balance the Fairy type. This means that when fighting a Fairy-type, using a Poison-type attack can be a strong choice.
Poison Resistances
The article mentions the idea that since poison is a liquid it makes sense than it resists physical types including grass, bug and fairy. It also mentions that poison resists fighting. This is because most fighting-type moves are close-range.
Other forms of Immunity
Shedinja’s Wonder Guard
The unique Shedinja is effectively immune to most kinds of attacks due to its ability Wonder Guard. It only takes damage from super-effective hits, conditions, and weather, which makes it different from the specific type based immunity that other pokemon possess.
Human Immunity to Poison
The article also touches on the possibility of developing human immunity to specific poisons after repeated exposure. This is different from type-based immunity in Pokémon but can happen in real life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances surrounding poison immunity in the Pokémon world:
1. Can a Poison-type Pokémon be poisoned by another Poison-type move?
Normally, no. Poison-type Pokémon are immune to being poisoned by other Poison-type attacks unless the attacker has the ability Corrosion.
2. Do all Steel-type Pokémon have immunity to Poison?
Yes, all Steel-type Pokémon are immune to Poison-type attacks by default.
3. What type of moves are super-effective against Poison types?
Poison types are weak to Ground and Psychic-type moves.
4. What other abilities are similar to Corrosion in overcoming poison immunity?
There is not another ability like Corrosion that circumvents the immunity to poison. However, there are abilities and items that can prevent the application of status conditions, like poison, onto the user.
5. Does Dark-type Pokémon resist Poison-type moves?
No, Dark-type Pokémon do not resist Poison-type attacks. They are neutral.
6. Is there a way to make Poison-type immune to its own poison?
Poison-type Pokémon are naturally immune to being poisoned by other Poison-type attacks, unless an opponent has the Corrosion ability.
7. Does the immunity from poison extend to poison damage over time?
Yes, the immunity to poison prevents both the immediate damage of a poison-type attack, and the poison status condition itself, which is the damage over time.
8. Are there Pokémon that are specifically resistant to Poison?
Yes, Bug-type Pokémon resist Poison attacks.
9. What types are resistant to poison, other than bug types?
Grass, Fairy, and Fighting types also have a resistance to poison attacks.
10. What is the advantage of being a Grounded Poison-type Pokémon?
A grounded Poison-type Pokémon will remove Toxic Spikes when switching in to battle.
11. What type is Gardevoir weak to?
Gardevoir is weak to Steel, Ghost, and Poison-type attacks.
12. What are the most common weaknesses among Pokémon types?
Grass-type Pokémon have the most weaknesses (Fire, Flying, Bug, Poison and Ice), followed by Rock-types.
13. Are Grass-type Pokémon immune to poison?
No, Grass-type Pokémon are not immune to Poison. In fact, they are weak to poison attacks.
14. How many creatures in the Monster Manual are immune to poison?
According to the article, there are 96 creatures immune to poison, making it the most common type of immunity. This information is likely pulled from Dungeons and Dragons, which is a different game than Pokemon.
15. Is there any other way for a Pokémon to be immune to all attacks?
Shedinja, with its ability Wonder Guard, can only be damaged by super-effective hits, conditions, and weather, making it a notable exception.
Conclusion
The concept of poison immunity in Pokémon is multifaceted and involves specific type interactions and abilities. Steel-type Pokémon and Poison-type Pokémon (with some exceptions) are your primary examples of creatures immune to poison. These immunities, along with other resistances and type matchups, add layers of strategy to the Pokémon battles, making the game engaging and complex. Understanding these nuances is essential for any aspiring Pokémon trainer!