The best Poison type Pokémon in Pokémon GO are Roserade, Gengar, and Muk, ranked by their performance in raids and gym battles. This list of the best Poison type Pokémon in Pokémon GO focuses on which attackers deal the highest damage per second (DPS) and total damage output (TDO) against Fairy- and Grass-type raid bosses, not just their maximum CP.
Why you need the best poison type Pokémon in Pokémon GO
Poison-type attackers are valuable in raids against Fairy- and Grass-type bosses, where their super-effective damage can turn the tide of battle. Building a team of the strongest Poison types ensures you have reliable counters for these common raid matchups, saving stardust and candy on less effective options. This list ranks them by raid performance (DPS/TDO), not just Max CP, so you know exactly which ones are worth your investment.
How we ranked the strongest poison-type attackers
Rankings consider best movesets, overall damage output, bulk, and type matchups in PvE. Shadow forms are stronger but are listed separately where relevant. This methodology ensures the list reflects real battle performance rather than raw stats alone, making it a trustworthy reference for building your attacker team. You will not find this kind of detail in typical mobile game tier lists.
1. Roserade
Roserade’s high Attack stat of 243 makes it the top Poison attacker in Pokémon GO. As a dual Grass/Poison type, its best moveset for a pure Poison role is Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb. It evolves from Budew using 25 candies into Roselia, then Roselia needs 100 candies and a Sinnoh Stone to evolve into Roserade. Its high damage output and solid bulk make it the premier choice for Poison-type raids. Base Capture Rate is 15% and Base Flee Rate is 7%.
2. Gengar
Gengar’s Ghost/Poison typing and massive Attack stat of 261 make it a glass cannon with the highest DPS among Poison types. Its best moveset is Lick and Shadow Ball for Ghost damage, but Sludge Bomb is a strong Poison option. It evolves from Gastly using 25 candies into Haunter, then 100 candies into Gengar. While frail, its raw power justifies the stardust investment for players who can keep it alive. Base Capture Rate is 10% and Base Flee Rate is 5%.
3. Muk
Muk is a pure Poison type with the best moveset of Poison Jab and Gunk Shot. It evolves from Grimer using 50 candies. Note that Shadow Muk and Alolan Muk share the same stats, but Alolan Muk adds Dark typing. Muk has three forms in the game: normal Muk, Team Rocket Go Shadow Muk, and Alola Muk, all sharing the same statistics. Muk’s balanced stats and reliable damage make it a durable and effective Poison attacker for any raid team.
4. Venusaur
Venusaur’s Grass/Poison typing gives it a best moveset of Vine Whip and Frenzy Plant for Grass damage, with Sludge Bomb as a Poison option. It evolves from Bulbasaur using 25 candies into Ivysaur, then 100 candies into Venusaur. Venusaur is a starter Pokémon in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green. Its Mega Evolution potential further boosts its value, making it a versatile choice for both Grass and Poison roles.
5. Crobat
Crobat’s Poison/Flying typing removes the Ground weakness, giving it a best moveset of Air Slash and Sludge Bomb. It evolves from Zubat using 25 candies into Golbat, then 100 candies into Crobat. Its Flying type grants resistance to Fighting and Bug attacks, making it a niche but effective Poison attacker in certain matchups.
6. Nidoking
Nidoking’s Poison/Ground typing allows it to serve as a dual Ground attacker with the best moveset of Poison Jab and Earthquake or Earth Power. It evolves from Nidoran♂ using 25 candies into Nidorino, then 100 candies into Nidoking. Its high Attack stat of 204 makes it a solid choice for raids where Ground damage is also needed.
7. Vileplume
Vileplume is a Grass/Poison type with a best moveset of Razor Leaf and Sludge Bomb. It evolves from Oddish using 25 candies into Gloom, then 100 candies into Vileplume. Compared to Roserade and Victreebel, Vileplume has lower Attack but decent bulk, making it a budget option for players who lack top-tier Grass/Poison attackers.
8. Toxicroak
Toxicroak’s Poison/Fighting typing makes it a Fighting attacker first, with a best moveset of Counter and Dynamic Punch. Sludge Bomb is available for Poison damage. It evolves from Croagunk using 50 candies. Its niche is in Fighting-type raids, but it can fill a Poison role if needed, though its low Defense limits its survivability.
9. Nidoqueen
Nidoqueen’s Poison/Ground typing gives it a best moveset of Poison Jab and Earth Power. It evolves from Nidoran♀ using 25 candies into Nidorina, then 100 candies into Nidoqueen. Compared to Nidoking, Nidoqueen has lower Attack (180 vs. 204) but higher bulk, making it a more durable but less damaging option for Poison raids.
10. Drapion
Drapion’s Poison/Dark typing leaves it with a single weakness to Ground attacks. Its best moveset is Bite and Sludge Bomb. It evolves from Skorupi using 50 candies. Its high Defense stat of 202 makes it a bulky Poison attacker, though its lower Attack limits its DPS compared to top options.
11. Scolipede
Scolipede’s Bug/Poison typing gives it a best moveset of Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb. It evolves from Venipede using 25 candies into Whirlipede, then 100 candies into Scolipede. Its decent Attack stat of 203 and access to Poison Jab make it a serviceable Poison attacker for players who lack better options.
12. Victreebel
Victreebel’s Grass/Poison typing gives it a best moveset of Razor Leaf and Sludge Bomb. It evolves from Bellsprout using 25 candies into Weepinbell, then 100 candies into Victreebel. Victreebel is well known in the Pokémon franchise for being one of Team Rocket James' Pokémon. Note that Shadow Victreebel is a top-tier Grass attacker, but its Poison performance is average due to its lower bulk and reliance on Grass moves.
13. Tentacruel
It evolves from Tentacool using 50 candies. Its defensive stats make it a bulky budget option, though its low Attack stat of 166 means it deals less damage than other Poison types on this list.
Where to find poison-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO
Poison-type Pokémon are commonly found in wetlands, industrial areas, and during cloudy weather boosts. Specific locations include ponds, lakes, marshes, bogs, and near factories or high-rises. Events and nests rotate availability, so checking in-game announcements for featured Poison types can help you target specific Pokémon like Roserade or Gengar. Potential future Poison-type Pokémon not yet released in Pokémon GO include Eternatus (Poison-Dragon) and Toxtricity (Electric-Poison). The Pokémon Go Team on Twitter usually announces when new Pokémon are added to the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest Poison-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Roserade is the strongest Poison-type attacker in Pokémon GO due to its high Attack stat and access to Poison Jab and Sludge Bomb. Its dual Grass typing also makes it effective against Water- and Ground-type raid bosses.
Are Shadow Poison Pokémon better than regular ones?
Yes, Shadow forms deal 20% more damage at the cost of reduced defense, making them stronger attackers in raids. Shadow Muk and Shadow Victreebel are notable examples that outperform their regular counterparts in DPS.
Can Poison-type Pokémon be used in Master League?
Poison types are rarely used in Master League due to their vulnerability to Psychic and Ground attacks, which are common in the meta. Muk and Drapion have niche uses, but they are generally outclassed by other types in PvP.
What weather boosts Poison-type Pokémon?
Cloudy weather boosts Poison-type spawns and attack power. This weather condition increases the chance of finding wild Poison types and makes your Poison moves deal more damage in battle.
How do I get a Sinnoh Stone to evolve Roserade?
Sinnoh Stones can be obtained by spinning PokéStops, completing research tasks, or battling in the Go Battle League. They are required for evolving certain Pokémon like Roselia into Roserade.
For the wider topic, see mobile game tier lists.
