Pokemon Legends: Z-A is bringing back poison damage outside of battles as a mechanic that trainers must be aware of once the game launches on October 16. Though poison damage in Pokemon Legends: Z-A can still be remedied via items and Pokemon Centers, its effects as a hazard outside of combat have not been felt for multiple game generations.
Throughout the Pokemon franchise, some Pokemon moves or abilities can inflict a Status Condition, a debuff that affects its target in different ways. While the Poison and Burn conditions deal damage over time, a Burn also has the added side effect of cutting the physical attack potency of the afflicted Pokemon. Status Conditions like Sleep, Paralysis, and Frozen do not deal extra damage but instead can render a Pokemon unable to make a move in a battle. Status Conditions in the Pokemon series can be removed either by using an item like an Antidote or a Full Heal, or by healing up at a Pokemon Center.
As details about Pokemon Legends: Z-A made the rounds on social media, an attendee of the 2025 Pokemon World Championships noticed a detail for trainers to bear in mind. Pokemon content creator MunchingOrange...
