As their typing title would indicate, Poison-type Pokémon are the most toxic creatures to be found in Pokémon. With a bestiary that includes poisonous bugs, poisonous snakes, and even a giant trash bag, these Pokémon can cause a bevy of problems if used to their full potential.
With Pokémon Scarlet and Violet set to release in the fall, fans can expect to see more poisonous baddies fill up the Pokédex. But among the pre-existing Poison-type Pokémon, who does Ranker deem the best?
Note: Ranker lists are live and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
Nidoqueen
Nidoqueen is a very maternal Pokémon, it is very protective of the young Nidoran that it looks after. Whenever its younglings are in danger, this drill Pokémon shows off its strength as it defends its offspring from any harm.
Nidoqueen's protective nature is reflected in battle, as it's more defense-oriented compared to its male counterpart, Nidoking. That isn't to say that it can't dish out the pain, as it can unleash an Earthquake or a Stomping Tantrum in addition to its Poison-type moves. Best to stay on this Pokémon's good side.
Arbok
Arbok is best known as one of Team Rocket's more reliable Pokémon in the Pokémon anime, under the tutelage of Jessie. Whenever Ash and his friends encountered Team Rocket in their adventures through Kanto and Johto, they can always expect to see an Arbok make an appearance - and eventually receive a Thunderbolt from Pikachu. Even with all the pain it has endured, Arbok has lingered around long enough in the anime to be a recognizable face among fans.
Arbok isn't that remarkable of a Pokémon, as it has middling stats all across the board. But the cobra Pokémon does get a few props for its design, with a scary face-like pattern on its hood.
Muk
Muk is a simple Pokémon with a simple name, based on nothing more than a giant pile of sludge. A living biohazard, the sludge Pokémon can be found in polluted areas. Its effects are so lethal that they can kill plant life, or even leave an entire landscape to waste!
Muk functions best as a tank, with a high enough HP and special defense to give it plenty of durabilities. It's also a physical attacker, so it can put moves like Poison Jab to good use. Muk may be just purple sludge with eyes and a mouth, but its simplicity holds a special place in the heart of Genwunners.
Salazzle
Obtaining a Salazzle in Pokémon Sun and Moon is pretty hard. It can only evolve from a female Salandit at level 32 - and the thing is, female Salandit are quite uncommon in the Alola region. But that doesn't seem to faze Salazzle any, as it can make the abundant male Salandit its slaves.
Funky evolution aside, Salazzle is a superb Pokémon in its own right. Not only is it a good glass cannon with its great speed and special attack, but its Corrosion ability allows it to poison Steel-types! Salazzle may not last long in battle due to its suspect defenses, so it's worth it to strike before the opponent unleashes an Earthquake.
Toxicroak
As a Pokémon with a secondary Fighting type, Toxicroak is one of the more physical Poison-type Pokémon around. It primarily attacks with its stings and claws, which secrete poison. Anyone who dares to come in with this toxic mouth Pokemon will more than likely end up poisoned.
Unlike many other Poison-types, Toxicroak matches up well with Rock and Steel-type Pokémon thanks to moves such as Drain Punch and Brick Break. It also knows hard-hitting moves such as Gunk Shot, which is among the most powerful moves that most Poison-type Pokémon can learn.
Toxtricity
Toxtricity has a remarkable punk rock flair about it, and it even has a unique typing too in Electric/Poison. It's so special that it has two forms - the slouching Amped Form, and the more upright and confident Low Key form. No other Pokémon carries itself like Toxtricity, with its attitude and design, and that may easily explain why this Pokémon is one of the more popular monsters from Generation VIII.
No matter the form, Toxtricity still packs quite a punch with moves like Sludge Bomb, Overdrive, and Boomburst. It has a Punk Rock ability that amplifies the power of its sound-based moves. The rocker-inspired Pokémon also has a Gigantamax form, which looks even more metal than regular Toxtricity.
Crobat
Sleek and menacing, Crobat can fly over long distances without breaking a sweat. With its two sets of wings, the bat Pokémon can fly at lightning-fast speeds, all without making a single sound. That makes it great for sucking blood with its sharp fangs, without ever being caught. It's quite of a step-up from its big-mouth evolution Golbat, thanks in part to its aerodynamic design which fans may take a liking to.
While Crobat may not offer much on the offensive or defensive end, its biggest attribute is its blazing 130 speed. There's also the fact that it can learn Double Team, which makes this relatively sneaky Pokémon even more evasive.
Nidoking
Whereas Nidoqueen is more maternal and protective, Nidoking is all about raw power and strength. Most of its power lies in its tail, which can crush prey and enemies alike. And no one would want to see it when it goes on a rampage.
Nidoking is one of the best dual-type Ground Pokémon out there and is much more of a physical threat than Nidoqueen thanks to its 105 attack. The drill Pokémon has a varied movepool as well, and its Sheer Force hidden ability will sacrifice the secondary effects of its moves for more power. Nidoking in general is just a very powerful Pokémon, which is why fans view it so highly.
Venusaur
Since it's one of the final starter evolutions in Kanto, Vensaur has received a lot of perks much like Charizard and Blastoise. Not only does it have a Mega Evolution, but it also has a Gigantamax Form. And of course, being a Pokémon from Kanto has helped it garner plenty of favor in the Pokémon community.
Longtime Pokémon fans may accredit Vensaur for helping them get past the first two gyms in Pokémon Red/Blue, but the seed Pokémon is much handier than that. When it Mega Evolves, Venusaur becomes a tough cookie to bring down, thanks to its Thick Fat ability providing resistance to Fire and Ice-type moves.
Gengar
Arguably one of the more popular Pokémon around, Gengar has been scaring foes affright and causing mischief since its Generation I debut. It's so recognized as a Ghost-type Pokémon, that some may tend to forget that this shadow Pokémon is also a Poison-type.
With an absurd 130 special attack and a high speed to go along with it, Gengar has unreal sweeping potential. It can poison foes with Sludge Bomb, or drag their defense down a bit with Shadow Ball. Want to make Gengar even more unstoppable? Just make it Mega Evolve.
