Toxic Spikes (move)

Toxic Spikes どくびし Toxic Spikes

Battles Type  Poison Category  Status PP  20 (max. 32) Power  — Accuracy  —% Priority  0 Does not make contact Not affected by Protect Affected by Magic Coat and Magic Bounce Not affected by Snatch Not affected by Mirror Move Not affected by King's Rock

Range Opponent Opponent Opponent Self Ally Ally Other Side: Affects the opponent's side of the field

Availability Introduced  Generation IV TR54 in Pokémon Sword and Shield TM091 in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet TM089 in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Contests Condition  Clever Appeal  2 ♥♥ Jam  0   The Pokémon appealing after self cannot raise its voltage that turn.

Super Contests Condition  Clever Appeal  2 ♥♥ Prevents the Voltage from going up in the same turn.

Contest Spectaculars Condition  Clever Appeal  2 ♥♥ Jamming  0   Makes the remaining Pokémon nervous.

On Smogon's Movedex: Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX

Toxic Spikes (Japanese: どくびし Toxic Spikes) is a non-damaging Poison-type move introduced in Generation IV.

It is:

• TR54 in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
• TM091 in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
• TM089 in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Contents

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Close table of contents

• (Return to top)
• Effect
  • Generation IV
  • Generations V onwards
  • Generation IX
    • Pokémon Legends: Z-A
• Description
• Learnset
  • By leveling up
  • By TM/TR
  • By breeding
  • Special move
    • Generation V
    • Generation VII
• In other games
  • Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series
  • Pokémon Rumble Rush
  • Description
• In animation
  • Pokémon animated series
• In the manga
  • Pokémon Adventures
• In other generations
  • Core series games
  • Side series games
  • Spin-off series games
• Trivia
• In other languages

Contents

Effect

Generation IV

Toxic Spikes sets an entry hazard around the target Pokémon. One layer of Toxic Spikes causes opposing Pokémon to acquire the poison status ailment upon switching in, while two or more layers causes opposing Pokémon to become badly poisoned.

Toxic Spikes has no effect against Flying-, Poison-, or Steel-type Pokémon or Pokémon with the Ability Immunity, Levitate, Leaf Guard (during intense sunlight), or Magic Guard. If a Pokemon is under the affect of Magnet Rise, it will not be affected by Toxic Spikes. However, a Flying or Levitating Pokémon will be affected if it is switched in while holding an Iron Ball, while Gravity is in effect, or if Baton Passed an Ingrain.

If a grounded Poison-type Pokémon is switched in, it will absorb Toxic Spikes and the effect of Toxic Spikes will end. The moves Rapid Spin and Defog remove the effect of Toxic Spikes; Rapid Spin removes Toxic Spikes set around the user of Rapid Spin while Defog removes Toxic Spikes set around the target of Defog.

Toxic Spikes does not activate the Ability Synchronize unless a Pokémon on the field directly causes Synchronizing Pokémon to switch in, such as by using the moves Roar or Whirlwind.

Generations V onwards

If a Pokémon is holding an Air Balloon, it will not be affected by Toxic Spikes, unless Gravity is in effect. A Poison-type Pokémon holding an Air Balloon will not absorb Toxic Spikes, unless Gravity is in effect.

Toxic Spikes can now be reflected with Magic Coat. Magic Guard will not prevent poisoning status but will prevent poison damage.

A Pokemon with Comatose or holding Heavy-Duty Boots will not be poisoned by Toxic Spikes. A grounded Poison-type Pokémon holding Heavy-Duty Boots can still remove Toxic Spikes on switching in.

Toxic Spikes does not activate the Ability Synchronize at all, even if a Pokémon on the field directly causes Synchronizing Pokémon to switch in, such as by using a move like Roar or Dragon Tail.

Toxic Spikes can be used as part of a Contest Spectacular combination, causing certain moves (Circle Throw, Dragon Tail, Hex, Roar, Venom Drench, Venoshock and Whirlwind) to give an extra three appeal points if used in the next turn.

If powered up by a Poisonium Z into Z-Toxic Spikes, the user's Defense stat rises by one stage.

Generation IX

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Poison-type Pokémon do not clear away the trap set by Toxic Spikes in Legends Z-A, though they are still immunne to its effect by virtue of their type.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Category  Status Accuracy  100% Standard Plus Move Power — Cooldown  7s Move wind-up time  1 frame Effect duration  —s Additional effect  —  —  — None

Description

Games Description DPPtHGSSPBR The user lays a trap of poison spikes at the foe's feet. They poison foes that switch into battle. BWB2W2 The user lays a trap of poison spikes at the opponent's feet. They poison opponents that switch into battle. XYORAS The user lays a trap of poison spikes at the opposing team's feet. They poison opposing Pokémon that switch into battle. SMUSUMPE SwShBDSPLA SV The user lays a trap of poison spikes at the feet of the opposing team. The spikes will poison opposing Pokémon that switch into battle. ZA The user lays a trap of poison spikes in front of itself. The spikes will poison susceptible opposing Pokémon that make contact with them. Champs Gives the opponent's side the Toxic Spikes status.

Learnset

By leveling up

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups	Level
					IV	V	VI	VII	VIII		IX
								SMUSUM	SwSh	BDSP	SV	ZA
0015		Beedrill		Bug	25	25	25	29		29		29
0029		Nidoran♀		Monster Field	31	31	31	31	20	20
0030		Nidorina		No Eggs Discovered	35	35	35	35	21	21
0031		Nidoqueen		No Eggs Discovered	−	−	−	−	1	1
0032		Nidoran♂		Monster Field	31	31	31	31	20	20
0033		Nidorino		Monster Field	35	35	35	35	21	21
0034		Nidoking		Monster Field	−	−	−	−	1	1
0069		Bellsprout		Grass	−	−	−	−		−	−	26
0070		Weepinbell		Grass	−	−	−	−		−	−	26
0071		Victreebel		Grass	−	−	−	−		−	−	26
0072		Tentacool		Water 3	15	15	15XY 13ORAS	13	−	−	−
0073		Tentacruel		Water 3	15	15	15XY 13ORAS	13	−	−	−
0091		Cloyster		Water 3	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
0194		Wooper Paldean Form		Water 1 Field							12
0205		Forretress		Bug	1	1	1	1		1	1
0211		Qwilfish		Water 2	21	21	21	21	36	36	36	36
0211		Qwilfish Hisuian Form		Water 2							36	36
0315		Roselia		Fairy Grass	28	28	28	28	20	20		22
0386		Deoxys Normal Forme		No Eggs Discovered	−	−	−	−		25	−
0386		Deoxys Attack Forme		No Eggs Discovered	−	−	−	−		25	−
0386		Deoxys Speed Forme		No Eggs Discovered	−	−	−	−		25	−
0407		Roserade		Fairy Grass	−	−	−	−	1	1		22
0451		Skorupi		Bug Water 3	34DP 28PtHGSS	28BW 34B2W2	34	34	15	15
0452		Drapion		Bug Water 3	34DP 28PtHGSS	28BW 34B2W2	34	34	15	15
0568		Trubbish		Mineral		7	7	7	15			15
0569		Garbodor		Mineral		1, 7	1, 7	1, 7	15			15
0590		Foongus		Grass		−	−	−	−		−	22
0591		Amoonguss		Grass		−	−	−	−		−	22
0747		Mareanie		Water 1				13	30		30
0748		Toxapex		Water 1				1, 13	30		30
0793		Nihilego		No Eggs Discovered				29	40
0904		Overqwil		Water 2							36	36
0970		Glimmora		Mineral							1	Evo.
0980		Clodsire		Water 1 Field							4
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose Evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

By TM/TR

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups	Compatibility
					VIII	IX
					SwSh TR54	SV TM091	ZA TM089
0015		Beedrill		Bug			✔
0023		Ekans		Field Dragon		✔	−
0024		Arbok		Field Dragon		✔	−
0029		Nidoran♀		Monster Field	✔
0030		Nidorina		No Eggs Discovered	✔
0031		Nidoqueen		No Eggs Discovered	✔
0032		Nidoran♂		Monster Field	✔
0033		Nidorino		Monster Field	✔
0034		Nidoking		Monster Field	✔
0048		Venonat		Bug		✔
0049		Venomoth		Bug		✔
0053		Persian Alolan Form		Field	−	−	✔
0069		Bellsprout		Grass		−	✔
0070		Weepinbell		Grass		−	✔
0071		Victreebel		Grass		−	✔
0072		Tentacool		Water 3	✔	✔
0073		Tentacruel		Water 3	✔	✔
0080		Slowbro Galarian Form		Monster Water 1		−	✔
0089		Muk		Amorphous		✔
0090		Shellder		Water 3	−	✔
0091		Cloyster		Water 3	✔	✔
0093		Haunter		Amorphous	−	✔	✔
0094		Gengar		Amorphous	−	✔	✔
0109		Koffing		Amorphous	✔	✔
0110		Weezing		Amorphous	✔	✔
0110		Weezing Galarian Form		Amorphous	✔	✔
0138		Omanyte		Water 1 Water 3	✔
0139		Omastar		Water 1 Water 3	✔
0151		Mew		No Eggs Discovered	✔	✔
0167		Spinarak		Bug		✔	✔
0168		Ariados		Bug		✔	✔
0194		Wooper		Water 1 Field	−	✔
0194		Wooper Paldean Form		Water 1 Field		✔
0195		Quagsire		Water 1 Field	−	✔
0199		Slowking Galarian Form		Monster Water 1	−	✔	✔
0204		Pineco		Bug		✔
0205		Forretress		Bug		✔
0207		Gligar		Bug		✔
0211		Qwilfish		Water 2	✔	✔	✔
0211		Qwilfish Hisuian Form		Water 2		✔	✔
0215		Sneasel Hisuian Form		Field		✔
0275		Shiftry		Field Grass	−	✔
0315		Roselia		Fairy Grass	✔		✔
0316		Gulpin		Amorphous		✔	✔
0317		Swalot		Amorphous		✔	✔
0331		Cacnea		Grass Human-Like		✔
0332		Cacturne		Grass Human-Like		✔
0407		Roserade		Fairy Grass	✔		✔
0416		Vespiquen		Bug	✔	✔
0434		Stunky		Field	−	✔
0435		Skuntank		Field	−	✔
0451		Skorupi		Bug Water 3	✔
0452		Drapion		Bug Water 3	✔
0472		Gliscor		Bug		✔
0543		Venipede		Bug	✔		✔
0544		Whirlipede		Bug	✔		✔
0545		Scolipede		Bug	✔		✔
0562		Yamask		Mineral Amorphous	✔		✔
0562		Yamask Galarian Form		Mineral Amorphous	✔		✔
0563		Cofagrigus		Mineral Amorphous	✔		✔
0568		Trubbish		Mineral	✔		✔
0569		Garbodor		Mineral	✔		✔
0590		Foongus		Grass	−	−	✔
0591		Amoonguss		Grass	−	−	✔
0616		Shelmet		Bug	✔
0617		Accelgor		Bug	✔
0656		Froakie		Water 1		✔	✔
0657		Frogadier		Water 1		✔	✔
0658		Greninja All available forms		Water 1		✔	✔
0678		Meowstic Male		Field	−	−	✔
0690		Skrelp		Water 1 Dragon	✔	✔	✔
0691		Dragalge		Water 1 Dragon	✔	✔	✔
0747		Mareanie		Water 1	✔	✔
0748		Toxapex		Water 1	✔	✔
0793		Nihilego		No Eggs Discovered	✔
0803		Poipole		No Eggs Discovered	✔		✔
0804		Naganadel		No Eggs Discovered	✔		✔
0849		Toxtricity All forms		Human-Like	−	✔	✔
0867		Runerigus		Mineral Amorphous	✔		✔
0871		Pincurchin		Water 1 Amorphous	✔	✔
0890		Eternatus		No Eggs Discovered	✔	✔
0903		Sneasler		Field		✔
0904		Overqwil		Water 2		✔	✔
0908		Meowscarada		Field Grass		✔
0917		Tarountula		Bug		✔
0918		Spidops		Bug		✔
0944		Shroodle		Field		−	✔
0945		Grafaiai		Field		−	✔
0948		Toedscool		Grass		✔
0949		Toedscruel		Grass		✔
0965		Varoom		Mineral		✔
0966		Revavroom		Mineral		✔
0969		Glimmet		Mineral		✔	✔
0970		Glimmora		Mineral		✔	✔
0980		Clodsire		Water 1 Field		✔
0994		Iron Moth		No Eggs Discovered		✔
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose Evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

By breeding

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups	Egg Move
					IV	V	VI	VII	VIII	IX
								SMUSUM	BDSP	SV
0048		Venonat		Bug	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
0109		Koffing		Amorphous	−	−	✔	✔	✔	−
0138		Omanyte		Water 1 Water 3	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
0167		Spinarak		Bug	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	−
0204		Pineco		Bug	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
0543		Venipede		Bug		✔	✔	✔
0562		Yamask		Mineral Amorphous		−	✔	✔
0616		Shelmet		Bug		−	−	✔USUM
0656		Froakie		Water 1			✔	✔		✔
0690		Skrelp		Water 1 Dragon			✔	✔		−
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose Evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

Special move

Generation V

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups	Obtained with
0204		Pineco		Bug	Dream World - Dream Park
0545		Scolipede		Bug	Dream World - Pleasant Forest
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose Evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

Generation VII

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups	Obtained with
0543		Venipede		Bug	Island Scan - Route 4SM
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose Evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

In other games

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

Toxic Spikes causes the user to create a Toxic Spikes trap underneath them, as long as it is a land tile that is neither stairs nor Kecleon Shop carpet. The trap also cannot be laid in hallways and the entrance of a room. Any Pokémon that triggers a Toxic Spikes trap will become poisoned and be damaged (10 HP damage in the Explorers series, 20 HP damage in Super Mystery Dungeon). Poison-type and Steel-type Pokémon will still be damaged from the trap though they will not be poisoned. Flying-type and levitating Pokémon will also be affected by the Toxic Spikes trap.

Game Base Power Max Power Base PP Max PP Base Accuracy Max Accuracy Range Target Cuts corners MDTDS - - 18 - —% - Tile below user Floor - BSL - - 18 - —% - Tile below user Floor - MDGtI - - 17 50 —% - Tile below user Floor - SMD - - 17 40 —% - Tile below user Floor - With some exceptions, Pokémon learnsets match those from the core series games: MD Rescue Team = Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. MD Time and Darkness = Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. MD Sky = Pokémon Platinum. MD Adventure Squad = Pokémon Platinum. MD Gates to Infinity = Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. Super Mystery Dungeon = Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. MD Rescue Team DX = Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.

Pokémon Rumble Rush

In Pokémon Rumble Rush, all status moves including Toxic Spikes could only be used by opposing Pokémon and could not be obtained on any caught Pokémon. Toxic Spikes could be seen as a move used by Boss Mareanie.

Toxic Spikes

Charge time	1.26 seconds
Range type	Circular (ranged)
Target	Enemy
Additional effect	Badly poisons the foe

Description

Games Description MDTD Turns the user's tile into a Toxic Spikes trap. A Toxic Spikes trap inflicts damage on enemies that step on it and may also inflict them with a Poisoned status. MDS Turns the user's tile into a Toxic Spikes trap. A Toxic Spikes trap inflicts damage on enemies that step on it and inflicts them with a Poisoned status. BSL あしもとに わな『どくびし』を つくる わな『どくびし』を ふんだ てきポケモンは ダメージをうける しかも どくじょうたいに かわる MDGtI It turns your tile into a Toxic Spikes trap. A Toxic Spikes trap damages enemies that step on it and causes the Poisoned status. SMD It turns your tile into a Toxic Spikes trap. A Toxic Spikes trap damages enemies that step on it, making them poisoned.

In animation

Pokémon animated series

Drapion The field Affecting Pokémon Trubbish
The user lays a trap of poison spikes at the feet of the opposing team. The spikes will poison opposing Pokémon that switch into battle.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Used In		Notes
	Drapion opens its mouth and a dark purple orb forms inside it. It then fires the ball into the air, which spirals and releases four small streams of purple smoke from the top of the ball. The orb then explodes, forming multiple smaller orbs that fall and sink into the battlefield. The smaller orbs leave trails of purple smoke behind them as they fall. Any opposing non-Poison-type Pokémon that steps on the battlefield instantly becomes poisoned. However, the spikes will disappear if a Poison-type Pokémon steps onto the field.
Paul's Drapion	A Real Rival Rouser!		Debut
	Trubbish opens its mouth and a dark purple orb forms inside it. Trubbish then fires the orb into the air, leaving purple streams of energy behind it as it does. The orb then explodes in the air and smaller magenta orbs with a dark purple aura around them fall to the battlefield and sink into the ground. When the orbs sink into the ground, they leave behind a ring of magenta energy for a moment. When the opponent steps on where the orbs of energy sank into the ground, a small explosion occurs under its feet and a ring of purple energy expands outwards, damaging it.
A wild Trubbish	Here Comes the Trubbish Squad!		None

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Qwilfish Affecting Pokémon
The user lays a trap of poison spikes at the feet of the opposing team. The spikes will poison opposing Pokémon that switch into battle.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	Qwilfish puffs its body up like a balloon and fires multiple dark caltrops from the spikes on its body at the opponent, scattering them around the opponent's feet. When the opponent sends out a new Pokémon, the caltrops stab the opponent's feet, hurting and poisoning them.
The Battle Factory's Qwilfish	Uprooting Seedot		Debut

In other generations

Core series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	SV	Legends: Z-A	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Time and Darkness	MD: Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX	Champions

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	SV	Legends: Z-A	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Time and Darkness	MD: Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX	Champions

Side series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	SV	Legends: Z-A	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Time and Darkness	MD: Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX	Champions

Spin-off series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	SV	Legends: Z-A	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Time and Darkness	MD: Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX	Champions

Trivia

• In Pokémon Battle Revolution, the positioning of the spikes change every time a different animation is played.

In other languages

Language		Title
Chinese	Cantonese	毒菱 Duhklìhng * 毒尖釘 Duhkjīmdēng *
	Mandarin	毒菱 Dúlíng * 毒尖釘 Dújiāndīng *
Dutch		Giftige punten
French		Pics Toxik
German		Giftspitzen
Greek		Τοξικές Άκανθοι Toxikés Ákanthoi
Indonesian		Paku Beracun
Italian		Fielepunte
Korean		독압정 Dok Apjeong
Norwegian		Giftnåler
Polish		Toksyczne Kolce
Portuguese	Brazil	Espinhos Tóxicos (TCG) Espinhos Venenosos (animated series)
	Portugal	Farpas Tóxicas
Spanish		Púas Tóxicas
Vietnamese		Đinh Độc

Variations of the move Spikes
Spikes • Stealth Rock • Toxic Spikes • Sticky Web

This article is part of Project Moves and Abilities, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on two related aspects of the Pokémon games.