In *Pokemon TCG Pocket*, the Sleep status condition can be a significant obstacle for players, potentially deciding the outcome of a match. Here’s everything you need to know about Sleep in *Pokemon TCG Pocket* and how to cure it effectively.
When a Pokemon in *TCG Pocket* falls asleep, it becomes completely incapacitated. It cannot attack, use abilities, or retreat to the bench. Essentially, your Pokemon becomes a vulnerable target in the active spot until the Sleep status is lifted.
Curing Sleep in *Pokemon TCG Pocket* is limited to two primary methods: a successful coin toss at the beginning of your turn or evolving the affected Pokemon. Each turn, a coin flip determines whether your Pokemon wakes up, potentially ending the Sleep in just one turn. However, consecutive unlucky flips could keep your Pokemon asleep for multiple turns, putting you at a strategic disadvantage.
While you're waiting for a favorable coin toss, you can prepare alternative attackers on your bench or hope to draw an evolution card. However, your opponent might capitalize on this downtime to set up their strategy or even knock out your sleeping Pokemon for an extra point.
A lesser-known method involves using the Koga Trainer card, which can return a sleeping Weezing or Muk to your hand. This option, however, is limited to those specific Pokemon.
Image via The Pokemon Company
There are eight cards in *Pokemon TCG Pocket* capable of inflicting the Sleep status, including Darkai, Wigglytuff, and the highly competitive Hypno. Below is a detailed list of these cards, their methods of inducing Sleep, and how to obtain them:
Sleep Card | Method | How to Get |
---|---|---|
Darkrai (A2 109) | Through its attack, Dark Void, as a guaranteed effect | Space-Time Smackdown (Dialga) |
Flabebe (A1a 036) | Using its move, Hypnotic Gaze, as a guaranteed effect | Mythical Island |
Frosmoth (A1 093) | With its Powder Snow attack, also a guaranteed status effect | Genetic Apex |
Hypno (A1 125) | Using its ability, Sleep Pendulum, based on a coin flip | Genetic Apex (Pikachu) |
Jigglypuff (P-A 022) | The guaranteed effect of its Sing attack | Promo-A |
Shiinotic (A1a 008) | A guaranteed secondary effect of its Flickering Spores attack | Mythical Island |
Vileplume (A1 013) | A side effect of using Soothing Scent | Genetic Apex (Charizard) |
Wigglytuff ex (A1 195) | An additional effect of its Sleepy Song attack | Genetic Apex (Pikachu) |
Among these, Hypno stands out as the most formidable due to its ability to induce Sleep from the bench without needing Energy. This makes Hypno an excellent support card for Psychic decks, enabling quick setups for powerful attackers like Mewtwo ex with its Psydrive, especially when paired with a Gardevoir to accelerate your strategy.
While Frosmoth and Wigglytuff ex can also be integrated into various decks, Hypno remains the top choice for maintaining competitiveness without hindering your overall strategy in the current *Pokemon TCG Pocket* meta.
With a solid understanding of the Sleep status and its cures, you're now equipped to tackle the challenges in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*. Consider trying out the best Palkia ex deck to explore other powerful combinations the latest cards offer.