In Pokémon TCG Pocket, Sleep is a debilitating status condition. This guide details its effects, cures, and the cards that inflict it.
Understanding Sleep in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Sleep renders a Pokémon unable to attack, use abilities, or retreat. A sleeping Pokémon is essentially defenseless while active.
Curing Sleep
There are three primary ways to wake a sleeping Pokémon:
- Coin Toss: Each turn, a coin toss determines if the Pokémon wakes up. This is a random chance, potentially prolonging the Sleep effect.
- Evolution: Evolving a sleeping Pokémon instantly cures it.
- Koga Trainer Card: This card specifically returns a sleeping Weezing or Muk to your hand, effectively curing them.
The unpredictable nature of the coin toss makes Sleep a significant disadvantage, potentially costing you the game if your opponent capitalizes on your incapacitated Pokémon.
Sleep-Inducing Cards
Eight cards currently inflict Sleep:
| Sleep Card | Method | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Darkrai (A2 109) | Guaranteed effect of "Dark Void" attack | Space-Time Smackdown (Dialga) |
| Flabebe (A1a 036) | Guaranteed effect of "Hypnotic Gaze" move | Mythical Island |
| Frosmoth (A1 093) | Guaranteed effect of "Powder Snow" attack | Genetic Apex |
| Hypno (A1 125) | Coin flip effect of "Sleep Pendulum" ability | Genetic Apex (Pikachu) |
| Jigglypuff (P-A 022) | Guaranteed effect of "Sing" attack | Promo-A |
| Shiinotic (A1a 008) | Guaranteed secondary effect of "Flickering Spores" | Mythical Island |
| Vileplume (A1 013) | Side effect of "Soothing Scent" | Genetic Apex (Charizard) |
| Wigglytuff ex (A1 195) | Additional effect of "Sleepy Song" attack | Genetic Apex (Pikachu) |
Hypno's Competitive Advantage
Hypno stands out due to its ability to inflict Sleep from the bench, without needing energy. This makes it a powerful support card for Psychic decks, synergizing well with strong attackers like Mewtwo ex and Gardevoir. While other Sleep-inducing cards exist, Hypno's versatility makes it currently the most strategically valuable. Consider incorporating it into your deck to leverage its unique capabilities.
