In *Pokémon TCG Pocket*, Sleep is the most frustrating status condition. A sleeping Pokémon can't attack, use abilities, or retreat, essentially becoming a helpless target. While there's a cure, the randomness involved can significantly impact your game.
What Does Sleep Mean in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
When a Pokémon is asleep, it's completely incapacitated. It cannot attack, activate abilities, or retreat to the bench. Until cured, your active Pokémon is vulnerable.
How to Cure Sleep
There are two primary ways to wake a sleeping Pokémon: a successful coin flip each turn, or evolution. The coin flip offers a chance of recovery every turn, but unlucky streaks can leave your Pokémon incapacitated for multiple turns. Evolution instantly cures Sleep. While you can prepare alternative attackers or hope for an evolution, your opponent might capitalize on your weakened position.
A less common method involves the Koga Trainer card, which returns a sleeping Weezing or Muk to your hand. This is a niche solution, only applicable to these two specific Pokémon.
Related: Best Dialga Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket
All Sleep Cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Eight cards currently inflict Sleep in *Pokémon TCG Pocket*. Hypno stands out as the most competitively viable. Below is a complete list of Sleep-inducing cards, their methods, and acquisition details:
Sleep Card | Method | How to Get |
---|---|---|
Darkrai (A2 109) | Guaranteed effect of Dark Void attack | Space-Time Smackdown (Dialga) |
Flabebe (A1a 036) | Guaranteed effect of Hypnotic Gaze | Mythical Island |
Frosmoth (A1 093) | Guaranteed effect of Powder Snow attack | Genetic Apex |
Hypno (A1 125) | Coin flip effect via 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 attack | 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 ability to inflict Sleep from the bench makes it exceptionally dangerous. Its effectiveness in Psychic decks, complementing powerful attackers like Mewtwo ex and Gardevoir, highlights its competitive edge. While other Sleep cards have uses, Hypno's strategic versatility currently sets it apart in the *Pokémon TCG Pocket* meta.
Now that you understand Sleep, explore powerful deck strategies like the best Palkia ex deck to discover the potential of other cards.