In Pokémon TCG Pocket, Sleep is the most frustrating status condition. While there's a cure, its unpredictable nature can significantly impact your game. Let's explore everything about Sleep and how to wake your Pokémon.
What Does Sleep Mean in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
When a Pokémon is afflicted with Sleep, it's completely incapacitated. It can't attack, use abilities, or retreat. Essentially, your sleeping Pokémon becomes a vulnerable target on your active spot until cured.
How to Cure Sleep
There are two primary ways to cure Sleep: a successful coin toss each turn, or evolution. The coin toss provides a chance of waking your Pokémon each turn, potentially freeing it quickly. However, consecutive unlucky flips can leave your Pokémon useless for multiple turns, unlike the Paralysis and Poison statuses which have more predictable durations. While you can prepare alternative attackers or aim for an evolution, your opponent might capitalize on your weakened position.
A less common method involves the Koga Trainer card, which can return a sleeping Weezing or Muk to your hand. This is a niche solution limited to these two Pokémon.
Related: Best Dialga Ex Decks in Pokémon TCG Pocket
All Sleep Cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Eight cards currently inflict Sleep in Pokémon TCG Pocket, including Darkrai, Wigglytuff, and Hypno (the most competitively viable). Here's a complete list, detailing their methods and acquisition:
| Sleep Card | Method | How to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Darkrai (A2 109) | Guaranteed effect via Dark Void attack | Space-Time Smackdown (Dialga) |
| Flabebe (A1a 036) | Guaranteed effect via Hypnotic Gaze | Mythical Island |
| Frosmoth (A1 093) | Guaranteed effect via Powder Snow attack | Genetic Apex |
| Hypno (A1 125) | Coin flip effect via Sleep Pendulum ability | Genetic Apex (Pikachu) |
| Jigglypuff (P-A 022) | Guaranteed effect via 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 stands out as the most potent Sleep card due to its ability to inflict Sleep from the bench, making it a powerful support for Psychic decks alongside heavy hitters like Mewtwo ex and Gardevoir.
While Frosmoth and Wigglytuff ex are viable in specific decks, Hypno’s unique advantage makes it currently the most competitive Sleep card without hindering overall strategy. Now that you understand Sleep, try building a Palkia ex deck to discover other powerful card combinations.
