In *Pokemon TCG Pocket*, the Sleep status condition can be a game-changer, often becoming a significant hurdle for players. Understanding how it works and how to cure it can be crucial to maintaining your edge in the game. Here's a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about Sleep in *Pokemon TCG Pocket* and the strategies to overcome it.
What Does Sleep Mean in Pokemon TCG Pocket?
When your Pokemon in *TCG Pocket* falls asleep, it's rendered completely inactive. A sleeping Pokemon cannot attack, use abilities, or retreat to the bench. Essentially, it becomes a vulnerable target in your active spot, unable to contribute to the battle until it wakes up.
How to Cure Sleep
There are two primary methods to cure Sleep in *Pokemon TCG Pocket*: a turn-based coin toss and evolution. At the start of each turn, a coin flip determines whether your Pokemon will wake up. A successful Heads result means your Pokemon is cured instantly, potentially making it a quick turnaround. However, consecutive tails can leave your Pokemon asleep for multiple turns, which can be frustrating.
Evolving your sleeping Pokemon is another way to wake it up. This strategy requires planning and the right cards in hand, but it can be a reliable way to ensure your Pokemon returns to action. While you're setting up your next-stage Pokemon, your opponent might seize the opportunity to advance their strategy or even knock out your sleeping Pokemon.
A lesser-known method involves the Koga Trainer card, which can return a sleeping Weezing or Muk to your hand, effectively curing the Sleep status. However, this method is limited to those specific Pokemon.
All Sleep Cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Image via The Pokemon Company
Several cards in *Pokemon TCG Pocket* can inflict the Sleep status, with Hypno standing out as particularly competitive. Here's a detailed look at the cards capable of putting your opponent's Pokemon to sleep:
| 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 is particularly potent due to its ability to inflict Sleep from the bench without needing Energy. This makes it an excellent support card for Psychic decks, allowing you to set up powerful attackers like Mewtwo ex with its Psydrive. Hypno's effectiveness is further enhanced when paired with Gardevoir, which can accelerate your strategy.
While Frosmoth and Wigglytuff ex can also be integrated into various decks, Hypno remains the standout Sleep card in the current *Pokemon TCG Pocket* meta, offering competitive advantage without hindering your overall strategy.
Now that you're equipped with knowledge about the Sleep status and its cures, consider exploring the best Palkia ex deck in *Pokemon TCG Pocket* to discover more powerful combinations and strategies with the latest cards.
