Pokemon TCG Pocket Sleep Status Explained

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 the game's outcome.

What Does Sleep Mean in Pokémon TCG Pocket?

When a Pokémon is afflicted with Sleep, 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 toss at the start of each turn, or evolution. The coin toss offers a chance for recovery each turn, but unlucky streaks can leave your Pokémon asleep for multiple turns. Evolution instantly cures the condition.

While waiting for a coin toss or setting up alternative attackers, your opponent could gain an advantage. A prolonged sleep could lead to your Pokémon fainting, awarding your opponent a point.

A less common method involves the Koga Trainer card, which returns a sleeping Weezing or Muk to your hand. However, this is specific to those 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). The table below details each card, its method, and acquisition:

Hypno stands out due to its ability to inflict Sleep from the bench, making it a powerful support card for Psychic decks, complementing strong attackers like Mewtwo ex and Gardevoir.

While Frosmoth and Wigglytuff ex can be incorporated into various decks, Hypno's unique ability makes it currently the most competitive Sleep card without hindering overall strategy. Now that you understand Sleep, try building a powerful Palkia ex deck and explore other strategic card combinations.