Pokemon TCG Pocket: Paralyzed, Explained (& All Cards with ‘Paralyze’ Ability)

This guide explores the Paralyze effect in Pokémon TCG Pocket, detailing its mechanics, cures, and deck-building strategies.

Paralyze: Immobilizing Your Opponent

The Paralyze condition prevents the opponent's Active Pokémon from attacking or retreating for one turn. It automatically resolves at the start of your next turn (after the opponent's Checkup phase).

Paralyze vs. Sleep

Both Paralyze and Sleep prevent attacks and retreats. However, Sleep requires a coin flip to cure, or strategic maneuvers like evolution or forced retreat. Paralyze automatically clears after the next Checkup phase.

Paralyze in Pokémon TCG Pocket vs. Physical TCG

The physical Pokémon TCG offers Trainer cards (like Full Heal) to counter Paralysis. While Pokémon TCG Pocket currently lacks direct counters, the core Paralyze mechanic remains consistent.

Pokémon with Paralyze Abilities

Currently, only three Genetic Apex cards inflict Paralysis: Pincurchin, Elektross, and Articuno. Each uses a coin flip, making Paralysis a somewhat unreliable strategy.

Curing Paralysis

Four methods exist to remove Paralysis:

1. Time: The effect naturally ends at the start of your next turn.
2. Evolution: Evolving the paralyzed Pokémon instantly cures it.
3. Retreat: Retreating the Pokémon removes the condition (as Bench Pokémon cannot have Special Conditions). Cards like Koga can force a retreat.
4. Support Cards: Currently, only Koga offers a specific counter, effective only against Weezing or Muk.

Building a Paralyze Deck

Paralysis alone is not a strong deck archetype. Combining it with Sleep creates a more effective strategy. An Articuno & Frosmoth deck, leveraging Articuno, Frosmoth, and Wigglytuff ex attacks, offers a potent Paralyze/Sleep combination.

Sample Paralyze/Sleep Deck

This decklist provides a starting point for building a Paralyze/Sleep strategy in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Remember that card availability and meta shifts may require adjustments.