Pokémon TCG: 'Paralyzed' Explained and Cards with Ability

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

Quick Links

• What is Paralyzed in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
• Which Cards Inflict Paralysis?
• How to Recover from Paralysis
• Building a Paralyze Deck

Pokémon TCG Pocket faithfully recreates the Paralyzed status effect from the physical card game, albeit with minor adjustments. This guide provides a complete overview of this Special Condition, covering its function, counters, and effective deck-building approaches.

What is Paralyzed in Pokémon TCG Pocket?

The Paralyzed status renders an opponent's Active Pokémon immobile for a single turn, preventing both attacks and retreats. This effect automatically dissipates after the opponent's next Checkup phase, immediately before your turn begins.

Paralyzed vs. Asleep

Both Paralyzed and Asleep prevent attacks and retreats. However, Paralyzed resolves automatically after the next Checkup, whereas Asleep requires a heads result on a coin toss or specific counter-strategies (like evolving or retreating the Active Pokémon) to cure.

Paralyzed in Pokémon Pocket vs. Physical TCG

Unlike the physical TCG, which allows Trainer cards like Full Heal to remove Paralysis, Pokémon TCG Pocket currently lacks direct counters. However, the core mechanic remains consistent: a Paralyzed Pokémon is incapacitated for one turn.

Which Cards Inflict Paralysis?

Currently, only three Genetic Apex cards inflict Paralysis: Pincurchin, Elektross, and Articuno. Each uses a coin flip, introducing an element of chance that limits the reliability of a purely Paralysis-based deck.

How to Recover from Paralyzed?

Four methods exist to cure Paralysis:

1. Time: The effect naturally expires at the start of your next turn.
2. Evolution: Evolving the affected Pokémon instantly removes Paralysis.
3. Retreat: Retreating the Pokémon to the Bench also removes the status, as Bench Pokémon cannot have Special Conditions. Cards like Koga can facilitate this.
4. Support Cards: Currently, only Koga provides a direct counter, but only under specific conditions (Weezing or Muk).

Building a Paralyze Deck

A solely Paralysis-based deck is generally weak. Combining it with the Asleep effect significantly improves its effectiveness. An Articuno & Frosmoth strategy, utilizing Articuno, Frosmoth, and Wigglytuff ex, is a strong example. This approach leverages multiple attack lines to inflict both Asleep and Paralysis.

Sample Paralyze-Asleep Deck List

This deck list provides a foundation for a more effective Paralyze strategy in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Remember that the success of this archetype relies heavily on strategic card play and a bit of luck with coin flips.