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

This guide explores the Paralyze effect in Pokémon TCG Pocket, a digital adaptation of the popular trading card game. The guide covers what Paralyze does, how to cure it, and strategies for incorporating it into a deck.

Quick Links

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

Pokémon TCG Pocket faithfully recreates the Paralyze condition, albeit with minor adjustments. This guide provides a complete overview of its mechanics.

What is Paralyzed in Pokémon TCG Pocket?

Paralyzed Effect

The Paralyzed status prevents an opponent's Active Pokémon from attacking or retreating for a single turn. The effect automatically disappears before the opponent's next turn begins.

Paralyzed vs. Asleep

Both Paralyze and Asleep prevent attacks and retreats. However, Paralyze resolves automatically, while Asleep requires a coin flip or specific card effects to cure.

Paralyzed in Pocket vs. Physical TCG

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

Which Cards Cause Paralysis?

Pokémon with Paralyze Ability

Currently, only three Genetic Apex cards inflict Paralysis: Pincurchin, Elektross, and Articuno. Each uses a coin flip, introducing an element of chance.

How to Recover from Paralyzed?

Recovering from Paralyzed

Four methods exist to remove the Paralyzed status:

Waiting: The effect automatically ends at the start of your next turn.
Evolution: Evolving the Pokémon instantly cures Paralysis.
Retreating: Moving the Pokémon to the Bench removes the effect.
Support Cards: Currently, only Koga offers a counter, but only under specific conditions (Weezing or Muk).

Building a Paralyze Deck

Sample Paralyze Deck

Paralyze alone isn't a strong deck archetype. Combining it with Asleep, using Pokémon like Articuno & Frosmoth, creates a more effective strategy. This approach utilizes multiple attacks to inflict both statuses. A sample decklist is provided below: