What Happens When a Pokémon is Paralyzed? The Complete Guide

Paralysis, often induced by Electric-type moves like Thunder Wave, is a common status condition in the Pokémon world, significantly impacting a Pokémon’s capabilities in battle. When a Pokémon is paralyzed, two primary effects come into play. First, there’s a 25% chance each turn that the Pokémon will be fully paralyzed and unable to execute any move. Second, the Pokémon’s Speed stat is reduced by 50%. This combination can dramatically alter the course of a battle, making paralysis a strategic tool for trainers. The status remains after battle, like other major status ailments, and can be cured with items or abilities.

Understanding Paralysis in Detail

The Immediate Impact

Upon being paralyzed, a Pokémon suffers an immediate debuff: its Speed stat is halved. Speed is a crucial determinant in battle, dictating which Pokémon attacks first in a turn. Reducing Speed significantly increases the likelihood that the paralyzed Pokémon will move second, potentially allowing the opponent to land a decisive blow.

The Chance of Full Paralysis

More debilitating than the Speed reduction is the 25% chance of full paralysis. This means that on any given turn, the paralyzed Pokémon has a one-in-four chance of being completely unable to move, effectively skipping its turn. This can disrupt strategies, prevent crucial attacks, and leave the Pokémon vulnerable to further damage.

Duration and Persistence

Unlike some status conditions that disappear after a few turns, paralysis persists until it is cured. This makes it a strategic choice for trainers looking to maintain an advantage throughout a battle. However, this also means that trainers must be aware of potential cures.

Curing Paralysis

Paralysis can be cured in several ways:

• Items: Items like Paralyze Heals, Cheri Berries, and Lum Berries instantly cure paralysis.
• Abilities: Certain Pokémon abilities can cure or prevent paralysis.
• Evolution: Evolving a paralyzed Pokémon will remove the status condition.
• Moves: The move Heal Bell will cure paralysis.
• End of Battle: Paralysis persists after battle, unlike some other conditions.

Strategic Implications

Paralysis is often used to control the pace of battle. Slowing down a fast opponent can turn the tables, allowing a slower, more powerful Pokémon to strike first. Moreover, the chance of full paralysis adds an element of unpredictability, potentially disrupting the opponent’s carefully laid plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Paralysis

1. Can a paralyzed Pokémon evolve?

Yes, a paralyzed Pokémon can evolve. In fact, evolution is a surefire way to cure paralysis, along with any other status conditions. The evolutionary process resets the Pokémon’s status, making it a useful tactic if you have a Pokémon ready to evolve.

2. Does paralysis wear off on its own?

No, paralysis does not wear off on its own. Unlike temporary conditions like confusion, paralysis persists until it is cured by an item, ability, move, or evolution.

3. What Pokémon types are immune to paralysis?

Since Generation 6, Electric-type Pokémon are immune to paralysis. This immunity extends to moves like Thunder Wave and Body Slam, which would normally inflict paralysis. This change adds a strategic layer, making Electric-type Pokémon reliable counters against paralysis tactics.

4. Can a paralyzed Pokémon use Rest?

A paralyzed Pokémon can use Rest, but there’s a caveat. Rest requires the Pokémon to be at less than full HP. If a Pokémon is paralyzed but has full HP, it must first take damage before it can use Rest to attempt to cure the paralysis while restoring its HP.

5. Can a paralyzed Pokémon be poisoned or burned simultaneously?

Yes, a Pokémon can be paralyzed, poisoned, and burned at the same time. The game allows for multiple status conditions to stack, with the exception that a Pokémon cannot be both paralyzed and confused simultaneously.

6. Is it better to paralyze or put a Pokémon to sleep to catch it?

When trying to catch a Pokémon, sleep is generally better than paralysis. Sleep increases the catch rate by a higher margin and prevents the Pokémon from attacking for a couple of turns, making it easier to secure the capture.

7. How accurate is paralysis in affecting a Pokémon’s movement?

Each turn that a Pokémon is paralyzed, there is a 25% chance it will be fully paralyzed and unable to move. This chance remains consistent each turn, adding an element of unpredictability to battles.

8. Does paralysis improve the catch rate of Pokémon?

Yes, paralysis does improve the catch rate of Pokémon, although not as significantly as sleep or freeze. It’s a useful condition to inflict when attempting to capture a wild Pokémon.

9. Can you attach an energy card to a paralyzed Pokémon in the Trading Card Game?

In the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), you can attach an Energy card to a paralyzed Pokémon, but the card would immediately be discarded. However, certain cards like Spiral Energy can remove the Special Condition and allow the energy to stay.

10. Can legendary Pokémon be paralyzed?

Yes, most legendary Pokémon can be paralyzed, unless they are Electric-types or have an ability that prevents paralysis. Paralyzing a legendary Pokémon can be a key strategy in weakening it for capture.

11. What is the best move to inflict paralysis?

Thunder Wave is often considered one of the best moves to inflict paralysis because it has 100% accuracy and doesn’t cause damage, allowing you to paralyze without risking knocking out the opponent. Other moves like Body Slam and Zap Cannon can also paralyze, but they have additional effects or lower accuracy.

12. What is the chance of a paralyzed Pokémon being unable to move?

The chance of a paralyzed Pokémon being unable to move during its turn is 25%. This probability remains constant for each turn the Pokémon is paralyzed.

13. Does switching out a paralyzed Pokémon remove the paralysis?

No, switching out a paralyzed Pokémon does not remove the paralysis. The status condition remains, and the Speed stat reduction will still apply when the Pokémon is switched back into battle.

14. How does paralysis affect a Pokémon’s Speed stat?

Paralysis reduces a Pokémon’s Speed stat by 50%. This significant decrease in Speed can drastically alter the turn order in battles, often giving the opponent a strategic advantage.

15. Are there any abilities that prevent or cure paralysis?

Yes, several abilities can prevent or cure paralysis. For example, Limber prevents the Pokémon from becoming paralyzed, while Natural Cure heals status conditions when the Pokémon is switched out. Some other abilities, like Shed Skin, have a chance to cure status conditions at the end of each turn.

Paralysis in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG)

In the Pokémon TCG, being Paralyzed prevents a Pokémon from attacking during your next turn. It’s represented by turning the card sideways. Like in the video games, it’s a disruptive Special Condition that can throw off your opponent’s strategy. The Games Learning Society explores the strategic thinking and learning involved in TCGs like Pokémon. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the educational aspects of gaming.

Conclusion

Paralysis is a potent status condition in the Pokémon world, significantly affecting a Pokémon’s Speed and potentially rendering it unable to move. Understanding the nuances of paralysis, from its effects and cures to its strategic implications, is crucial for any Pokémon trainer looking to gain an edge in battle.