What to Do with Duplicate Cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket

The release of Pokémon TCG Pocket has finally arrived, leading fans around the globe to start their trading card collections. However, a common challenge that many players will face is the accumulation of duplicate cards from booster packs. Some might be curious about alternative options for these duplicates beyond saving them for trading with other collectors.

Fortunately, Pokémon TCG Pocket introduces a unique system that allows players to make the most of their duplicate cards. This is made possible through a new resource called Shinedust, which can be utilized to enhance cards with distinct cosmetic effects.

How to Acquire Shinedust and Duplicates in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Players require Shinedust and duplicates to unlock custom effects for their cards (Image via The Pokémon Company)

Shinedust can be collected through various methods. It serves as a milestone reward for reaching specific achievements, such as gathering a certain number of unique cards. Additionally, players earn Shinedust whenever they draw a card that is already part of their collection from a booster pack; while that duplicate is added to their inventory, they also receive a certain amount of Shinedust.

The quantity of Shinedust obtained from pulling duplicate cards varies based on how many duplicates the player currently owns. Thus, it’s advisable for players to hold onto their duplicates until they can maximize the upgrades to a card’s cosmetic flair, allowing them to effectively accumulate Shinedust.

Acquiring duplicates is relatively simple, as they can be found in booster packs that players receive for free every 12 hours. Duplicates are also obtainable from Wonder Picks and trades with other players. Not only do these duplicates influence the amount of Shinedust earned, but they are also used to enhance a card’s flair.

Purpose of Shinedust in Pokémon TCG Pocket

As previously mentioned, Shinedust is primarily utilized to unlock different flairs for duplicate cards. Flairs serve as special cosmetic upgrades that can be developed further using additional resources. Currently, flairs are categorized into four levels, with increasing costs at each tier, proportional to the base card’s rarity.

Interestingly, while the Shinedust cost rises in accordance with card rarity for unlocking or enhancing flairs, the number of duplicates required actually diminishes. For cards starting at a three-diamond rarity, only one duplicate is needed to activate their flair. This feature aims to simplify the flair unlocking process, making it more accessible for casual players eager to enjoy collecting these new virtual trading cards.

Regrettably, as of now, Shinedust only serves this purpose. However, given that Pokémon TCG Pocket is still in its early stages, there’s potential for developers to introduce a shop in the future for players to spend their Shinedust or to include more customization possibilities for flairs.

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Image Credit: Sportskeeda.com