In Pokémon TCG Pocket, the digital version of the popular Pokémon Trading Card Game, players have a new way to make their cards stand out: Flair. This cosmetic effect adds unique visual touches, such as sparkles and animations, to the cards, enhancing the aesthetic appeal without affecting gameplay. Here’s a guide on what Flair is, how to obtain it, and tips on using it wisely.
What is Flair in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Flair is a cosmetic overlay that can be applied to cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket. While it doesn’t provide any gameplay advantages, it gives players a way to personalize their cards with effects like shimmering sparkles, elemental animations, or other visually engaging details. Each Flair is specific to a card, meaning you’ll need to obtain and apply it individually to each card you want to enhance.
For instance, if you want to add Flair to multiple copies of a card, like Pikachu, each copy will require its own Flair. Additionally, Flair is visible only during battles, where the chosen effects will activate to make the selected cards look more dynamic and eye-catching.
Steps to Obtain Flair in Pokémon TCG Pocket
1. Gather Resources: Shinedust and Duplicate Cards
Flair in Pokémon TCG Pocket requires two key resources: Shinedust and duplicate cards. Shinedust is the in-game currency used for trading and can be earned by opening packs and receiving duplicate cards. Each time you pull a duplicate card, you’ll gain Shinedust, which accumulates over time.
Duplicate cards are also essential in this process. Depending on the rarity of the card, the number of duplicates required to unlock Flair may vary. For higher-rarity cards, you might need fewer duplicates but a larger amount of Shinedust.
2. Access the “Obtain Flair” Option
To apply Flair to a card, navigate to the “My Cards” section in your app. Here’s how to get started:
- Select the card you want to add Flair to.
- Ensure you have the required amount of Shinedust and duplicates for that card.
- Tap the “Obtain Flair” option, which will display the different Flair types available, such as the Gold or Sparkles effects.
Some players suggest beginning with the Gold Flair since it unlocks other styles, allowing for more customization. Each Flair option will come at a different Shinedust cost, and rarer Flair styles may cost more than others.
3. Complete the Flair Transaction
Once you’ve selected your Flair, confirm the transaction. Note that when you use duplicate cards for Flair, they are permanently removed from your inventory, which means you’ll lose those cards for future gameplay. This can be an important consideration if you’re working on building specific decks, as once a card is used for Flair, it’s gone for good in your collection.
Equipping and Using Flair in Your Deck
After obtaining a Flair, equipping it is simple. During deck creation, any card that has an available Flair will show a small icon on its corner. Tap on the card, select the Flair option, and choose the effect you’d like to use in battles. This way, every time the card appears in battle, it will display the visual enhancements you’ve chosen.
Tips for Efficiently Using Flair
Adding Flair is a fun way to personalize your cards, but there are strategic considerations. Here are some tips for using Flair without negatively impacting your collection:
- Choose Flair for Favorite or Rare Cards: If you’re hesitant about using resources, consider adding Flair only to cards you use frequently or have an emotional attachment to. Flair is most impactful on rare or unique cards, especially if they’re featured in decks you regularly play with.
- Save Shinedust for Valuable Cards: Because the amount of Shinedust required varies with card rarity, think carefully about which cards deserve the investment. Higher-rarity cards often need fewer duplicates but more Shinedust, so saving up can allow you to obtain Flair for cards that add the most value to your collection.
- Beware of Deck Balance: Using too many duplicate cards for Flair may affect your ability to build strong decks, particularly if you’re using those duplicates as key components. Ensure that applying Flair won’t weaken your deck options or reduce your strategic flexibility, as this can be crucial in competitive play.
- Collect Over Time: Don’t rush to apply Flair to every card immediately. Flair is purely cosmetic and doesn’t alter your win rate or gameplay experience, so take your time and apply it gradually as you gather more duplicates and Shinedust through regular gameplay.
Is Flair Worth It?
The decision to use Flair ultimately depends on your goals. For newer players, prioritizing deck building over Flair might be wiser to ensure you have enough strong cards. However, for dedicated collectors or experienced players with a surplus of cards, Flair adds an enjoyable layer of personalization that can make playing feel more immersive and visually engaging.
