In Pokémon TCG Pocket, the flair and Shinedust features allow you to add cosmetic enhancements to your cards, letting you showcase them during battles. Flair typically refers to a shiny effect, holographic image, or something similar that overlays the card, producing an eye-catching effect when played or simply enhancing its appearance.
This flair system is one of the more intricate and often misunderstood elements of Pokémon TCG Pocket. Many players find it challenging to grasp, and sometimes they acquire Shinedust before understanding how to use it. But don’t worry—we’ll clarify how Flair works so you can make your cards sparkle.
How Does Flair Work in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
The flair system and the way to get card cosmetics in Pokémon TCG Pocket function as follows:
- As you collect cards, you will eventually gather duplicates of certain cards.
- Select a duplicate card in the “My Cards” section. You will see a button labeled “Obtain Flair.”
- By choosing to remove a specific number of duplicates from your collection and spending some Shinedust, you can unlock a visual flair for one of those cards.
- The required number of duplicates and Shinedust cost varies based on the card’s rarity.
- You cannot remove duplicates for flair if doing so would leave you with fewer than two copies (the minimum needed for a deck).
- Every flair effect you unlock for a card opens up additional flair options, creating a sort of progression tree for each card.
- To apply flair effects, go to your deck and click the small white box icon on the cards that are eligible for cosmetics.
Getting duplicate cards is similar to obtaining any card ordinarily. Certain cards tend to appear more frequently. On the other hand, Shinedust is earned through opening packs, leveling up, and completing special missions or challenges—like those associated with the Pokémon TCG Pocket Lapras ex event.
For most players, acquiring Shinedust shouldn’t be a problem—personally, I have more than I know what to do with. The real challenge lies in finding duplicates of the specific cards you want to enhance with flair. In particular, locating rare cards can be quite difficult, especially when you’re looking for additional copies.