Opening up card packs is the progenitor of loot boxes, so we can all recognize that occasionally icky feeling while playing Pokémon TCG Pocket. Keeping track of all the game’s numerous currencies certainly doesn’t help in that regard either. Thankfully, there is a modicum of grace for bypassing the RNG with Pack Point Exchange.
Pokemon TCG Pocket’s exchange system is essentially a crafting mechanic. If you are like me and tired of not pulling out a specific card you need, or just want to make your inner child happy by getting a cool Charizard, this is how to do it. Read on below for a breakdown of how to craft cards and how to farm the necessary currency.
How to Craft Cards
Using Pack Point Exchange is an easy process that’s even more accessible than you might expect. If you want to craft some cards, go to the Booster Pack screen and press the small symbol of a partially torn card pack on the bottom right. This will open up a Pack Point Exchange overlay.
At the top of the screen, you’ll find the current amount of Pack Points you have, which is also seen on the previous screen underneath the symbol you just pressed. Scrolling down will let you see every card available in the three Genetic Apex booster packs. Click on the one you want and you’ll be able to trade your points for a copy.
Depending on the card’s rarity, it will cost a different amount of Pack Points. These aren’t given proper names but are categorized by Diamond, Star, and Crown cards. Here’s a breakdown of each rarity and their Pack Point cost:
- One Diamond – 35 Pack Points. Includes most Basic Pokémon and Item cards.
- Two Diamond – 70 Pack Points. Includes most Stage 1 Pokémon and Supporter cards.
- Three Diamond – 150 Pack Points. Includes most Stage 2 Pokémon cards.
- Four Diamond – 500 Pack Points. These are ex Pokémon cards with CGI art.
- One Star – 400 Pack Points. These are non-ex Pokémon cards with full illustration art.
- Two Star – 1,250. These are ex Pokémon with full CGI art and Supporter cards with full illustration art.
- Three Star – 1,500. These are limited to the headlining ex Pokémon for each booster pack and use unique full illustration art.
- Crown – 2,500. These are limited to the headlining ex Pokémon for each booster pack and use their Two Star designs with flashy gold background art.
How to Farm Pack Points
Pack Points can only be earned by opening Booster Packs. Each one will provide you with five points. That means the best way to farm Pack Points is to keep earning Pack Hourglasses so you can open more Booster Packs. Your best option to do that is by completing Battle Tasks or participating in limited-time events.
That isn’t to say you’ll be swimming with more points than you’ll know what to do with. It will take opening 100 booster packs before you can trade in for a basic ex card. Interested in the cooler full-art versions? You’ll need to open 250 boost packs total just to trade in for one of those.
Read More: The 4 Best Decks To Dominate In Pokémon TCG Pocket
There might be more enjoyment in trading in for some lower-end cards you keep missing. I had everything ready to make one of those annoying Mewtwo-Gardevoir decks except for a Ralts, but every pull and Wonder Pick left me with disappointment. Crafting that card was a simple process that filled me with joy and now I can take joy from those that I play against.
Of course, it’s all up to your personal preference at the end of the day. The minuscule chances of pulling those rarer cards are certainly a great reason to craft them instead. Statistically, you probably have better chances of getting the more common cards over time than a sick full-art Mewtwo.
It doesn’t boast the best rates, but Pack Point Exchange is a nice option to get a specific card in Pokémon TCG Pocket. You don’t need to rush yourself to use them too soon either. Although each expansion will use its own exclusive Pack Points, they won’t expire on you. Feel free to hoard them or use them to fill out your card collection. If you still need more direction in this tiny but somewhat complicated game, we can help with the basics.
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