The Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) Pocket has introduced a new trading system that allows players to exchange cards with friends. However, this system comes with specific requirements and limitations that players need to understand.
How to Trade Cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket
1. Add Friends: To initiate a trade, you must first add the player to your in-game friends list, as trading is only permitted between friends.
2. Access the Social Hub: Navigate to the "Social Hub" from the main menu and select the "Trade" option.
3. Initiate a Trade: Choose the friend you wish to trade with. Ensure you have sufficient Trade Stamina to start the trade.
4. Select a Card: Pick the card from your collection that you want to offer. Depending on the card's rarity, you may need to spend Trade Tokens to proceed.
5. Apply Flair (Optional): If you have any Flair (cosmetic enhancements), you can apply it to the card. Note that applying Flair will consume it during the trade.
6. Confirm the Trade Request: Once confirmed, the trade request will appear in your friend's Social Hub and will remain active for two days before expiring if not addressed.
7. Await Response: The recipient can view your offer and choose a card of equivalent rarity to offer in return or decline the trade.
8. Finalize the Trade: If the recipient accepts and offers a card in return, you can review the proposed trade. If you agree, confirm the trade to complete the exchange.
Understanding Trade Tokens and Stamina
Trade Tokens: These are required to trade higher-rarity cards. You can obtain Trade Tokens by exchanging duplicate cards. The number of tokens received depends on the rarity of the card you trade in. For example, trading a 3-Diamond rarity card yields 25 Trade Tokens, while a Crown rarity card provides 1,500 Trade Tokens.
Trade Stamina: Each trade consumes 1 Trade Stamina point. Stamina regenerates at a rate of 1 point every 24 hours. Players can expedite this process by using Gold Bars or Trade Hourglasses, though the latter are not currently available and are expected to be introduced in future updates.
Trade Restrictions
The trading system enforces strict parity:
- Trades must involve cards of the same rarity.
- Both parties must spend the same amount of Trade Tokens and Trade Stamina.
- If Flair is applied to a card, the recipient must also apply Flair to their offered card.
Currently, cards above a certain rarity level cannot be traded. This design ensures balanced exchanges but has been met with criticism from players who find the system cumbersome and restrictive.
In summary, while the trading feature in Pokemon TCG Pocket adds a new dimension to the game, it comes with several limitations that players should be aware of to navigate the system effectively.
