Given the sheer number of TCG accessories on the market, it can be challenging to determine which options can be truly helpful and which are merely ornamental. Here are 7 TCG accessories that you can legitimately geek out over!
If you’re a TCG player, you probably already know the importance of quality equipment. Not only do you need to take care of your cards, but you should also have all the additional accessories necessary to help you play a perfect round.
1. Dice
There are numerous ways in which a set of dice can come in handy while playing a TCG game. They can help you determine the result of any random card mechanics that may be part of the game. Additionally, they can help you keep track of a variety of statistics, such as strength changes, temporary effects, and life totals.
Dice are available in a range of colors, designs, and shapes. Depending on your needs, you can get regular six-sided dice or go as high as 120 sides.
That’s right – 120!
The only thing that’s limiting your options when it comes to a set of dice is your imagination. After all, if you can’t find the exact set you’ve always wanted, you can always have it custom-made.
2. Sleeves
The challenge that card games pose is in the cards themselves – they tend to be easily damaged and not as durable as you’d like. That’s where card sleeves come in. These accessories reduce the need for you to be hyper-aware of your cards and help improve their durability.
Given that some rare TCG cards can sell for thousands of dollars if they are in pristine condition, you should think of card sleeves as an investment. After all, you never know which card will become valuable in the future, and ensuring your set is protected and in perfect condition increases the likelihood that you’ll be able to get in on the gains if your cards ever do hit, big time!
3. Dice Bags
So, you’ve finally found the perfect set of dice – the ones you’ve been looking for for ages. The last thing you want to deal with once you’ve finally got your hands on them is forgetting them somewhere or losing them.
That’s why you should consider investing in a dice bag.
Dice bags ensure your dice sets are safe, and you don’t have to worry about losing sight of them. Additionally, some of the top-end bags can carry over 100 dice, so you can easily store all your favorite pieces in a central location.
4. Inner Sleeves
Some people will find that their most-used TCG cards are old favorites that are falling apart. Alternatively, other players may be highly concerned about the safety of their cards.
Inner sleeves can be highly beneficial in such situations. They are essentially thinner – and smaller – versions of traditional card sleeves. They’re designed to fit perfectly within a regular card sleeve, so you can use an inner sleeve and a bigger card sleeve together.
This technique is known as double sleeving. It not only provides better protection for your cards by further reducing the chances of them being damaged and bending, but it also makes them more comfortable to shuffle.
5. Deck Boxes
Boxes are a great way to store your decks while you’re traveling to competitions and games. Additionally, they reduce the amount of space you need for storage, allowing you to build more decks without worrying about running out of space at home.
While you can always use the paper boxes that come with the TCG cards, these boxes tend to be easily damaged. However, you can easily find sturdier deck boxes online.
These boxes are available in a variety of materials, including plastic. The sturdiest ones are custom-made and are known as deck lockers. These deck lockers are often made out of wood, and the advantages of wood storage boxes include greater durability and convenience.
Further, you can also use them to store other small items around the house if you find you have extra deck boxes at hand!
6. Card Albums
TCG fans aren’t necessarily game players – they can also be card collectors.
If you’re a card collector, you’re likely looking to protect your cards in the same way the TCG players do while also being able to show them off when you want to. That’s where card albums can be useful.
Card albums include 9 (or more) pocket card sheets where you can store the cards. These sheets are usually made out of heavy-duty plastic, which will ensure your cards are protected. The cover of the album is usually available in various materials, with high-quality options like leather.
7. Playmats
Playmats may not be a necessity, but they can definitely make your gaming experience smoother and more enjoyable. They provide you with a surface on which you can organize your cards and also make it easier to move your cards.
This means you’ll be able to pick up and flip your cards easier. This may seem like a minor issue, but consider this – if you struggle to pick up a card, you may end up damaging its edges as the last resort. The smooth surface of a playmat prevents this.
Additionally, playmats are available in a variety of printed designs. You can find one that matches your TCG of choice, another fandom you may be in, or even get one custom-made!
Conclusion
We all have our hobbies and things that we are passionate about and make us happy. While a TCG game is fun in itself, there are still ways to improve your gaming experience. The accessories mentioned in this article will not only make it easier for you to play games, but they will also make your games more enjoyable.
Additionally, they allow you to add an element of personalization to your gaming experience, and ensure your cards stay protected. This will provide you with peace of mind and may even pay off in the future if your cards appreciate in value!
