Is Shining Fates Worth It? Analyzing The New Pokémon Tcg Set
The Shining Fates Pokémon TCG expansion introduces over 100 sparkling Shiny Pokémon. But with booster boxes priced at $120+, should you buy Shining Fates packs and products?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: For casual collectors, wait for prices to drop. For invested players, Shining Fates has strong value with its pull rates and uniqueness. Weigh costs vs pull appeal for your budget.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll analyze Shining Fates’ card pool, pull rates, exclusivity and cost-benefit to help you decide if it’s worth it. You’ll learn how it compares to past sets so you can set informed expectations before buying.
Card Pool Overview
When it comes to evaluating whether the new Pokémon TCG set, Shining Fates, is worth it, one of the first aspects to consider is the card pool. The card pool refers to the collection of cards available in the set, and it can greatly impact the overall value and appeal of the set for collectors and players alike.
Focus on Shiny Vault chase cards
A notable feature of Shining Fates is its emphasis on the Shiny Vault chase cards. These cards feature alternate artwork and shiny versions of popular Pokémon, making them highly sought after by collectors.
The Shiny Vault subset includes a range of Pokémon, from fan favorites like Charizard and Pikachu to more rare and elusive options like Shiny Dragapult. These cards are often the highlight of the set and can be a major draw for collectors who enjoy the thrill of the chase.
Lack of standard cards beyond the main set
While the Shiny Vault chase cards offer exciting possibilities, it’s important to note that Shining Fates has a relatively limited selection of standard cards beyond the main set. This means that if you are primarily interested in building competitive decks for gameplay, you may find the set lacking in terms of viable options.
However, if you are more interested in collecting and showcasing unique and visually appealing cards, Shining Fates still has much to offer.
Fun offshoot but not a major expansion
For a more detailed analysis of the card pool and its impact on the value of Shining Fates, you can visit pokemon.com.
Pull Rate Analysis
When it comes to evaluating the value of a Pokémon TCG set, one of the most important factors to consider is the pull rate. How likely are you to pull rare and valuable cards from packs? In the case of the Shining Fates set, the pull rates have been a subject of much discussion among collectors and players alike.
Increased rates for Shiny Vault hits
One of the standout features of the Shining Fates set is the Shiny Vault, a subset of cards that features alternate art versions of popular Pokémon. These cards have a shiny finish and are highly sought after by collectors.
The good news is that the pull rates for Shiny Vault hits in Shining Fates have been increased compared to previous sets. This means that you have a greater chance of pulling these shiny gems from your packs, adding to the excitement and value of each opening.
Strong white code card ratio
Code cards are another element that adds value to Pokémon TCG sets, as they can be redeemed online for digital booster packs and other in-game items. In Shining Fates, the pull rates for white code cards, which indicate a higher chance of pulling rare and valuable cards, have been reported to be quite strong.
This means that not only are you more likely to get exciting pulls in the physical packs, but you also have a greater chance of scoring rare cards in the online game as well.
Odds of pulling specific Shiny Pokémon
For collectors looking to complete their Shiny Pokémon collection, knowing the odds of pulling specific shiny cards is crucial. While exact pull rates can vary, there are resources available online that provide estimated odds based on collector data.
These resources can give you a general idea of how likely you are to pull specific shiny Pokémon from Shining Fates packs. For example, according to data from collectors on popular Pokémon TCG forums, the odds of pulling a Charizard VMAX from a Shining Fates pack are around 1 in 100 packs.
This makes it a highly sought-after and rare card to add to your collection.
It’s important to note that pull rates can vary from person to person and pack to pack, as they are ultimately determined by chance. However, the increased rates for Shiny Vault hits and the strong white code card ratio in the Shining Fates set make it an enticing option for Pokémon TCG enthusiasts.
So if you’re wondering whether Shining Fates is worth it, the pull rates certainly make a strong case in its favor.
Exclusivity and Availability
Special set only available in dedicated products
Pokémon Shining Fates is a highly anticipated Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) set that has generated a lot of excitement among collectors and players alike. One of the reasons behind this is its exclusivity and limited availability.
Unlike regular TCG sets, Shining Fates is a special set that can only be found in dedicated products. These products include the Shining Fates Elite Trainer Box, Collection Boxes, and tins. This exclusivity adds to the allure of the set, making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Limited time printing like Hidden Fates
Similar to the popular Hidden Fates set, Shining Fates follows a limited time printing strategy. This means that the production of Shining Fates booster packs and products will only occur for a specific period. Once the allocated printing time is over, it is unlikely that new packs will be produced.
This limited printing strategy adds a sense of urgency for collectors who want to complete their Shining Fates collection or get their hands on valuable cards. It also creates a sense of exclusivity and rarity, as the cards become harder to find as time goes on.
Low supply environment at launch
When Shining Fates was initially released, it faced a low supply environment. Due to its popularity and limited printing, the demand for Shining Fates cards exceeded the available supply, leading to scarcity and inflated prices in the secondary market.
This low supply environment created a frenzy among collectors, with many scrambling to secure their own Shining Fates products before they sold out. This scarcity further enhanced the desirability of the set, as collectors wanted to be a part of the limited group of people who owned these exclusive cards.
Value Proposition vs Cost
When considering whether the Pokémon TCG set “Shining Fates” is worth it, one of the key factors to evaluate is the value proposition versus the cost. This involves assessing the potential return on investment in terms of the cards and collectibles you can acquire from the set compared to the price you pay for each pack or product.
Price-per-pack vs expected value calculations
One way to determine the value proposition of “Shining Fates” is by comparing the price-per-pack with the expected value of the cards inside. This involves researching the average value of the cards in the set and calculating the likelihood of pulling valuable cards from each pack.
By doing so, you can estimate whether the potential return justifies the cost of the packs.
Several websites, such as Pokemon Price and TCGplayer, provide comprehensive price guides and market data for Pokémon TCG cards. These resources can help you determine the approximate value of the cards you may obtain from “Shining Fates” packs, allowing you to make a more informed decision about their worth.
How much you value Shiny Vault singles
An important aspect to consider when evaluating the value of “Shining Fates” is how much you value the Shiny Vault singles. These are special cards with alternate artwork and higher rarity that can be found within the set.
If you are a collector or enjoy having unique cards in your collection, the allure of these Shiny Vault singles may greatly increase the perceived value of the set for you.
It is worth noting that the value of these Shiny Vault singles can fluctuate over time. Some cards may become highly sought after and increase in value, while others may see a decline. Keeping an eye on the market trends and demand for these cards can help you assess their potential long-term value.
Are booster boxes and tins worth it?
Another consideration when determining the worth of “Shining Fates” is whether booster boxes and tins offer better value compared to individual packs. Booster boxes typically contain multiple packs, and tins come with a set number of packs and additional promotional items.
While the upfront cost of booster boxes and tins may be higher, they often offer a better price per pack compared to buying individual packs. Additionally, these larger products may include exclusive cards or promotional items that add to their value.
If you are planning to open multiple packs or want to have a complete set, investing in a booster box or tin can be a cost-effective option.
Ultimately, the worth of “Shining Fates” depends on individual preferences, collecting goals, and budget. By considering the price-per-pack, the value of Shiny Vault singles, and the advantages of booster boxes and tins, collectors can make an informed decision about whether this Pokémon TCG set is worth it for them.
Alternatives for Casual Collectors
While Shining Fates may be an enticing set for Pokémon TCG collectors, casual collectors who are looking for better value or different strategies have a few alternatives to consider. Here are a couple of options:
Upcoming sets with better value
One alternative for casual collectors is to wait for upcoming Pokémon TCG sets that offer better value. The Pokémon Company regularly releases new sets with different themes and card collections. By keeping an eye on the release calendar, collectors can identify sets that align with their preferences and offer more desirable cards.
This approach allows collectors to prioritize sets that may have a higher resell value or contain cards they’ve been eagerly waiting for.
Additionally, some upcoming sets may have limited print runs, making them more exclusive and potentially increasing their value over time. By researching the print runs and popularity of different sets, collectors can make informed decisions about which ones are worth investing in.
Strategies for buying singles instead of sealed product
Another alternative for casual collectors is to focus on buying singles rather than investing in sealed products like booster boxes. While opening booster packs can be exciting and provide the thrill of discovering rare cards, it can also be a costly endeavor.
Buying singles allows collectors to target specific cards they want for their collection without the risks associated with buying sealed product.
There are various online platforms and local trading communities where collectors can find and purchase individual cards. This approach allows collectors to bypass the randomness of booster packs and ensure they are only spending money on the cards they truly desire.
It can also be a more economical way to complete a collection, as buying singles can be more cost-effective than buying multiple booster boxes in the hope of getting specific cards.
When buying singles, it’s important to research and compare prices from different sellers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Additionally, checking the condition of the card and the seller’s reputation can help avoid any disappointments or scams.
Conclusion
With its gorgeous card pool and enticing pull rates, Shining Fates offers strong value for invested TCG players. But more casual collectors should weigh the premium costs versus their desire for specific Shiny Pokémon.
Carefully consider your budget, appetite for sealed openings, and interest in the unique Shiny Vault subset before buying Shining Fates. While the set itself is solid, inflated prices could diminish returns if your luck is poor or interest wanes.
