Now we know that all you really need to play a TCG is a deck, everything else is extra. But ooh boy some of that extra is really, really nice. And you know what, you deserve something nice today, treat yourself. Some of the items on this list may fall under the umbrella of necessity for some people, specifically those that enter competitions, but if you play at home or over at your friends, or are even just young and starting out, I can imagine worse ways to spend your money!
1. Deck Boxes
I know, you’re probably thinking ‘but deck boxes are a necessity’ but hey when you’re a broke kid happy with the Ziplock bag or shoe box you store your cards in deck boxes aren’t the priority. But I am saying they are a beloved extra. An affordable case like the Ultimate Guard one or the slightly more expensive Vault X one add a little zing whenever you grab them to play.
2. Card Sleeves
Sleeves are necessary, not extra, when you compete. And yes other people use them to protect their cards, but the everyday Joe Soap usually doesn’t bother with them. So why are they even on this list? Because of how they make you feel. I never really saw the appeal and I don’t compete so there was no need there, but the first time I sleeved my YGO deck I felt like the greatest player in the world. There’s something about taking something from competition and putting it into your homespun hand that makes you feel like a god! That is why it’s on the list.
3. Game Mats
There are TCGs that give you a game mat with every starter deck and honestly they’re perfectly fine, nothing wrong there. But, and hear me out: The Aesthetic. As far as extras go I frankly think everyone should have vast libraries of game mats. Feeling Cyberpunk? Got one. How about kawaii? Yep. Necromatic diesel pirates? You’re not going to believe this but… It shouldn’t matter the event or the mood, or even the TCG, every player should have the opportunity to discover the joy of game mats!
4. Novelty Dice
The first truly extra and nigh on eccentric entry on the list. The set pictured are Rogue Dice and I can’t help but regard them with disbelief and lust. Why. Why would anyone need them? The answer is simple, they don’t, that’s where the joy comes in. Can you imagine rocking up to your party, the DM telling you to roll, and you whip these babies out? Sure they look like they belong to Barbie Lara Croft but look me in the eye and tell me you don’t want them. That’s what I thought.
5. Dice Towers
I LOVE dice towers. They are one of the most unnecessary objects I can think of and yet I want them all. They can be elegant and convoluted, but also so simple. But let’s be honest we’re not here because we like the simple ones. The grander and more breath-taking, the more pointless and unnecessary, the better. If you’ve already decided to buy a dice tower then you’re all in and there’s nothing anyone can do for you. Requiescat in pace.
So there we have it, items to enhance your TCG play. I know some will argue how ‘extra’ some of these items are but I stand by my decisions. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m off to totally not buy more dice towers.
