---
title: Complete Guide to the TCG Mechanics and Shops
description: "Pixelmon's Trading Card Game adds another layer of progression beyond catching and battling Pokémon. This guide explains every setting in tcg.yml, including card packs, shops, essence absorption, and the other systems that power the TCG experience on your server."
source: "https://nodecraft.com/support/games/minecraft/mods/pixelmon/complete-guide-to-the-tcg-mechanics-and-shops"
image: "https://dynamic-assets.nodecraft.com/signedurl/w7vokBAexMnVlnMZ1Q/image.jpg?modifications=W3sibmFtZSI6ImdhbWVfYmciLCJpbWFnZV91cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Ntcy1hLm5vZGVjcmFmdC5jb20vZi8xMzM5MzIvMjAwMHg1NTAvZGNiMGFkNjkzOC9jYXZlcy1hbmQtY2xpZmZzLXB0LTItMS0yLTAucG5nL20vIn0seyJuYW1lIjoiZ2FtZV9sb2dvIiwiaW1hZ2VfdXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9jbXMtYS5ub2RlY3JhZnQuY29tL2YvMTMzOTMyLzM3NXgxNTAvM2MxZGIyYmFiNS9taW5lY3JhZnQucG5nL20vIn0seyJuYW1lIjoiY3RhX3RleHQiLCJ0ZXh0IjoiQ3JlYXRlIHlvdXIgb3duIHNlcnZlciEifSx7Im5hbWUiOiJ0ZXh0IiwidGV4dCI6IkNvbXBsZXRlIEd1aWRlIHRvIHRoZSBUQ0cgTWVjaGFuaWNzIGFuZCBTaG9wcyJ9XQ&s=756cb58b967b1eefc7b584933453635eeab35a5a9eac70cf806d14b9320487c8"
published: "2026-08-16T23:26:04.071Z"
updated: "2026-08-16T23:26:04.071Z"
---

# Complete Guide to the TCG Mechanics and Shops

Pixelmon's Trading Card Game adds another layer of progression beyond catching and battling Pokémon. This guide explains every setting in tcg.yml, including card packs, shops, essence absorption, and the other systems that power the TCG experience on your server.

The TCG section contains the options Pixelmon uses for this part of the server. Configure trading card mechanics, essence absorption, packs, shops, and related TCG systems.

## Pixelmon TCG Settings

The settings below are listed in the same order as they appear in tcg.yml. The table preserves each default and identifies the accepted value type. The Setting column shows a reader-friendly name first, followed by the matching tcg.yml key for reference.

| Setting and Config Key | Default and Accepted Values | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Essence Radius** essence-radius | **Default:** 30 **Values:** whole number | Controls the essence radius value used by Pixelmon. |
| **Essence Per Knockout** essence-per-knockout | **Default:** 1.5 **Values:** decimal number | Controls the essence per knockout value used by Pixelmon. |
| **Rare Pokémon Essence Modifier** rare-pokemon-essence-modifier | **Default:** 3.75 **Values:** decimal number | Controls the rare pokémon essence modifier value used by Pixelmon. |
| **Random Tick Essence Gain Chance** random-tick-essence-gain-chance | **Default:** 0.5 **Values:** decimal number | Controls the random tick essence gain chance value used by Pixelmon. |
| **Generate Cosmetics In Card Shop** generate-cosmetics-in-card-shop | **Default:** true **Values:** true or false | Controls the generate cosmetics in card shop value used by Pixelmon. |
| **Max Trades Per Trader** max-trades-per-trader | **Default:** 12 **Values:** whole number | Controls the max trades per trader value used by Pixelmon. |
| **Essence To Fill Jar** essence-to-fill-jar | **Default:** 100 **Values:** whole number | Controls the essence to fill jar value used by Pixelmon. |
| **Card Types** card-types | **Default:** {tcg:stage_two: tcg:gui/cards/icons/stage2.png; tcg:stadium: tcg:gui/cards/icons/stadium.png; tcg:cosmetic: tcg:gui/cards/icons/cosmetic.png; tcg:basic: tcg:gui/cards/icons/basic.png; tcg:stage_one: tcg:gui/cards/icons/stage1.png; tcg:trainer: tcg:gui/cards/icons/trainer.png} **Values:** mapping of keys and values | Controls the card types value used by Pixelmon. |
| **Saved U I Scale** saved-u-i-scale | **Default:** -1 **Values:** whole number | Controls the saved u i scale value used by Pixelmon. |

## Important TCG Setting Notes

### Defaults and Value Types

Boolean toggles, numeric rates, timers, lists, and mappings use different value formats. Preserve the value type shown in the table and keep collection syntax intact when changing tcg.yml.

### Settings That Work Together

Several tcg options can affect the same outcome. Review related rates, limits, timers, and lists together before deciding that one value is responsible for a result.

### Testing Changes

- Change one related group of settings at a time so its effect is easy to measure.
- Test the result under the conditions affected by the setting, including relevant dimensions, player states, or encounter types.
- Keep a copy of the previous values so unexpected balance or performance changes can be reversed quickly.

## Final Thoughts

TCG settings are easier to balance when changes are deliberate and documented. Start with the defaults, adjust only what the server needs, and verify the result before moving on to the next group.