Question: How does card grading work and is it worth it early game?
Version: v0.40+ (Early Access)
Platform: PC / Steam
Verified: 2026-09-17
Status: Verified

Card Grading System & Regrading Guide

DIRECT ANSWER:

  • Is it worth it early game? No. Grading fees and turnaround time eat up early liquid cash. Only start grading once you pull cards with a raw market value of $300 or higher.
  • How the RNG works: Grade results (from 1 to 10) are purely randomized based on the game's internal weighting. The workbench does not increase grading odds; workbenches are only used to pack bulk card boxes.
  • CRITICAL WARNING: Once a card is encased in a protective grading slab, it CANNOT be added to your personal battle deck. Do not grade cards you intend to play with!

1. Grade Multipliers & Profit Margins

Grading multiplies a card's baseline market value, but lower grades can cause net losses:

Grade Value Multiplier Net Profit Impact Strategy
Grade 10 (Gem Mint) ~3.0x to 5.0x Massive profit windfall Display in high-end glass case
Grade 9 (Mint) ~1.8x to 2.2x Solid return Sell at +20% markup
Grade 8 (Near Mint) ~1.1x to 1.3x Barely breaks even Regrade if card is $500+
Grade 7 or lower ~0.6x to 0.9x Net Loss (below raw value) Send for Regrading

2. The Regrading Loop Explained

If you get an unlucky Grade 6 or 7 on a card worth $1,000 raw:

  1. Do not sell it at a loss.
  2. Submit the graded slab back through the grading application.
  3. Pay the service fee again to crack the slab and roll a new RNG grade.
  4. Top players repeat this loop until high-tier cards hit at least Grade 9 or Grade 10 before placing them into showcase cabinets.

3. Which Cards Should You Grade?

  • Always Grade: Secret Rare Ghost Foils, Full-Art Legendaries with raw value > $300.
  • Never Grade: Common cards, bulk holos under $50 (grading fee exceeds potential appreciation).
  • Keep Raw: Any powerful card you plan to keep in your deck for customer tournament battles.

4. Summary & Verification

  • Tested on: Version 0.40+ on PC / Steam.
  • Key Takeaway: Card grading is a high-roller mechanic for $300+ pulls. Never grade battle deck staples, and use the regrading loop to rescue unlucky rolls.