>>25030476Promos. There's a new bundle in the shop every Wednesday which sometimes includes cards you literally can't otherwise get. Missing out on those are a pain, especially when it means you'll never ever get an AT Regirock or Stardust Jirachi.
Other than that, tournaments. Packs/Chests are currency in this game, and you can ONLY get tradable packs from tournaments or from redeeming codes. Everything you buy with tokens is non-tradable. And unlike in Hearthstone or MtGO, this game is stupidly cheap and easy thanks to the trade system. Use your tokens or grind the ladder to get tournament tickets, enter tournaments, and trade your rewards for staples and cards you need. Even if you lose, tournament chests are still tradable and worth only a bit less than a shitty pack.
Other than that, you can buy a theme deck to help you win theme battles/tournaments better. I haven't played theme in months, but last I remember, Dark Hammer and Mental Might were the two best decks. Just don't buy theme decks for staples.
>>25030484Check out tournament results, since they have tournament-winning builds.
Or post here. 