Overview
Life Coins are limited in the early game, so knowing which items to buy first from the Pokemon Center PC Shop makes a big difference. The three best early purchases are Packing Tips: Rookie (bag capacity), PP Up (max PP increase), and items required for active requests. This guide covers the recommended purchase order and how to unlock more shop items.
Top 3 Early Purchases
Priority | Item | Cost | Why Buy It |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Packing Tips: Rookie | 100 Life Coins | Increases bag capacity so you can hold more items. Inventory fills up fast in the early game. |
2 | PP Up | Varies (unlocks at Environment Level 3) | Increases your max PP, allowing you to use more moves without needing to eat food as often. |
3 | Requested Items | Varies | Items needed to complete active Pokemon requests. Completing requests progresses the story and raises Comfort Levels. |
1. Packing Tips: Rookie
This is the single most impactful early purchase. Your default bag is small, and you will constantly run out of space while gathering materials, food, and quest items. The Rookie upgrade costs just 100 Life Coins and lets you hold more items immediately. For more bag upgrades, see the How to Expand Your Bag guide.
2. PP Up
PP (Power Points) governs how many Ditto transformations and special moves you can use before needing to eat food to recover. The PP Up becomes available after raising your Environment Level to 3. Since food is scarce early on, increasing your max PP reduces how often you need to stop and eat, which lets you explore and work more efficiently.
3. Requested Items
Many Pokemon requests ask you to deliver a specific item. If that item is available in the PC Shop, buying it is often faster than finding or crafting it. Completing requests is the primary way to progress the story, raise Pokemon Comfort Levels, and unlock new areas. Always check the shop before farming for a requested item.
How to Unlock the Shop
Discover the Pokemon Center PC in your starting area.
Complete your first Challenge listed on the PC.
The Shop tab becomes available after the first Challenge is done.
How to Earn Life Coins
Life Coins are earned exclusively through completing Challenges at the Pokemon Center PC. Challenges are tasks like building habitats, reaching comfort milestones, and crafting specific items. More Challenges unlock as you increase your Environment Level, which in turn unlocks more items in the shop.
Shop Unlock Progression
The shop inventory expands as you progress:
Milestone | What Unlocks |
|---|---|
First Challenge completed | Basic shop items including Packing Tips: Rookie |
Environment Level 3 | PP Up and additional consumables |
New area discovered | Area-specific items and higher-tier Packing Tips |
Higher Environment Levels | Advanced tools, cosmetics, and specialty items |
What to Avoid Buying Early
Cosmetic items: Outfits and decorations are nice but do not help with gameplay progression. Save these for after you have all the essentials.
Expensive Packing Tips: The Intermediate (500) and Superior (1,000) bag upgrades are important, but the Rookie upgrade covers your immediate needs. Buy the expensive ones once you have a steady Life Coin income.
Duplicate tools: You only need one of each tool type. Do not buy extras unless you have lost one.
Tips
Buy Packing Tips: Rookie as your very first purchase. The extra bag space prevents constant trips to the Storage Box in the opening hours.
Save up for the PP Up once you hit Environment Level 3. The ability to use more moves without eating is a major quality-of-life improvement.
Always check the shop when you pick up a new request. If the requested item is available for purchase, buying it can save significant time compared to crafting or foraging.
Complete every available Challenge to maximize your Life Coin income. Challenges are the only source of coins.
As you discover new areas, return to the shop to see what new items have been added. The inventory refreshes with each new area unlock.