Loading...
Best Items to Buy First - Version 3 vs Version 4
Mar 23, 2026, 09:00 AM
Add 1 relevant image to article
Mar 29, 2026, 05:12 PM
Convert 1 bullet list(s) to table(s)
11Overview2233Life 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.4455Top 3 Early Purchases6677PriorityItemCostWhy Buy It1Packing Tips: Rookie100 Life CoinsIncreases bag capacity so you can hold more items. Inventory fills up fast in the early game.2PP UpVaries (unlocks at Environment Level 3)Increases your max PP, allowing you to use more moves without needing to eat food as often.3Requested ItemsVariesItems needed to complete active Pokemon requests. Completing requests progresses the story and raises Comfort Levels.88991. Packing Tips: Rookie10101111This 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.121213132. PP Up14141515PP (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.161617173. Requested Items18181919Many 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.20202121How to Unlock the Shop22222323Discover 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.24242525How to Earn Life Coins26262727Life 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.28282929Shop Unlock Progression30303131The shop inventory expands as you progress:32323333MilestoneWhat UnlocksFirst Challenge completedBasic shop items including Packing Tips: RookieEnvironment Level 3PP Up and additional consumablesNew area discoveredArea-specific items and higher-tier Packing TipsHigher Environment LevelsAdvanced tools, cosmetics, and specialty items3434What to Avoid Buying Early353536-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.37-36+ItemReasonCosmetic itemsOutfits and decorations are nice but do not help with gameplay progression. Save these for after you have all the essentials.Expensive Packing TipsThe 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 toolsYou only need one of each tool type. Do not buy extras unless you have lost one.3837Tips39384039Buy 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.