Level Up Your Game: The Ultimate Pokémon GO Buying Guide

So, you’ve just started your Pokémon GO journey, ready to catch ’em all and become the best like no one ever was! You’ve got a few PokeCoins burning a hole in your digital pocket and you’re wondering, “What should I buy first in Pokémon GO?” Don’t worry, Trainer, I’m here to guide you on the path to becoming a Pokémon Master. The very first thing you should invest in is an Item Bag Upgrade. Period.

Why Item Bag Upgrades are King (and Queen)

Let’s face it, Pokémon GO is a resource management game disguised as a monster-collecting adventure. You’re constantly spinning PokeStops, opening gifts, and participating in events, all of which shower you with items. These items – Poke Balls, Potions, Revives, and more – are crucial for catching and battling.

Imagine this: you’re on a walk, finally found that elusive rare Pokémon, and then… BAM! You can’t spin any more PokeStops because your inventory is full. Or even worse, you’re in a raid and you are one potion away from defeating the raid boss and your inventory is full.

This scenario happens all too often and the frustration is real. An Item Bag Upgrade alleviates this stress by allowing you to carry more items. This means more Poke Balls to catch Pokémon, more healing items to keep your team healthy, and more space to stockpile those valuable evolution items.

Investing in an Item Bag Upgrade early on sets you up for success. It allows you to play the game more efficiently and enjoyably. You’ll spend less time deleting items and more time catching Pokémon. Think of it as an investment in your happiness!

Storage Is Next Up

After your initial Item Bag upgrade, you’re going to want to start upgrading your Pokémon Storage. As you explore, you’ll find more and more Pokémon. Even if their IV stats are terrible, you may want to keep them for trading. You may also want to keep them for special events.

Pokémon Storage is a key element to the end game of Pokémon GO. After you have leveled up your item storage and your Pokémon Storage, then you can start spending coins on things such as Remote Raid passes.

Other Considerations

While Item Bag Upgrades and Pokémon Storage are the best initial investments, here are other factors to consider:

• Your Playstyle: Are you a hardcore raider? Remote Raid Passes might be tempting. Do you focus on hatching eggs? Egg Incubators could be worthwhile. Tailor your spending to your individual needs.
• Events: Special events often offer bundles with discounted items. Keep an eye out for these deals.
• Gym Defense: If you live in an area with lots of gyms, you can start earning PokeCoins by defending gyms. This can help fund your purchases.

Don’t Fall For These Traps

Be wary of spending PokeCoins on items that are easily obtainable through gameplay:

• Poke Balls: Easily acquired through PokeStops and gifts.
• Potions & Revives: Also readily available.
• Incense & Lure Modules: Fun, but not essential, especially early on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many Item Bag Upgrades should I buy?

As many as you can afford! Aim for at least 1000 item slots, and eventually max it out at 6000. The more, the better!

2. How many Pokémon Storage upgrades should I buy?

Similar to item storage, upgrade as much as you can. Max storage capacity is 6600 spots.

3. Are Egg Incubators a good investment?

Egg Incubators can be useful, especially during events with bonus candy or stardust. But prioritize Item Bag Upgrades first.

4. Should I buy Lucky Eggs?

Lucky Eggs are great for maximizing XP gains during events. However, they’re more beneficial to higher-level players.

5. What are Remote Raid Passes and are they worth it?

Remote Raid Passes allow you to participate in raids from the comfort of your home. If you enjoy raiding, they’re definitely worth it. But get the storage first!

6. Can I get PokeCoins for free?

Yes! By defending Gyms. The longer your Pokémon defends a gym, the more PokeCoins you earn, up to a maximum of 50 per day.

7. Is it better to buy individual items or bundles?

Bundles usually offer better value, especially during events. Compare the prices to see which offers the best deal.

8. What’s the best way to earn PokeCoins quickly?

Consistent Gym defense is the most reliable way. Place strong Pokémon in gyms and hope they stay there for a while.

9. What should I do if my inventory is constantly full?

Invest in Item Bag Upgrades! Also, be strategic about deleting items you don’t need, like basic Potions when you have plenty of Super Potions or better.

10. Should I spend PokeCoins on clothing or avatar items?

That’s purely cosmetic and up to personal preference. Focus on gameplay-enhancing items first.

11. What’s the difference between a regular Incubator and a Super Incubator?

Super Incubators hatch eggs faster than regular ones. They’re useful for quickly clearing out your egg inventory during events.

12. How important are Lure Modules?

Lure Modules attract Pokémon to PokeStops, making them useful for community day or finding local events. They can also be beneficial to local Games Learning Society gatherings. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

13. Should I evolve or power up my Pokémon first?

Always evolve first. This ensures you get the desired moveset. You can then power up if you’re happy with the results.

14. How do I know which Pokémon to keep and which to transfer?

Use an IV checker app or website to evaluate your Pokémon’s stats. Keep the ones with high IVs for battling and raiding.

15. Is it worth buying Great Balls or Ultra Balls?

No. You will collect lots of Great Balls and Ultra Balls as you level up and spin PokeStops.

Final Thoughts

Pokémon GO is a journey of discovery, and how you spend your PokeCoins is a part of that journey. Prioritize Item Bag Upgrades and Pokémon Storage to lay a solid foundation for your adventures. With a well-stocked inventory and a stable of strong Pokémon, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Pokémon Master! And remember, have fun and enjoy the experience!