Money Making Strategies
Even the most seasoned Pokémon Trainers need a steady supply of Poké Dollars to fund their adventures. From stocking up on Potions and Poké Balls to investing in powerful TMs and fashionable clothing, money is essential in the Unova region. This detailed guide will equip you with the best strategies to amass a fortune, ensuring you're never short on cash.
Early Game Riches (Before Elite Four)
While options are more limited in the early stages, smart play can still net you a decent income.
- Trainer Battles: The most straightforward way to earn money. Battle every trainer you encounter on routes and in towns. Don't skip optional trainers! They provide valuable experience and cash.
- Item Scavenging and Selling: Keep an eye out for hidden items using your Dowsing Machine. Many of these, like TinyMushrooms or BigMushrooms, can be sold at any Poké Mart for a quick profit. Explore every nook and cranny!
- Wild Pokémon Drops: Certain wild Pokémon have a chance to drop valuable items. While not a primary money-making method, it's a nice bonus. For example, Meowth (though not native to Unova, can be traded for) can learn Pay Day, which earns money after battle.
Mid to Late Game Wealth (Post-Elite Four and Beyond)
Once you've conquered the Elite Four, more lucrative opportunities open up. These strategies are designed for maximum efficiency.
1. The VS. Seeker & Rematches
The VS. Seeker (or its equivalent in Black and White, the Xtransceiver's Trainer Call function) is your best friend for consistent income. While the Xtransceiver doesn't function exactly like the VS. Seeker, many trainers on routes will offer rematches after a certain amount of in-game time or steps. Identify trainers who offer good payouts and are easy to defeat.
- Route 1: The trainers here are generally low-level but can be quickly dispatched for a small, consistent income.
- Route 10: Offers higher-level trainers and better payouts.
- Victory Road: Once accessible, the trainers here provide excellent experience and significant cash rewards.
- Specific Trainer Types: Look for trainers like Rich Boy, Lady, Gentleman, and Madam. These trainers consistently offer the highest prize money.
2. Amulet Coin / Luck Incense Strategy
This is arguably the most effective money-making strategy in the game. The Amulet Coin and Luck Incense double the prize money earned from trainer battles when held by one of your active Pokémon.
- Amulet Coin Location: You receive the Amulet Coin from your mother in your hometown, Nuvema Town, after defeating the Elite Four.
- Luck Incense Location: Can be purchased at the Incense Shop in Driftveil City for 9,600 Poké Dollars.
- Implementation: Equip either the Amulet Coin or Luck Incense to the Pokémon you send out first in battle. Even if you switch it out, the money bonus will still apply as long as it participated in the battle. Combine this with rematches against high-paying trainers for massive profits.
3. Selling Valuable Items
Beyond the common items, certain rare finds can fetch a high price at Poké Marts.
- Relic Items: Found in the Relic Castle (after obtaining the National Dex) and Relic Passage. Items like Relic Copper, Relic Silver, Relic Gold, Relic Vase, Relic Band, Relic Statue, and Relic Crown sell for increasingly higher amounts, with the Relic Crown being the most valuable.
- Big Pearl / Pearl String: These can occasionally be found by fishing or as wild Pokémon drops.
- Nugget / Big Nugget: Often found as hidden items or given as rewards. Nuggets sell for 5,000 Poké Dollars, and Big Nuggets for 20,000 Poké Dollars.
4. Pay Day Pokémon
While not as potent as the Amulet Coin strategy, using a Pokémon that knows Pay Day can add a small bonus to your earnings.
- Pay Day Effect: This Normal-type move scatters coins after battle, adding to your prize money. The amount earned is equal to 5 times the user's level.
- Recommended Pokémon: The most common Pokémon to learn Pay Day is Meowth (or its evolution, Persian). While Meowth isn't found in Unova, you can trade for one from previous generations or through the Global Trade System (GTS).
- Strategy: Have your Pay Day Pokémon use the move at least once during a trainer battle. Combine this with the Amulet Coin for a triple money bonus (base prize money * 2 from Amulet Coin + Pay Day money).
Maximizing Your Earnings
- Prioritize High-Paying Trainers: Always seek out trainers like Rich Boys and Ladies for rematches.
- Consistent Rematches: Don't just battle once. Return to routes and re-challenge trainers after a period of time.
- Explore Thoroughly: Use your Dowsing Machine frequently to uncover hidden items that can be sold.
- Don't Be Afraid to Sell: If you have an abundance of certain items you don't use (e.g., multiple Potions when you have Super Potions), sell them off.
By consistently applying these strategies, you'll soon find your wallet overflowing with Poké Dollars, allowing you to purchase anything your heart desires in the Unova region!