Trading Card Binder

Contribution by Cappy.

Item Overview

The Trading Card Binder is a unique key item that allows trainers to collect and store Pokémon Trading Cards discovered throughout the world.

The Trading Card Binder in the player's bag.

Item Description (from Bag): "A binder to store collectible Pokémon cards."

Once obtained, the binder automatically tracks all Trading Cards you acquire, letting you build a collection tied to your journey across regions.

Ways to Acquire Trading Cards

Players can obtain Trading Cards through multiple methods:

Exploration

• Some cards can be found while exploring towns, routes, and buildings.
• Hidden pickups and special interactable spots may award cards.

TCG Stores

• Certain cities feature Trading Card Game (TCG) Stores.
• These shops sell Trading Cards directly, often rotating stock.

Special Sources

• NPC rewards
• Limited events
• Region-specific challenges

Obtaining the Trading Card Binder

The Trading Card Binder must be obtained before any cards can be collected. The method of acquisition differs by region.

Kanto

Celadon City - Game Corner

• In Kanto, the Trading Card Binder is obtained through the Celadon Game Corner.
• Trainers must exchange 9,999 Game Corner Coins to receive the binder.
• This makes the binder a late-early or mid-game luxury item for Kanto trainers.

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Johto

Goldenrod City - Trading Card Store

• In Johto, the Trading Card Binder can be purchased directly.
• Location: Goldenrod City Trading Card Store.
• Cost: ₽50,000

While significantly expensive, this provides a more straightforward path for trainers who prefer saving money over grinding coins.

Hoenn

Donation Route

• In Hoenn, the Trading Card Binder can be obtained through museum donations.
• Location: Slateport City Oceanic Museum and Lilycove City Art Museum.

Donation requirements:

• Donate ₽10,000+ to the Oceanic Museum in Slateport City.
• Donate ₽10,000+ to the Art Museum in Lilycove City.

After completing both donations, the player will receive the Trading Card Binder as a reward for supporting Hoenn’s cultural institutions.

Convention Hall Route

• Location: Lilycove City Convention Hall.

Players may also obtain the Trading Card Binder by spending ₽500,000 at the Convention Hall.

• After completing the process, the player receives the ₽500,000 back along with the Trading Card Binder.

While this is technically the cheapest method to obtain the binder, it requires a large amount of upfront capital, making it inaccessible for many early-game trainers.

Notes

• The Trading Card Binder only needs to be obtained once.
• After acquisition, Trading Cards can be collected in any region.
• Additional regions may feature their own unique methods of obtaining the binder.

Speedrunning

For players focused on obtaining the Trading Card Binder as quickly or cheaply as possible, the region chosen can significantly affect efficiency.

• Fastest Method (In-Game Time):
  • The fastest way to obtain the binder is through the Hoenn museum donation route.
  • Donate ₽10,000 at the Oceanic Museum in Slateport City and ₽10,000 at the Art Museum in Lilycove City.
  • This method requires only ₽20,000 total and can be completed immediately upon reaching both cities.

• Least Expensive Method:
  • The Hoenn donation route is also the cheapest permanent cost at ₽20,000.
  • No grinding for coins or large capital reserves is required.

• Zero-Cost Method (High Upfront Requirement):
  • At the Lilycove City Convention Hall, players may obtain the binder by spending ₽500,000.
  • After the process is completed, the player receives the full ₽500,000 refund along with the Trading Card Binder.
  • While technically free, the large upfront requirement makes it impractical for early progression.

• Simple Purchase Option:
  • In Johto, the binder can be purchased directly at the Goldenrod City Trading Card Store for ₽50,000.
  • This is straightforward but more expensive than the Hoenn donation route.

• Slowest Method:
  • In Kanto, the binder requires 9,999 Game Corner Coins from the Celadon Game Corner.
  • Coin grinding or gambling mechanics may make this the most time-consuming method.

Overall Recommendation:

• Hoenn is the best region for obtaining the Trading Card Binder during speedruns due to its combination of low cost and fast completion time.