October 1: compactor throws and figurine bonuses
The autumn update adds a money bonus for a trash-bag throw from at least 10 metres away, with the bag more than half-full. Both conditions matter. An empty long-distance throw is not the documented bonus loop, and the announcement supplies no payout formula.
Collected figurines on the shelf now give stat bonuses and store discounts. Compare the current displayed shop price before deciding how much cash to reserve; the note does not list universal discount percentages.
Fast answer: build cash without sacrificing the collection
Clear repeatable trash heaps with a larger bag, bank any card you still need, use the official three-copy Level Up exchange before selling surplus, and pause player-upgrade spending at each Steam balance milestone.
The August 27 update confirms the duplicate-card mechanic but does not publish a dollars-per-hour table. Treat exact payouts as build-sensitive and confirm the value shown in your own sell screen.
| What you found | Best next check | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A missing card or better collection copy | Keep it | Collection and foil goals are harder to replace than ordinary cash. |
| Three identical cards at the same Quality | Check the binder for Level Up | The official update confirms that three same-name, same-Quality copies exchange for one higher-Quality card. |
| An extra copy after collection needs are covered | Compare, then sell | The displayed price is safer than a fixed chart when patches can change values. |
| Kotalion | Keep it permanently | The August 27 update removed its sell option and says Kotalion now stays with you forever. |
Sell cards or upgrade them first?
- Open the collection journal and select the exact card before using the sell button.
- Check how many copies share the same Quality; mixed qualities do not satisfy the official three-copy exchange.
- When the Level Up control appears, combine three matching copies into the next quality.
- Recheck the collection and the new displayed sell price before deciding whether the upgraded copy is still surplus.
- Keep a copy needed for a base set, a personally observed foil goal, or a better-quality collection slot.
A repeatable late-game cash loop
- Prioritize bag-capacity upgrades while still progressing normally; current players report that capacity also raises the full-bag payout.
- Clear one active heap methodically, filling and recycling the bag instead of leaving the yard repeatedly for low-value decisions.
- Pick up every whole dirty card and collectible before requesting another heap.
- When the binder is already complete, compare the time needed for five-piece assembly with faster whole-card cleaning and ordinary trash runs.
- Batch duplicate decisions in the journal: combine eligible triples, keep collection copies, then sell only the remaining surplus.
- Make a separate manual save before ending the session or testing any patch-sensitive behavior.
Time upgrades around the four savings achievements
Steam uses the word “Have,” so these are balance checkpoints rather than lifetime earnings. Once $100,000 has unlocked, resume the upgrade route toward one MAX stat and all upgrades.
After all stats are maxed, the August 22 update lets Jenny sell a cereal box for $10,000. That repeat purchase helps the foil and 10-box tracks, but it moves the balance away from the $50,000 and $100,000 goals.
| Steam goal | Balance required | Spending plan |
|---|---|---|
| Lucky #1 Dime | $1,000 held | Pause spending until the unlock appears. |
| Savings Account | $10,000 held | Bank the full balance before the next upgrade. |
| Rainy Day Fund | $50,000 held | Start a dedicated saving window. |
| Why Don’t You Spend It?! | $100,000 held | Do not buy stats or cereal boxes until Steam records the milestone. |
Money guide FAQ
What is the best way to make money in KOTAMON?
Use repeatable trash heaps with upgraded bag capacity, protect collection copies, combine eligible duplicate triples, and sell only surplus cards. No official dollars-per-hour route is published.
Should I sell or upgrade duplicate cards?
Check for three copies of the same card at the same Quality first. The official Level Up system exchanges them for one higher-Quality copy; compare the resulting card with your collection needs and displayed sell value.
How do I get the $100,000 achievement?
Hold $100,000 at one time and wait for Steam to unlock Why Don’t You Spend It?! before spending below the threshold.
Can you sell Kotalion for infinite money?
No. The August 27 update removed Kotalion from the sell flow and says it now stays with the player forever.