The First Partner Illustration Collection trilogy has grown into a nine-region, three-series project since it began, which can feel overwhelming for a collector just getting started. The good news is the format is simple once you understand the basics.
This guide covers everything a new collector needs to know before buying their first First Partner collection, without assuming any prior familiarity with the product line.
Here's a complete starting point for anyone new to the trilogy.
Taking the format slowly and learning as you go remains the most sustainable way to build genuine long-term enjoyment out of this hobby rather than treating it as a race.
For a first purchase, Series 3 is the most practical entry point since it's closest to original retail pricing and easiest to find without paying a secondary market premium. Starting here lets a new collector learn the format before committing to pricier older series.
If a specific region genuinely matters more to you personally, that preference should outweigh pure cost logic — collecting should stay enjoyable, not purely strategic.
The $14.99 price is entirely justified by the guaranteed Illustration Rare promos, not the two bonus standard boosters, which follow normal randomized pull odds. Setting that expectation upfront avoids disappointment if the bonus boosters don't produce anything special.
Every collection guarantees the headline pulls regardless of luck, which is the core appeal of the format compared to buying loose booster packs.
A single Series 3 region costs $14.99, all three regions together run under $45, and that's a reasonable, low-risk way to try the format before committing further. Series 1 and Series 2 cost more on the secondary market, so budget accordingly if the goal is eventually completing the full nine-region set.
There's no requirement to buy the whole trilogy at once — most experienced collectors built their sets gradually over multiple series and purchases.
Every guaranteed Illustration Rare pull deserves protection the moment it's out of the pack. EVORETRO's Magnetic One Touch Card Holder 25-Pack gives a first-time buyer's pulls secure, display-ready protection right away.
For anyone planning to collect across multiple regions, EVORETRO's Ultimate Card Curator Set gives the growing collection room to expand from the start.
Don't buy a Series 1 or Series 2 collection at a steep secondary market markup before understanding the format through a more affordable Series 3 purchase first. Learning the basics on the cheapest, most accessible tier is the smarter sequencing.
Also avoid rushing to complete the full nine-region set immediately — pacing purchases out keeps both budget and enjoyment in check.
New collectors don't need to decide on grading before their first purchase, but understanding that it's an option down the line helps frame what to do with a first pull. Not every promo needs to be graded, and raw collecting is just as legitimate a path.
Learning the basics of condition and handling early on sets a new collector up well, whether or not grading ever becomes part of their approach.
Dedicated Pokemon TCG news and community sites tend to offer more accurate, current information than general aggregators, especially for a product line as specific as First Partner. Bookmarking one or two trusted sources early on saves a lot of confusion later.
Community forums and trading spaces focused specifically on Illustration Rare collecting are also a good resource for a new collector looking to learn from more experienced buyers.
Series 3, since it's closest to retail pricing and easiest to find without a secondary market premium.
Three Illustration Rare promos in the special booster, plus two randomized standard boosters and a sticker sheet.
No, most collectors build their set gradually across multiple purchases over time.
Series 1, largely due to Kanto's strong secondary market chase card.
A single Series 3 collection is the easiest, most affordable way to start exploring the First Partner trilogy. Pick up EVORETRO's Magnetic One Touch Card Holder 25-Pack to protect your first pulls.
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