A discarded cereal box can contain something worth far more than ordinary garbage in KOTAMON, a collecting simulator developed by KotaMota Games. The story begins with the protagonist’s sister discovering an extremely rare trading card inside a cereal box. Inspired by its value, the main character becomes a garbage collector, hoping to assemble a complete collection of Kotámon cards and earn one million dollars. Players explore a junkyard, recover valuable objects, and complete assignments while searching for rare collectibles.

Searching the Junkyard for Valuable Items

The main location is a garbage dump filled with discarded objects. Players explore the area from a first-person perspective, examine rubbish, and collect potentially useful discoveries. The dump owner provides assignments involving garbage collection and valuable objects. Completing these requests earns money that can support further progress. Exploration has a relaxed structure without strict time limits, allowing players to search at their own pace.

Collecting Cards and Restoring Damaged Finds

KOTAMON features dozens of collectible cards with hand-drawn character illustrations. Cards belong to different colored sets, and completing these collections provides rewards. Some discoveries are damaged and require restoration before reaching their full value.

The main gameplay activities include:

•         Searching garbage piles for collectible cards.
•         Finding unopened cereal boxes containing rare cards.
•         Repairing damaged or torn collectibles.
•         Exchanging cards to improve the collection.
•         Completing assignments from the dump owner.
•         Purchasing upgrades to improve garbage collection.

Card condition influences value, making restoration and trading important. Players can also discover figurines, audiotapes, and other discarded treasures. Each search creates opportunities to expand the collection or earn additional money.

Upgrades and Collection Progression

Progression revolves around collecting cards, completing sets, and improving efficiency at the junkyard. Players can purchase upgrades that increase carrying capacity, movement speed, and other useful abilities. Better equipment makes collecting garbage and searching for treasures more manageable. The game does not focus on combat or traditional numbered levels. Instead, players work toward completing their Kotámon collection and achieving the protagonist’s financial ambition. Rare foil cards, hidden valuables, and collection rewards provide reasons to continue exploring previously searched areas.