Scanning QR codes in Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon offers players an effective way to complete their Pokédex and discover rare creatures across the Alola region. By utilizing the 3DS camera system, players can quickly log unseen species and gather points toward special encounters. Understanding how this feature works helps trainers optimize their daily gameplay routine.
How to Access the QR Scanner in Ultra Sun
To begin scanning codes, open the main in-game menu and navigate to the second page to select the QR Scanner option. This action activates the 3DS camera, allowing you to point the device at any valid image and hold the shoulder button to scan. Once registered, the corresponding Pokémon will be marked as seen in your Alolan Pokédex.
Scanning standard codes awards 10 points each, while special event codes can reward up to 20 points. Players can store up to 10 scans at a time, with individual scan charges regenerating over time. Managing these charges regularly ensures you never miss out on daily scanning opportunities.
Unlocking Rare Encounters with Island Scan
Accumulating 100 points unlocks the Island Scan feature, which reveals a rare Pokémon not normally found in the wild Alola region. The specific creature that spawns depends directly on the island you are visiting and the current day of the week. Players have a limited window of one hour to locate and catch the spawned Pokémon after activation.
Before activating the scan, make sure you are standing on the exact island where you intend to hunt. Preparing adequate Poké Balls and a well-balanced team is crucial, as you only get one opportunity per scan to secure the target. Using this mechanic allows trainers to collect classic starter Pokémon and powerful legacy species.
Maximizing Your Daily QR Scans
Since the system caps your storage capacity, consistency is key to finding rare encounters. Sharing QR codes with friends or searching online repositories makes it easy to reach the 100-point threshold daily. Staying active with the scanner significantly speeds up total Pokédex completion.
