Exploring the vibrant Alola region in Pokemon Ultra Sun offers trainers numerous activities, including tracking down rare, non-native pocket monsters. The Island Scan feature serves as an excellent mechanic where players can discover unique encounters that expand their Pokedex and enhance team building. Masterfully utilizing this system requires collecting points regularly and understanding the daily rotation schedules across the islands.
Accumulating Scanner Points Effectively
To initiate a scan, players must accumulate one hundred points by scanning various QR codes using the Nintendo 3DS camera. Regular Pokedex codes grant ten points each, while special event codes provide twenty points toward your daily total. Gathering these codes from online databases or sharing them with friends allows you to efficiently prime your device for encounters.Trainers can store up to ten scans at a time on their system, which gradually regenerate over specific intervals throughout the day. Saving your scans until you reach a new island ensures that you do not waste points on areas you have already thoroughly explored. This patient approach maximizes efficiency during long playthroughs.
Navigating the Daily Rotation Mechanics
The pocket monsters available through this feature change entirely depending on the current day of the week and your geographical location. For instance, scanning on Melemele Island on a Sunday yields a completely different encounter than scanning on Poni Island on the same day. Planning your hunting sessions around the real-world calendar is crucial for catching specific targets.
Once the system is activated, a rare creature will spawn in a designated zone on your current island for exactly one hour. Players must quickly travel to the specified route or cave to engage the wild creature before the timer expires. Failing to initiate the battle within the time limit means you must gather points all over again.
Maximizing Catch Rates and Preparing for Battle
Island Scan encounters are highly unique because the target pocket monsters often possess rare egg moves that are otherwise difficult to obtain. These creatures will not appear with the standard call-for-help mechanics, meaning you only get one singular chance to secure the capture. Preparing a specialized team with moves like False Swipe and Spore greatly increases your chances of success.
Using high-tier capture items such as Dusk Balls in caves or Repeat Balls for previously caught species ensures an easier taming process. It is also beneficial to save your progress immediately before stepping into the tall grass where the target resides. If an accidental knockout occurs, restarting the system allows you to attempt the battle again safely.
