Honestly, if you're still playing the Gen 7 games in 2026, you know the struggle of trying to find something that isn't a Yungoos or a Pikipek in the tall grass. It gets old. Fast. That is exactly why Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon Island Scan remains one of the most underrated features Game Freak ever pushed out. It’s a weird, quirky little mechanic that basically rewards you for being a nerd about QR codes, but the payoff is massive if you want a team that actually stands out.
You aren’t just finding Alolan natives. You’re pulling starters from Johto, Sinnoh, and Unova right out of thin air. It feels like cheating, but it’s totally legal.
How the Island Scan actually works when you're on the hunt
Most people think you just scan a random code and a rare Pokemon pops up. Not quite. You’ve got a point system to deal with. Every QR code you scan—whether it’s from a cereal box, a random website, or a friend’s Pokedex—gives you 10 points. You need 100 points to trigger a scan. Since you can only store 10 scans at a time (and they regenerate at a rate of one every two hours), you have to be somewhat strategic about when you pull the trigger.
Once you hit 100, you hold down the button, and the game "searches" the island you’re currently standing on. It finds a non-Alolan Pokemon. You get exactly one hour to find it. One.
If you faint it? It’s gone. If you run away? Gone. You get one shot at that specific encounter for the day. It’s high stakes for a handheld game. You’ll see a blinking shadow on your map showing you exactly which patch of grass or cave floor the visitor is hiding in. Go there, walk around, and the battle starts automatically.
The calendar is your best friend (and your worst enemy)
This is where people usually mess up. The Pokemon you get isn't random. It is strictly tied to the day of the week and the island you are on.
If you are looking for a Charmander in Ultra Sun, you better be on Melemele Island on a Sunday. If you try it on a Monday, you’re getting Squirtle instead. It’s a rigid system. I’ve seen so many players waste their 100 points because they forgot it was Tuesday and ended up with a Spheal they didn't want.
It's also worth noting that the "Ultra" versions of the games totally changed the pool. If you're looking at an old guide for the original Sun and Moon, you're going to be disappointed. The Ultra versions added the Kanto starters, the Sinnoh starters, and a bunch of heavy hitters like Aegislash (Honedge) and Haxorus (Axew).
💡 You might also like: Stuck on the Connections hint June 13? Here is how to solve it without losing your mind
Why you should bother with these specific encounters
Let’s talk about moves. This is the "secret sauce" of the Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon Island Scan system. Every Pokemon you catch via Island Scan comes with a "special move." Usually, these are Egg Moves—things the Pokemon would normally only learn through a tedious breeding process with a compatible partner.
Catching a Luxio that already knows Eerie Impulse or a Venusaur with Grassy Terrain saves you hours of running back and forth in front of the Nursery at Paniola Ranch. It makes these Pokemon "battle-ready" almost immediately.
But there is a catch.
These Pokemon do not have their Hidden Abilities. If you were hoping to snag a Protean Froakie or a Speed Boost Blaziken, you’re out of luck. Island Scan Pokemon always come with their standard abilities. For some, like Honedge (who only has No Guard anyway), this doesn't matter. For others, it might be a dealbreaker if you're trying to climb the Battle Tree.
The "Master" QR Code trick
You don't need to go hunting for 10 different boxes of crackers to get your scans in. Pro tip: search for "Special QR Codes" online. There are specific codes, like the one for Magearna (which still works, by the way, if you’ve beaten the Elite Four), that give you 20 points instead of 10. These are permanent. You can scan them over and over again every time your scanner recharges. It cuts your "work" in half.
Island-by-Island breakdown of what’s actually worth catching
Not every scan is a winner. Sometimes you just get a Marill. Cool, I guess? But if you want the powerhouses, you need to be in the right place at the right time.
Melemele Island is mostly for the nostalgia. This is where you grab your Kanto and Johto starters. Sunday is Charmander, Monday is Squirtle, and Wednesday is Bulbasaur. It’s the best way to fill out your team early in the game before you even leave the first island.
📖 Related: GTA Vice City Cheat Switch: How to Make the Definitive Edition Actually Fun
Akala Island is where things get interesting for the mid-game. This is where you find the Hoenn starters like Combusken and Marshtomp. But the real prize here is Mimikyu’s best friend: Aegislash (or rather, Honedge). You can find Honedge on Akala on Wednesdays. Since Aegislash was a top-tier threat in the Gen 7 meta, getting one early is basically a "win" button for the story mode.
Ula'ula Island is for the Sinnoh fans. You’ve got Grotle, Monferno, and Prinplup scattered throughout the week. You can also find Rhyhorn on Sundays, which eventually turns into Rhyperior—a massive tank that can carry you through the late-game trials.
Poni Island is the end-game jackpot. Since you can’t get here until late in the story, the Pokemon are high-level. We're talking Level 50+ Eelektross, Aggron, and the Unova starters like Serperior and Emboar. If you need a power boost before hitting the Pokemon League at Mount Lanakila, Poni Island scans are your best bet.
Common misconceptions and technical hiccups
One thing people always ask: "Can I shiny hunt these?"
Yes. Absolutely. But it is a nightmare.
Because the Island Scan Pokemon is a "one-off" encounter, you can't use the SOS calling method to chain for shinies. You have to save your game before you trigger the encounter, walk into the grass, see if it's shiny, and then soft-reset your 3DS if it isn't. It’s the old-school way of hunting. It takes forever.
Another weird quirk? These Pokemon aren't in the Alola Pokedex. When you catch a Swampert, it won't have a Pokedex entry. It won't show a little Pokéball icon next to its name in battle. It’s technically an "illegal immigrant" in the Alola region. This doesn't affect its performance, but for completionists who want that shiny crown stamp on their Pokedex, Island Scan won't help you.
👉 See also: Gothic Romance Outfit Dress to Impress: Why Everyone is Obsessed With This Vibe Right Now
Managing your clock
Don't mess with your 3DS system clock. Just don't.
If you try to "time travel" to change a Tuesday to a Wednesday to get a specific Pokemon, the game will detect it. It locks all time-based events for 24 to 48 hours. Your Island Scan won't recharge, the lottery won't run, and you'll be stuck in a state of digital limbo. If you missed the Sunday Charmander, just wait until next Sunday. It sucks, but it’s better than breaking your save's internal timer.
Making the most of your catch
Once you’ve successfully navigated the Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon Island Scan and caught your target, the real work begins. Remember, these Pokemon are found in specific locations that often have high-level wild encounters nearby.
Use a Lead Pokemon with the "Synchronize" ability. If your Synchronize Pokemon (like an Abra or Espeon) has a Jolly nature, there is a 50% chance the Island Scan Pokemon will also be Jolly. Since you only get one shot, you want to stack the odds in your favor for a good Nature.
Also, bring a "False Swipe" user. There is nothing more heartbreaking than landing a critical hit on a rare 1% encounter and watching it faint. A Level 100 Decidueye or Parasect with False Swipe is mandatory equipment here.
How to optimize your daily scanning routine
To master this system, you need a workflow. It sounds intense for a kids' game, but it works.
- Keep a dedicated QR folder: Save a screenshot on your phone of ten 10-point codes or five 20-point codes.
- Scan while doing something else: Do your ten scans while you're waiting for a loading screen or watching a video. It takes about two minutes.
- Check the Island: Always double-check your map. If you're on Poni Island but you want a Charmander, Charon will tell you nothing is found. Fly to Melemele first.
- Save immediately: Before you press the "Scan" button to start the one-hour timer, save. If your 3DS dies or you accidentally run away, that save is your only safety net.
The Island Scan is a relic of a time when Pokemon felt a bit more "secret." It wasn't just about DLC or mystery gifts; it was about interacting with the real world to unlock things in the game. Even years later, it’s the most reliable way to build a diverse, powerful team in Alola without needing to trade with anyone else.
Your Island Scan Checklist
- Ensure your 3DS clock is accurate and hasn't been changed in the last 48 hours.
- Gather enough QR codes to reach 100 points (Special QR codes from the Poke-GX cards or the Magearna event are worth 20).
- Travel to the specific island required for the Pokemon you want based on the current day of the week.
- Put a Pokemon with the Synchronize ability (and your desired Nature) at the front of your party.
- Save your game before initiating the scan.
- Locate the "blinking" icon on your lower-screen map and head to that specific patch of grass or cave.
- Catch the Pokemon using False Swipe to ensure it doesn't faint.
- Check the summary screen to see which specialized Egg Move your new teammate inherited.