You're standing in the middle of Route 8 on Akala Island, staring at a blank spot in your Pokedex. It’s frustrating. We've all been there, honestly. You want that rare Magearna or maybe you’re just desperate to see where a Horsea hides without spending six hours surfing in circles. That’s exactly where Pokemon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon QR codes come in, and frankly, they’re one of the most underrated features Game Freak ever put into a handheld title.
It's not just about scanning a box. It’s about points.
Every scan gives you 10 or 20 points. Get to 100? You unlock Island Scan. This is the real meat of the mechanic because it lets you catch Pokemon that aren't even supposed to be in the Alola Pokedex. We’re talking Kanto starters, Johto classics, and heavy hitters like Honchkrow or Walrein. If you aren't using these codes, you're basically playing the game on "tedious" mode.
The Weird Logic of Island Scan
Most people think you just scan a code and the Pokemon pops up. Not quite. The system is actually tied to the day of the week and the specific island you're currently standing on. If you're looking for a Charmander, you better make sure it’s Sunday and you’re hanging out on Melemele Island. If you try it on a Tuesday? You’ll get something else entirely.
It's a bit of a dance.
The game limits you to 10 scans at a time. Each scan recharges over two hours. This means you can't just sit there for three hours straight and blast through the entire National Dex. You have to be strategic. I’ve seen players waste their Island Scan on an island they haven't fully unlocked yet, only to realize the "rare" Pokemon spawned in a patch of grass behind a Tauros Rocks barrier they can't break. Don't be that person.
Actually, here is the breakdown of how the points work:
Standard QR codes—the ones you find on the back of TCG cards or generated online—give you 10 points. However, "Special" QR codes give you 20. If you’re smart, you’ll hunt down the 20-point ones to trigger your Island Scan twice as fast.
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Getting Magearna and Other "Eternal" Codes
There is a massive misconception that these codes expire. They don't. Unlike Mystery Gift codes that are tied to a specific date in 2017 or 2018, the Pokemon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon QR codes for certain Mythicals are baked into the game's code.
Take Magearna.
You can still get a Level 50 Magearna today, right now, in 2026. All you have to do is become the Alola Champion. Once you've beaten the Elite Four and grabbed your crown, you scan the specific QR code (which is widely available on the official Pokemon website archives) and head to the Antiquities of the Ages shop in Hau'oli City. The deliveryman will be waiting. It’s that simple. No WiFi connection even required, which is a lifesaver now that Nintendo’s 3DS online services have largely moved into the sunset.
Then there’s the Partner Cap Pikachu. If you’ve seen the I Choose You! movie, you know the one. That code is also "evergreen." It won't give you points toward an Island Scan, but it drops a unique Pikachu at Pikachu Valley.
Why Your Pokedex Needs This Boost
The Alola Pokedex is massive. 400 entries.
Scanning a QR code for a Pokemon you haven't seen yet adds it to your Pokedex as "Seen." This is a total game-changer for GTS trading (back when that was fully viable) or just for tracking locations. Once it's "Seen," the map will show you exactly which shaking bush or patch of water that monster inhabits.
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It’s basically a legal cheat code for completionists.
But wait, there's a catch. You can't actually catch the Pokemon just by scanning its individual code. I’ve seen countless forum posts from confused players wondering why their 3DS didn't suddenly spawn a Bulbasaur after scanning a picture. The scan only gives you the data. To get the physical Pokemon, you must use the Island Scan function we talked about earlier.
Maximizing Your Daily Scans
If you're serious about this, you need a routine.
- Gather a list of ten 20-point codes.
- Save your game before you trigger the Island Scan.
- Check the day of the week. This is critical.
- Trigger the scan and catch your prize.
The variety is actually pretty staggering. In the original Sun and Moon, the Island Scan pool was okay. In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, they dialed it up to eleven. You can find things like Grovyle, Monferno, and Marshtomp. You can even find Aegislash (well, Honedge) on Akala Island on Wednesdays.
Common Pitfalls and Technical Quirks
Sometimes the camera just won't focus. It’s a common 3DS hardware gripe. If you're trying to scan codes off a high-glare smartphone screen, the 3DS lens often gets confused by the refresh rate or the brightness. Turn your phone brightness down to about 50% and keep the 3DS steady.
Also, remember that the Island Scan Pokemon only stays for one hour.
And you only get one battle.
If you accidentally knock it out? It's gone.
If you run away? It's gone.
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This is why saving beforehand is the only sane way to play. The spawn will usually be at a relatively high level for the area, so bring a Pokemon with False Swipe. Seriously. Don't risk a critical hit ruining your chance at a Johto starter.
The Longevity of the QR System
What's fascinating is how this system has aged. While newer Switch titles rely heavily on "internet-only" distributions that disappear after a month, the QR system is localized. As long as your 3DS camera works and you have the game, you have access to these features. It makes USUM feel more "complete" than some of the newer entries where the Pokedex feels gated behind timed events.
Even the "Wonder Scan" feature—which just lets you scan random barcodes on your cereal box or shampoo bottle—still works. The game doesn't care what the code is; it just looks for a pattern it can translate into points. You can literally scan your grocery receipt and potentially unlock a Totodile. It’s slightly chaotic, but it works.
Actionable Next Steps for Trainers
To get the most out of your Alola journey, stop ignoring the QR scanner menu.
Start by finding the Magearna QR code online—it's the only way to get a "free" Mythical without a time machine. From there, build a folder on your phone or computer with a set of ten 20-point "Special" QR codes. Scan these every day when you wake up or before you go to bed. By the time you reach the third island, you'll have a team of rare, non-Alolan powerhouses that most players didn't even realize were available.
Focus your Island Scans on Poni Island later in the game. That’s where the highest-level encounters happen, including Eelektross and Dragonite's pre-evolutions. It saves you an immense amount of grinding and makes the post-game content much more manageable. Just remember: check your 3DS clock, check the island, and always carry Quick Balls.