Course Progression — Pokémon Snap Guide

Course Progression

Welcome, aspiring Pokémon photographer! Mastering the courses in Pokémon Snap is key to unlocking new areas, items, and ultimately, capturing all 63 Pokémon. This section will guide you through the optimal progression, detailing how to meet Professor Oak's requirements and advance your adventure.

Unlocking New Courses

Professor Oak evaluates your photos after each run. To unlock new courses, you'll need to achieve a certain "Pokémon Sign" rating. This rating is based on the number of unique Pokémon you've successfully photographed in the current course. Don't worry about perfect scores yet; focus on variety!

Beach Course (Level 1)

Your journey begins here. The Beach is a straightforward introduction to the mechanics of Pokémon Snap. Your primary goal is to photograph as many different Pokémon as possible to meet Professor Oak's initial requirements.

• Objective: Photograph 15 unique Pokémon.
• Key Pokémon to find: Doduo, Pidgey, Lapras, Snorlax, Eevee, Pikachu, Butterfree, Chansey, Meowth, Magikarp.
• Strategy:
  • Early Game: Focus on getting clear shots of every Pokémon you see. Don't be afraid to take multiple pictures of the same Pokémon to ensure at least one good shot.
  • Snorlax: Use a Pester Ball to wake Snorlax near the end of the course. This is crucial for unlocking the next item.
  • Pikachu: There are several opportunities to photograph Pikachu. Try to get one riding on a Lapras for bonus points later!
• Reward: Upon reaching 15 unique Pokémon, Professor Oak will grant you the Pester Ball.

Volcano Course (Level 1)

With the Pester Ball in hand, you can now access the fiery Volcano course. This area introduces new challenges and Pokémon that react differently to your items.

• Objective: Photograph 22 unique Pokémon (across all unlocked courses).
• Key Pokémon to find: Magmar, Charmander, Vulpix, Growlithe, Arcanine, Rapidash, Ponyta, Moltres.
• Strategy:
  • Moltres Activation: This is your primary goal here. Throw Pester Balls at the three Magmar circling the lava pit. This will reveal the legendary Moltres. Getting a good shot of Moltres is essential for progression.
  • Charmander Evolution: Look for Charmander near the beginning. Hitting it with a Pester Ball can sometimes make it evolve into Charmeleon, offering another unique photo opportunity.
• Reward: Once you've photographed 22 unique Pokémon, Professor Oak will provide the Poké Flute.

River Course (Level 1)

The Poké Flute opens up the lush River course, where sound becomes a new tool for interacting with Pokémon. This course requires more precise item usage.

• Objective: Photograph 30 unique Pokémon (across all unlocked courses).
• Key Pokémon to find: Bulbasaur, Poliwag, Vileplume, Slowpoke, Slowbro, Metapod, Staryu, Starmie, Squirtle, Psyduck.
• Strategy:
  • Slowpoke Evolution: This is a critical interaction. Near the end of the course, you'll see a Slowpoke by a switch. Play the Poké Flute to make it move onto the switch, evolving it into Slowbro and opening a new path. This is a must for progression.
  • Bulbasaur Awakening: Play the Poké Flute near sleeping Bulbasaur to wake them up for better photo opportunities.
• Reward: After capturing 30 unique Pokémon, Professor Oak will give you the Pokémon Food.

Cave Course (Level 1)

With Pokémon Food, you can now enter the dark and mysterious Cave. This item is invaluable for luring Pokémon closer and getting them into specific poses.

• Objective: Photograph 38 unique Pokémon (across all unlocked courses).
• Key Pokémon to find: Zubat, Jynx, Electabuzz, Magikarp, Articuno, Ditto, Grimer, Muk, Koffing, Weezing.
• Strategy:
  • Articuno Activation: This is the main event. Throw Pokémon Food at the Jynx near the crystal formation. This will cause them to dance and reveal the legendary Articuno.
  • Ditto Transformation: Look for the three Ditto disguised as Bulbasaur. Throw Pokémon Food at them to reveal their true form.
  • Grimer/Muk: Use Pokémon Food to lure these Pokémon out of the poisonous puddles for clearer shots.
• Reward: Once you've photographed 38 unique Pokémon, Professor Oak will unlock the Valley Course.

Valley Course (Level 1)

The Valley is a dynamic course with strong currents and multiple paths. Your full arsenal of items will be tested here.

• Objective: Photograph 45 unique Pokémon (across all unlocked courses).
• Key Pokémon to find: Mankey, Sandshrew, Sandslash, Diglett, Dugtrio, Geodude, Graveler, Golem, Onix, Kangaskhan, Zapdos.
• Strategy:
  • Zapdos Activation: This requires precise timing and item use. As you approach the waterfall, throw a Pester Ball at the three Geodude to knock them into the water. This will clear the path and reveal the legendary Zapdos.
  • Diglett/Dugtrio: Use Pokémon Food to lure Diglett out of their holes, and then hit them with a Pester Ball to make Dugtrio appear.
• Reward: After photographing 45 unique Pokémon, Professor Oak will grant you the Dash Engine, allowing for faster movement.

Rainbow Cloud Course (Level 1)

The final course, Rainbow Cloud, is a celestial journey where you'll encounter the ultimate legendary Pokémon. The Dash Engine is crucial for positioning yourself for the best shots.

• Objective: Photograph 63 unique Pokémon (across all unlocked courses).
• Key Pokémon to find: Mew.
• Strategy:
  • Mew Encounter: This is the most challenging Pokémon to photograph. Mew is surrounded by a psychic shield. You must hit it with a Pester Ball to temporarily break its shield, then quickly snap a photo. Use the Dash Engine to keep up with its erratic movements.
  • Orb Interaction: Throw Pokémon Food at the orbs surrounding Mew to make it appear more frequently.
• Reward: Successfully photographing Mew and reaching 63 unique Pokémon will complete your Pokémon Report, earning you Professor Oak's highest praise and the ability to continue perfecting your photos.