On each course in Pokémon Snap, one element of the scenery looks like a Pokémon when seen from the right angle: a pile of rocks, a shadow, a puff of smoke, a tree, a constellation of crystals, a mountain range. Professor Oak calls them Pokémon Signs (Pokémon Sign in the menus). There are six, one per course, from the Beach to the Valley. You have to photograph all of them to reach the Rainbow Cloud and Mew. This page explains where each one is, what you need to see it and how not to miss it.
How the quest begins
The quest is not visible until you have met Oak in the lagoon of the Valley, behind the gate opened by the Mankey. The professor explains there that he has heard of Pokémon that appear as landmarks in the island’s landscape, and asks you to photograph them. He then opens a dedicated page in the Report. You may have taken pictures of the scenery without knowing it, but they only count if you show them to him afterward. Once all six are handed in, Oak realizes that each sign draws a constellation of the island’s sky and sends you to the Rainbow Cloud.
Summary
| Course | Sign | Pokémon evoked | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach | Kingler Rock | Kingler | Nothing: the right camera angle |
| Tunnel | Pinsir Shadow | Pinsir | Apple, Poké Flute, Zapdos hatched |
| Volcano | Koffing Smoke | Koffing | Pester Ball |
| River | Cubone Tree | Cubone | Poké Flute played continuously |
| Cave | Mewtwo Constellation | Mewtwo | Nothing: the right camera angle |
| Valley | Dugtrio Mountain | Dugtrio | Nothing: the right camera angle |
Kingler Rock (Beach)
At the start of the Beach, a pile of mossy rocks and a wooden structure look no different from the rest of the coast. But when the camera and the ZERO-ONE are lined up well, the whole thing takes the shape of a Kingler. No item is needed. Guides say to look left and slightly behind you, shortly after the start; Serebii more simply advises doing a full camera turn. Our old walkthrough placed this rock on the right: if you don’t see it on one side, try the other.
Pinsir Shadow (Tunnel)
In the last room, a spotlight lights up a heap of rocks and debris. If the power plant is running, the light casts the shadow of a Pinsir on the back wall. To get this, you must have restarted the power plant by hatching Zapdos: draw Pikachu close to the egg with an Apple, then play the Poké Flute. The shadow is only visible temporarily. As soon as the ZERO-ONE has passed a certain point, the spotlight flickers and goes out.
Koffing Smoke (Volcano)
At the very start of the Volcano, a volcanic cone surrounded by lava gives off wisps of purple smoke. Aim carefully at the crater and throw a Pester Ball into it. The smoke thickens and takes the shape of a Koffing. It only keeps that shape for a few seconds: press the shutter without delay.
Cubone Tree (River)
Shortly after the first bend, a large moss-covered tree stands back from the bank, almost hidden by the cloud of spores released by the Vileplume sleeping at its foot. Wake it with the Poké Flute: it dances, the cloud disperses and the tree, which looks like a Cubone, becomes visible. It stays that way only as long as the flute keeps playing without interruption; if you stop, Vileplume falls back asleep and its cloud returns. Photograph it while the melody plays.
Mewtwo Constellation (Cave)
In the third chamber of the Cave, large crystals shine in the dark. To the naked eye, their shape suggests nothing. Yet the developed photo reveals a spectral aurora whose silhouette is that of Mewtwo. No item is required, but the result only shows after developing: take several shots from different angles, looking behind you when you reach the pools of water.
Dugtrio Mountain (Valley)
Shortly after the ZERO-ONE lands on the water, three large peaks rise in the distance, with what look like eyes and snouts. They are the three heads of a giant Dugtrio. All you need to do is point the camera at them, no item required. It is the easiest sign to spot, but don’t forget to photograph it before launching into the descent.
Tips
- Mark your photos for Oak. A scenery photo is only useful if it is in the pile you show the professor.
- Take the photo, then check. Developing sometimes reveals shapes you could not see on the screen, in particular the Mewtwo Constellation.
- Go in whatever order suits you. The six signs can be taken over several runs. The two that need the flute are the latest ones.
Next in the guide
Once the six signs are handed in, it’s time for the Rainbow Cloud: see the secret course walkthrough, and the page on legendaries and rarities, where Mewtwo appears only as a constellation.
