For players of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon on the Nintendo 3DS, The Pokémon Company frequently distributes complimentary creatures and items through official channels. These giveaways range from powerful Legendary Pokémon to cosmetic gear for the mobile title Pokémon GO. Accessing these freebies typically requires specific actions, such as visiting participating retailers, creating online accounts, or redeeming download codes within the game.
Official Distribution Methods
Players can obtain free content through several primary methods established by The Pokémon Company. These include in-store code distributions, digital downloads via the Nintendo Network, and newsletter sign-ups.
Retailer-Specific Download Codes
Certain promotions require players to visit physical retail locations to obtain a code card. These codes must then be redeemed in the game. * Best Buy: Distributed the Eon Pokémon Latios and Latias in September. The version received depended on the player's game: Sun and Ultra Sun players received Latias, while Moon and Ultra Moon players received Latios. * GameStop: Has hosted multiple distributions. In August, players could pick up codes for Groudon (Moon/Ultra Moon) or Kyogre (Sun/Ultra Sun). In May, codes for Xerneas and Yveltal were available. In June, a Shiny Zygarde was distributed. Additionally, a Shiny Poipole was offered at GameStop locations in the US from September 17 to October 7. * Target: Distributed Tornadus and Thundurus in July. In August, they offered Groudon and Kyogre. In April, they distributed Entei and Raikou. The specific Pokémon received depends on the game version owned. * Smyths: In the UK, this retailer distributed codes for Shiny Poipole until October 15.
Digital and Online Distribution
Some freebies are available directly through digital services without visiting a store. * Nintendo Network (Mystery Gift): Players can connect to the internet to receive gifts. This method was used for Latios and Latias in Europe and Australia (until September 23), Tornadus and Thundurus in Europe, Groudon and Kyogre, and Shiny Zygarde in Europe and Australia. * Pokémon Trainer Club Newsletter: By creating a free account on the official Pokémon website, players can receive download codes via email. This was the exclusive method for obtaining Regigigas and Heatran in March. Players with Ultra Sun or Sun received Regigigas, while those with Ultra Moon or Moon received Heatran. * Purchase Bonus: Players who bought Pokémon Gold or Silver from the 3DS eShop by September 21, 2018, received a code for the Mythical Pokémon Celebi.
Available Free Pokémon and Items
The freebies available through these methods include a variety of Legendary, Mythical, and Shiny Pokémon, as well as cosmetic items for other games.
Legendary and Mythical Pokémon
- Regigigas and Heatran: Available in March via the Pokémon Trainer Club newsletter. Version exclusive.
- Dialga and Palkia: Available in February at GameStop stores.
- Latios and Latias: Available in September at Best Buy (US) and via Mystery Gift (Europe/Australia). Version exclusive.
- Reshiram and Zekrom: Available in October.
- Tornadus and Thundurus: Available in July at Target (US) and via Mystery Gift (Europe). Version exclusive.
- Groudon and Kyogre: Available in August at GameStop (US) and via Mystery Gift. Version exclusive.
- Entei and Raikou: Available in April at Target (US) and via Mystery Gift (Europe). Version exclusive.
- Xerneas and Yveltal: Available in May at GameStop (US) and Game (UK). Version exclusive.
- Shiny Zygarde: Available in June at GameStop (US) and via Mystery Gift (Europe/Australia).
- Celebi: Available as a bonus with Pokémon Gold or Silver purchase from the eShop.
Special and Shiny Pokémon
- Shiny Poipole: Available at GameStop (US) and Smyths (UK) in September. This Pokémon is white and gold and knows Dragon Pulse, which is required for it to evolve into Naganadel.
- Gift Pokémon: In-game non-player characters (NPCs) may offer free Pokémon for talking to them or completing simple tasks. These can include rare Pokémon like Zygarde, Type: Null, and Ultra Beasts such as Poipole.
Cross-Game Freebies
- Pokémon GO Alola Region Items: To celebrate the launch of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Pokémon GO players can receive free Alola region avatar items. These include sandals, shorts, sun hats, flowery tank tops, and sneakers, allowing trainers to mimic the look of Alolan trainers.
Redemption Process
To redeem a download code: 1. Launch the game. 2. From the main menu, select "Mystery Gift." 3. Select "Receive Gift." 4. Select "Get with Code." 5. Enter the 16-digit code found on the code card. 6. Once received, the gift can be claimed from the delivery man inside any Pokémon Center.
Conclusion
Players of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon have had access to a rotating schedule of free Legendary and special Pokémon via official distributions. These giveaways are primarily facilitated through partnerships with major retailers like GameStop and Target, as well as through the Pokémon Trainer Club and the Nintendo Network. To claim these freebies, players must monitor official announcements for active distribution windows and follow the specific redemption instructions provided for each offer.