The "Pokémon Pokopia" Zorua Hide-and-Sneak contest challenges players to put their stealth skills to the test. Instead of battling Pokémon or competing in a traditional race, participants must sneak past searching Pokémon and reach a designated PC as quickly as possible.
The faster the challenge is completed, the better the rewards. These include useful materials, Rainbow Feathers, Silver Feathers, Star Pieces, Pokémetal, Rare Pokémetal, and the exclusive Hide-and-Sneak Trophy.
For players trying to collect every reward from the event, knowing how to start the contest and understanding the best stealth strategy can make a significant difference.
When Is the Zorua Hide-and-Sneak Contest Available?
TheZorua Hide-and-Sneak Contest runs from 5 a.m. local time on Sunday, July 19, until 4:59 a.m. local time on Monday, July 27.
This gives players a limited window to participate and improve their completion times. Since rewards are tied to specific time targets, players can return to the event and attempt faster runs to unlock additional prizes.
The event is particularly worthwhile for players collecting rare materials and special items, as some of the later rewards require extremely fast completion times.
How to Start the Zorua Hide-and-Sneak Contest in Pokémon Pokopia
Players must first unlock Zorua before they can participate in the event.
1. Find Zorua in Bleak Beach
Players who haven't encountered Zorua yet need to continue progressing through Pokémon Pokopia until the Pokémon becomes available in Bleak Beach.
Once Zorua has been added to the Pokédex, the event can be accessed during the limited-time contest period.
2. Visit a Rebuilt Pokémon Center
When players log in during the event, a notification will indicate that a particular Pokémon is attracting attention around town.
After receiving the notification, players should visit a nearby rebuilt Pokémon Center. Zorua will be waiting around the building.
3. Speak to Zorua
Talk to Zorua to learn about the Hide-and-Sneak contest. Speak to Zorua again and select the dialogue option asking whether a Hide-and-Sneak contest is currently taking place.
Players can then choose to start the minigame.
How the 'Pokémon Pokopia' Hide-and-Sneak Contest Works
The objective is straightforward: reach the PC located near the entrance of the Pokémon Center without being caught by the three Pokémon searching for the player.
At the beginning of the challenge, the player is positioned a short distance away from the Pokémon Center. The three searching Pokémon patrol the area and attempt to detect the player.
The goal is to:
・Avoid being spotted.
・Reach the PC.
・Interact with the PC to finish the challenge.
・Complete the course as quickly as possible.
The final completion time determines which rewards are unlocked.
Players don't need to achieve every target in one attempt. Each reward can be earned once, allowing multiple attempts to gradually improve the completion time.
Use Camouflage to Avoid Getting Caught
One of the most useful abilities during the Zorua Hide-and-Sneak contest is the camouflage move.
When a searching Pokémon becomes suspicious, camouflage can prevent immediate detection. Instead of instantly catching the player, the searching Pokémon may lose interest if the player remains completely still.
This makes camouflage particularly useful when a player is close to the PC but needs to avoid being detected.
The basic strategy is:
・Use camouflage near suspicious Pokémon.
・Stop moving when a seeker notices the player.
・Wait for the Pokémon to lose interest.
・Continue toward the PC once the area is clear.
Although this method is safer, it isn't always the fastest approach for players chasing the best time.
Sprint Away When a Pokémon Becomes Suspicious
Another strategy is to keep moving after a searching Pokémon becomes suspicious.
There is a brief window before the Pokémon fully detects the player. If the PC is nearby, players can take advantage of this delay and sprint toward the finish.
This approach is riskier than using camouflage, but it can save valuable seconds. Since the fastest rewards require extremely short completion times, players may need to combine both techniques.
Camouflage can be used during the early portion of the course, followed by a full sprint during the final stretch.
Choose a Pokémon Center With Few Surrounding Obstacles
The location of the Hide-and-Sneak contest can have a major impact on completion times.
A Pokémon Center surrounded by fewer objects and structures can make it easier to navigate the course and avoid the searching Pokémon. Players should look for an area where the building itself can provide cover.
One effective approach is to start near the rear of the Pokémon Center. The building can act as a natural barrier, allowing players to stay out of sight before making their final move.
From there, players can:
・Use the Pokémon Center as cover.
・Camouflage near an object close to the PC.
・Wait for the right opportunity.
・Sprint directly toward the PC.
・Interact with the PC to finish the challenge.
This strategy can produce exceptionally fast results, with completion times of only a few seconds possible for highly efficient runs.
'Pokémon Pokopia' Zorua Hide-and-Sneak Contest Rewards
The "Pokémon Pokopia" Hide-and-Sneak rewards are distributed according to completion time. Each reward can only be collected once.
Players can earn the following prizes:
・2 minutes, 28 seconds: 3 Lumber
・2 minutes, 11 seconds: 3 Leppa Berries
・1 minute, 56 seconds: 3 Honey
・1 minute, 39 seconds: 3 Large Lost Relics
・1 minute, 30 seconds: 1 Hide-and-Sneak Trophy
・1 minute, 20 seconds: 3 Rainbow Feathers
・1 minute, 11 seconds: 3 Silver Feathers
・1 minute: 1 Star Piece
・50 seconds: 30 Pokémetal
・41 seconds: 10 Rare Pokémetal
・36 seconds: 10 Rare Pokémetal
・30 seconds: 10 Rare Pokémetal
・26 seconds: 10 Rare Pokémetal
・20 seconds: 10 Rare Pokémetal
The final five time targets provide a total of 50 Rare Pokémetal, making them especially valuable for players who want to stock up on the rare crafting material.
What Is the Best Reward From the Zorua Hide-and-Sneak Contest?
The most important reward for collectors is the Hide-and-Sneak Trophy, which requires a completion time of 1 minute and 30 seconds or faster.
Players who want to collect all available items should prioritize earning this trophy before focusing on the fastest times.
For players interested in useful materials, the 50 Rare Pokémetal available from the sub-41-second targets is arguably the most valuable reward pool. Achieving the final 20-second target grants the last 10 Rare Pokémetal.
Because each reward is awarded only once, completing the challenge repeatedly after obtaining every prize is mainly useful for improving personal records.
How to Get All Zorua Hide-and-Sneak Rewards
Players aiming for 100% completion should approach the event in stages.
Start by Securing the Easy Rewards
The first few targets require relatively relaxed completion times. Players can learn the course and become familiar with the locations of the searching Pokémon while collecting the initial materials.
Work Toward the Hide-and-Sneak Trophy
Once the route becomes familiar, players should aim for a time of 1 minute and 30 seconds or faster to secure the exclusive trophy.
Optimize the Route
After collecting the trophy, the focus should shift toward reducing unnecessary movement. Using the Pokémon Center as cover and choosing an efficient starting position can significantly reduce the final time.
Push for Sub-20 Seconds
The final target requires a completion time of 20 seconds or less. This is the ultimate challenge for players who want every reward, particularly the full 50 Rare Pokémetal available from the fastest time thresholds.
Finishing the Hide-and-Seek Contest
The "Pokémon Pokopia" Zorua Hide-and-Sneak contest offers a short but rewarding stealth challenge for players willing to refine their route. While the early time targets are relatively forgiving, collecting every reward requires careful use of camouflage, smart positioning, and precise timing.
The Hide-and-Sneak Trophy provides a unique collectible, while the fastest runs can yield a total of 50 Rare Pokémetal. With the right Pokémon Center location and a well-practiced route, players can turn this limited-time event into a quick source of valuable rewards.
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