New Pokemon Snap Secret Side Path Pokemon Guide

Nintendo has released their update to New Pokemon Snap and with it, there are new areas for fans to explore. In the Secret Side Path, you get a new perspective on Pokemon as you shrink down into the NEO-ONE. Ever wanted to see a weedle while also being half its size? You can download this free update to your Nintendo Switch right now. In the guide below we'll highlight all of the Pokemon you can find in the New Pokemon Snap Secret Side Path area. We'll also list what 3-star and 4-star opportunities that we've come across.

How to get to the New Pokemon Snap Secret Side Path?

The first thing that you might want to find out with the new update is how to get to this update's new pathway. Unlike the Mightywide River and Barren Badlands, the Secret Side Path is located within the Florio Park but you'll need to scan a tree to get there.

Start either Florio Park Day or Florio Park Night and make your way through the level until you get to the large body of water where Swanna are normally flying and Bidoof are building a path. Instead of watching the Pokemon out on the water instead look to your left and you'll see a tree with a little alcove at its bottom. Scan it and it will trigger the split path, you'll then be treated to a cutscene of the NEO-ONE shrinking and you're now on the alternate pathway.

At the end of the path you'll emerge into the flower field so don't feel like you need to save any photos for once you're out of the Secret Side Path.

While you can enter the Side Path based on any of the different Research Levels of the Florio Park you've already earned it does have its own Research Level associated to it. The photos of Pokemon you take while you're there will count towards this special Research Level.

More good news is that after you've completed the Secret Side Path once it will show up as a dedicated option on your map of the Lental Region.

New Pokemon Snap Secret Side Path Alternate Route

After you've completed the Secret Side Path for the first time if you're scanning you'll be able to find an alternate path. At the beginning of the Secret Side Path (Day) stage, after the first time you encounter Dodrio, keep scanning the grass to the left. If you see a Comfey through the blades of grass you'll know you're close. Once the scan point appears you'll be taken to the Alternate Route. 

New Pokemon Snap Secret Side Path - Day

Below is a list of Pokemon you can find in this area:

• Vivillon
• Wurmple
• Scorbunny
• Pichu
• Dodrio
• Emolga
• Comfey
• Shroomish
• Bidoof
• Torterra
• Taillow
• Pidgeot
• Snorlax

3-Star Opportunities

Bidoof - RL 1
As you head through the log you can take a photo of Bidoof’s behind and it will count as a 3-star.

Dodrio - RL 1
When you enter the Secret Path area, after Dodrio’s head goes down in the area you can take a picture of it here.

Wurmple - RL 1
Near the Torterra where Dodrio is landing to scare the Wurmples, you can take a picture of the frightened wurmple.
At the beginning of the stage watch the Wurmple immediately to your left, at one point it will rear up and you can get another Wurmple 3-star.

Scorbunny - RL 1
Near the Torterra, after Dodrio has been scared off, Scorbunny will begin celebrating along with Pichu and doing some backflips. You can take an image here for a 3-star opportunity.

Pichu - RL 1
At the same time as Scorbunny is celebrating for its 3-star photo op, you can also snag one of Pichu.

Torterra - RL 1
After the Dodrio has left the area with the Torterra and the smaller pokemon you’ll see it looking proud as Pichu and Scorbunny dance on its back. Take a photo for an easy 3-star.

Emolga - RL 1
After riding down on the emolga's back light up the Crystabloom to the right. Take a photo of the emolga as it's lit up by it.

Comfey - RL 1
Take the side path, the same way you'd take to get to the Snorlax and keep an eye on the Comfey there. The Dodrio will try to attack it. Take a photo of the Comfey when it's scared for a 3-star photo.

Snorlax - RL 1
Shortly after the first Dodrio sighting, on your second or later time through, you will come upon some grass with a prompt to scan. If you do, it will reveal an alternate route with something snoring. Go down this path to see Snorlax, skipping the Emolga Ride. When you land on Snorlax, when his mouth is open, through an apple in it for him to chow down on for a 3-star photo

4-Star Opportunities

Torterra - RL 1
As you progress through the track you’ll see a Dodrio appearing at a number of times. As you approach the area with the Torterra that Scorbunny and Pichu are riding wait for it to front on the Dodrio. Take a photo of it rearing up for this 4-star snap.

Dodrio - RL 1
At the same time that Torterra is rearing up for the above 4-star snap, you can also take a photo of Dodrio, it’s difficult to get his full form into frame though. Additionally, when Dodrio is leaping to attack several small pokemon like Wurmples and Pichu/Scorbunny you can take a picture here and get it.

Shroomish - RL 1
After you go through the log, when you come out there are 3 shrooms and a crystal Bloom. Light up the Crystal Bloom with your Illumina orb, and play some music, to get three dancing Shroomish, also fulfilling the Dancing Trio task for Rita.

Snorlax - RL 1

Take the alternate path to ride along Snorlax, and feed him at least once. Then once you are off him, hit him with Illumina Orbs and play the melody. Snorlax will wake up, completing part one of this. At the end of the stage, after you are no longer shrunk, you will see Snorlax in the final flower field, facing away from you. Hit him with Illumina Orbs and he'll run towards you, an opportunity for a 4-star image. This is also how to complete the request Snorlax Dash.

New Pokemon Snap Secret Side Path - Night

Below is a list of Pokemon you can find in this area:

• Caterpie
• Combee
• Foongus
• Torterra
• Ducklett
• Vespiqueen
• Hoothoot
• Murkrow
• Pinsir
• Vivillon
• Pidgeot
• Tangrowth

3-Star Opportunities

Caterpie - RL 1
As you’re traveling through the log follow the Caterpie to the right and you’ll see him snuggling up with two other sleeping Caterpie. This is your opportunity.

Foongus - RL 1
There are a number of opportunities to catch the Foongus at a 3-star level. When you first drop down bouncing on their heads turn around and catch them making a hurt face for a chance at the 3-star. Shortly after keeping an eye to your left and you’ll see Foongus carrying apples. This is another 3-star chance. 

Ducklett - RL 1
After seeing the sleeping caterpie look to the other side of the log to see the rear end of a Ducklett. If you play music it will start smiling and turn around to look at you.

Vespiqueen - RL 1
Take a photo of the Vespiqueen near the sleeping torterra as it’s scolding the Combee. If you don’t time it correctly/don’t throw an Illunimo orb instead of a 4-star you’ll get a great 3-star shot.

Pinsir - RL 1
You’ll see a buried Pinsir like the one you’ve likely seen in the normal nighttime route. Throw an apple at it and it will emerge.

4-Star Opportunities

Caterpie - RL 1
After bouncing on the Foongus look to your right for a Crystabloom flower. Light it up and the Caterpie will start using stringshot.

Vespiqueen - RL 1
After the hollowed-out log you’ll ride over a sleeping Torterra. To your right will be a Vespiqueen that’s scolding Combee. Throw an Illumino Orb at it and it will be your 4-Star photo.