- What to know
- Quick overview of the Dowsing Machine in Pokémon Pokopia
- Where the Dowsing Machine is located in Pokémon Pokopia
- Pokémon abilities required to use the Dowsing Machine
- Preparing your inventory before treasure hunting
- How to use the Dowsing Machine to find relic treasure
- How buried relic treasure works in Pokémon Pokopia
- Types of rewards you can find using the Dowsing Machine
- Best tips for finding treasure faster
- Common mistakes players make when using the Dowsing Machine
- Why the Dowsing Machine is important for completionists
- Mastering treasure hunting with the Dowsing Machine
What to know
- The Dowsing Machine helps detect hidden relic treasure buried underground.
- You must pair it with a Pokémon that has the Search ability.
- Once the treasure is detected, use Rock Smash to uncover the buried item.
- The device is found in a yellow Poké Ball near the Hitmon unlock area.
Pokémon Pokopia includes several hidden mechanics that reward exploration, and the Dowsing Machine is one of the most useful tools for treasure hunters. Instead of relying on random digging, you can use this device with specific Pokémon abilities to detect buried relic treasure scattered across the map.
If you want to collect rare relics, crafting materials, and secret items, learning how to properly use the Dowsing Machine will make the process far more efficient.
Quick overview of the Dowsing Machine in Pokémon Pokopia
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Item | Dowsing Machine |
| Purpose | Detect buried treasure and relics |
| Required Pokémon Ability | Search |
| Example Pokémon | Pidgey |
| Required Action to Reveal Treasure | Rock Smash |
| Where to Obtain | Yellow Poké Ball in the Hitmon unlock area |
| Main Use | Finding hidden relic treasure underground |
Where the Dowsing Machine is located in Pokémon Pokopia
Before you can search for relic treasure, you first need to obtain the Dowsing Machine.
The item is hidden in a yellow Poké Ball located at the top of the area where you unlock the Hitmon Pokémon. This location also contains breakable objects that you must clear while progressing through the area.

Once you reach the top section, you will find the Poké Ball containing the Dowsing Machine. After collecting it, the device will be permanently added to your inventory and can be used anytime while exploring.
Because the machine is tied to exploration mechanics, it becomes especially useful when you begin hunting for Lost Relics and buried collectibles later in the game.
Pokémon abilities required to use the Dowsing Machine
The Dowsing Machine cannot locate treasure on its own. Instead, it works together with Pokémon that have the Search ability.
How the Search ability works
The Search ability allows a Pokémon to sense hidden items buried beneath the ground. When paired with the Dowsing Machine, the ability becomes far more accurate.

A good early example of a Pokémon with this ability is Pidgey.
When you check the Pokédex entry for certain Pokémon, you will see their abilities listed. If Search appears in the list, that Pokémon can help detect buried treasure.
Benefits of using a Search Pokémon
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Detect hidden relics | Finds items buried underground |
| Faster treasure hunting | Reduces random digging |
| Signals nearby treasure | Alerts when an item is within range |
| Works with Dowsing Machine | Activates detection mechanic |
Without a Search Pokémon, the Dowsing Machine will not be able to identify treasure locations.
Preparing your inventory before treasure hunting
Before beginning your relic hunt, make sure you prepare a few things:
- The Dowsing Machine must be in your inventory.
- It should remain active or equipped at all times while exploring.
- Bring a Pokémon with the Search ability.
- Ensure you can use Rock Smash to break the ground once treasure is located.
Keeping the device active while exploring allows you to immediately scan nearby areas for hidden treasure.
How to use the Dowsing Machine to find relic treasure
The process of using the Dowsing Machine is simple once you understand the sequence of actions.
Step 1
Collect the Dowsing Machine from the yellow Poké Ball located at the top of the Hitmon unlock area.

Step 2
Open your inventory and make sure the Dowsing Machine is equipped or kept active while exploring.

Step 3
Find a Pokémon that has the Search ability, such as Pidgey.

Step 4
Bring that Pokémon with you while exploring the environment.
Step 5
Press A to activate the Search ability through the Dowsing Machine.

Step 6
Your Pokémon will react if there is buried treasure nearby. This indicates that the device has detected something underground.
Step 7
Look around the surrounding area for the exact location of the hidden treasure.

Step 8
Once you identify the correct spot, use Rock Smash to break the ground or object covering the treasure.
Step 9
The buried relic or item will appear after breaking the surface.

Step 10
Collect the treasure and add it to your inventory.
Step 11
After finishing the search, you can split up from the Pokémon that assisted you.

Following this process lets you repeatedly scan areas for additional hidden treasure.
How buried relic treasure works in Pokémon Pokopia
Buried treasure in Pokémon Pokopia usually contains Lost Relics or collectible items that can later be appraised.
These relics often serve different purposes in the game, such as:
- Unlocking crafting recipes
- Completing collectible sets
- Progressing certain side systems
- Obtaining rare decorations or items
Because relics are hidden underground, many players overlook them unless they actively use the Dowsing Machine.
Types of rewards you can find using the Dowsing Machine
| Reward Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Lost Relics | Items that can be appraised for recipes |
| Crafting Materials | Used to build habitats or structures |
| Collectible Treasures | Rare items added to your collection |
| Hidden Items | Miscellaneous rewards buried underground |
The rewards can vary depending on the area where you search.
Best tips for finding treasure faster
Treasure hunting can take time, but a few strategies can make it much easier.
Keep the Dowsing Machine active at all times
You should leave the device active while exploring new areas. This prevents you from missing treasure that might be nearby.
Use a reliable Search Pokémon
Some Pokémon are easier to control or locate treasure with. Using one consistently helps speed up the process.

Check multiple areas
Treasure is scattered across different regions, so exploring various locations increases your chances of finding relics.
Pay attention to Pokémon reactions
When your Pokémon indicates something nearby, slow down and carefully check the surrounding terrain.
Break suspicious ground spots
If an area looks different or slightly raised, try using Rock Smash even if the signal is weak.
Common mistakes players make when using the Dowsing Machine
Many players struggle with the system at first because of a few common mistakes.
Not using a Search Pokémon
The Dowsing Machine will not detect treasure without the proper ability.
Forgetting to activate the device
The machine must remain in your inventory and active during exploration.

Ignoring the Pokémon signal
Your Pokémon provides the main clue for treasure detection, so always follow its reactions.
Not using Rock Smash
Even after locating treasure, you still need to break the ground to reveal the item.
Avoiding these mistakes will make relic hunting much smoother.
Why the Dowsing Machine is important for completionists
For players aiming to fully complete Pokémon Pokopia, the Dowsing Machine becomes essential.
Hidden relics are tied to several systems in the game, including:
- recipe unlocks
- collectible completion
- resource gathering
- exploration rewards
Without using the Dowsing Machine, it is extremely easy to miss a large number of buried items.
Because of this, experienced players often activate the device whenever they explore new regions.
Mastering treasure hunting with the Dowsing Machine
The Dowsing Machine is one of the most useful exploration tools in Pokémon Pokopia. By combining it with a Pokémon that has the Search ability, you can locate hidden relic treasure that would otherwise remain buried underground.
Once you understand the process—detect treasure, identify the spot, and break the ground with Rock Smash—you can repeatedly uncover valuable items across the world. For players who enjoy exploration, collectibles, and hidden secrets, mastering the Dowsing Machine is a major step toward discovering everything the game has to offer.