How many z crystals on the save screen usum — Answer & Guide
Introduction
If you’ve played Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM) in the Alola region, you’ve probably collected a handful of Z-Crystals and wondered: how many z crystals on the save screen usum? In this guide I answer that exact question, explain what the save screen shows, clarify the difference between type Z-Crystals and special Z-Crystals, and give practical tips on finding and tracking them in Ultra Sun Ultra Moon. As an experienced player who has finished the main story and hunted for Z-Moves and crystals, I’ll walk you through the facts in a simple, user-friendly way.
Quick answer: How many Z-Crystals on the save screen in USUM?
The short, direct answer to “how many z crystals on the save screen usum” is: the save screen displays icons for the 18 type-based Z-Crystals—one for each Pokémon type. These are the standard elemental Z-Crystals (e.g., Firium Z, Waterium Z) that correspond to the main 18 types in the game. Special or species-specific Z-Crystals (like those for certain Legendary or event Pokémon) are obtainable in the game but are not shown as part of the save-screen Z-Crystal grid.
Why the save screen shows 18 Z-Crystals
The save screen acts as a brief snapshot of some of your key progress and collectibles. In USUM, the game designers chose to show the type Z-Crystals because they are universal—usable by many Pokémon to trigger Z-Moves tied to types. There are 18 Pokémon types that have type Z-Crystals, and each of these appears as a single icon on the save menu. This makes it easy to check at a glance which elemental Z-Crystals you have collected.
Key points:
- One icon per type: The save screen shows one slot or icon representing each type-based Z-Crystal.
- All 18 types covered: That covers Fire, Water, Electric, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Poison, Ground, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Rock, Ghost, Dragon, Dark, Steel, Fairy, and Normal where applicable.
- Species-specific crystals: Special Z-Crystals (Pikashunium Z, etc.) typically are tracked in your Bag or Key Items and may not appear in the save-screen Z-Crystal display.
Understanding the difference: type Z-Crystals vs. special Z-Crystals
To avoid confusion when asking “how many z crystals on the save screen usum,” it helps to know the two main categories of Z-Crystals in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon:
- Type Z-Crystals: These are tied to Pokémon types and allow a compatible Pokémon to use a type-based Z-Move. Examples include Firium Z (Fire), Waterium Z (Water), and Electrium Z (Electric). The save screen lists these 18 crystals.
- Species- or event-specific Z-Crystals: Unique crystals that only certain Pokémon can use—for example, crystals linked to Pikachu or special legendary forms. These are collectible but not part of the 18-icon grid on the save screen.
So while you may have more than 18 Z-Crystals in your Bag once you include special ones, the save menu focuses on the core 18 type crystals.
How to check Z-Crystals in USUM: step-by-step
If you want to confirm what you have and track down missing crystals, here are clear steps you can follow in-game:
- Open the Poké Portal or main menu: Access your main menu by pressing X. From there you can go to Save or check the Bag.
- Go to the Save Screen: When checking the save screen (where the question originates), look for the Z-Crystal icons—these correspond to the 18 type Z-Crystals.
- Check your Bag for all crystals: To see every Z-Crystal you own, open the Bag and look under Key Items or Z-Crystals depending on the category. This reveals species-specific crystals not visible on the save-screen grid.
- Cross-reference with your Pokédex or checklist: If you’re completion hunting, make a simple checklist of the 18 type crystals and any event/special crystals you want to obtain.
Where to find Z-Crystals in Ultra Sun Ultra Moon (locations and tips)
Knowing “how many z crystals on the save screen usum” helps set expectations, but the fun part is collecting them. Here are some commonly used methods and locations for finding Z-Crystals across the Alola region in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon:
- Wild item pickups: Some crystals are found as items on the ground in certain routes or caves.
- NPC rewards: Story events or NPCs sometimes give Z-Crystals as rewards.
- Bottle Cap or event trades: Occasionally, special crystals are distributed via events or given by specific NPCs for completing tasks.
- Battle rewards: Some in-game battles (like Battle Tree or Totem battles) may yield Z-Crystals.
Tip: Keep an eye on NPC dialogue and suspicious item piles; Alola is full of hidden collectibles.
Common misconceptions about the save menu and Z-Crystals
Many players confuse the total number of collectible Z-Crystals with the number shown on the save screen. Here are the most frequent misunderstandings:
- “The save screen shows everything I own”: Not quite. The save screen succinctly shows the 18 type Z-Crystals, but species-specific or event-only crystals might not appear there.
- “There are only 18 Z-Crystals in the game”: False. While there are 18 type crystals, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon include additional crystals through events and story progression.
- “If the save screen is missing icons, it’s a bug”: If an icon is missing, it usually means you haven’t acquired that type Z-Crystal yet. It isn’t a bug in most cases.
Practical example: tracking your progress
Here is a practical way to use the save screen information:
- Open the save screen and count the Z-Crystal icons. You should see up to 18 icons filled if you have collected all type crystals.
- Note which type crystals are missing (for example, if you see no Ice-type icon, you still need the Icium Z).
- Use an in-game map or an online location list to target the missing crystals—focus on NPCs or areas known to drop the type you need.
- After obtaining a missing crystal, save and check the save screen again to see the updated 18-icon display.
Example scenario: You have 15 of the 18 type crystals. The save screen clearly shows empty slots for the three missing type icons. You check the Bag and find a species-specific crystal for Pikachu that does not appear on the save screen; this confirms the distinction between type and special crystals.
Tips for completing your Z-Crystal collection faster
Collecting Z-Crystals can be a fun side goal. Here are practical tips to finish the job:
- Prioritize story and NPC interactions: Many Z-Crystals are handed out as you progress the story or as rewards—don’t skip cutscenes or side dialogues.
- Check battle facilities: The Battle Tree and other post-game features sometimes reward rare items and crystals.
- Explore thoroughly: Some crystals are hidden in caves or on high ledges—use your Surf/Strength equivalents and look for item sparkles.
- Use a checklist: Make a simple two-column list for the 18 type Z-Crystals and another for any special/event crystals you want—mark them off as you go.
- Trade and events: Keep an eye out for events that distribute special Z-Crystals, and consider trades with friends if possible.
How the save screen helps with Z-Move planning
Seeing the 18 type Z-Crystals on the save screen is useful for planning competitive or in-game Z-Move strategies. For example:
- If you see the Electrium Z icon filled on the save screen, you know you can create Electric type Z-Move combos with compatible Pokémon.
- Use the save-screen snapshot to decide which team members need a Z-Crystal equipped before entering tough battles.
- Remember: Z-Moves require both a compatible move and the correct type crystal (or a species-specific crystal). The save screen doesn’t reveal move compatibility, only that you have the type crystal in your collection.
FAQ
Q1: How many Z-Crystals are shown on the save screen in USUM?
A1: The save screen shows icons for the 18 type-based Z-Crystals—one per Pokémon type. Species-specific or event crystals you obtain are not typically included in that grid.
Q2: Does the save screen count special Z-Crystals like Pikashunium Z?
A2: No. The save screen highlights the 18 type Z-Crystals. Special or species-specific crystals are found in your Bag or Key Items and may not appear on the save-menu Z-Crystal display.
Q3: I have more than 18 Z-Crystals in my Bag. Why does the save screen only show 18?
A3: The save screen displays the standard set of type Z-Crystals (18 types). Extra crystals you collect through events or for specific Pokémon increase your Bag total but are not shown on the save-screen grid.
Q4: Can I see which Z-Crystal is missing from the save screen easily?
A4: Yes. The save screen shows which type icons are filled and which are not. Compare the empty icons to your checklist to identify missing type crystals and then use in-game locations or guides to collect them.
Q5: Are Z-Crystals permanent once found, and do they ever disappear from the save screen?
A5: Z-Crystals you obtain are permanent items in your save file. If an icon disappears from the save screen, it typically means you haven’t found that crystal yet; it should not disappear after being collected unless there is a rare glitch or you transferred/used it in an unintended way. Always save after collecting rare items.
Conclusion
To recap the core point of this guide: when asking “how many z crystals on the save screen usum,” the answer is straightforward—18 type-based Z-Crystals are shown on the save screen, one for each Pokémon type. Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon may include additional species- or event-specific Z-Crystals, but those are tracked in your Bag and do not change the 18-icon display on the save menu. Use the save-screen snapshot as a quick progress check, then consult your Bag or a checklist to finish collecting every Z-Crystal in the Alola region. Good luck hunting, and enjoy crafting powerful Z-Move strategies with your newly collected crystals!
Note: This article is based on gameplay experience in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and common in-game mechanics for Z-Crystals and Z-Moves.

