Phione can be recruited in Pokémon Pokopia only through the Bubbly Basin Dream Island, making it a chance-based unlock rather than one earned by building Habitats. This matters for players trying to complete their Pokédex, as access is limited to one Dream Island visit per day and Phione may not appear immediately.

Players must obtain and place the Starmie Doll, then interact with it to have Drifloon take them to the relevant island. On arrival, the Pokédex indicates Phione’s presence with a question-mark entry; if present, it can be found in a distinctive dark brick room, often within an underwater cave and sometimes behind breakable rocks. Speaking to Phione triggers its recruitment after it asks for a new home.