Pokémon Sun & Moon: Complete Guide
Sun & Moon Pokédex →Pokémon Sun and Moon are the seventh-generation games, released worldwide on the Nintendo 3DS in November 2016. They are set in Alola, a tropical region of four islands inspired by Hawaii, and they changed several long-standing parts of the series.
There are no Gyms. Instead, you travel through a series of Island Trials, tasks that end with a battle against a large, powerful Pokémon, and you answer to local Kahunas rather than Gym Leaders. Z-Moves give every trainer a one-time battle finisher, and Alolan forms reimagine classic Pokémon for the islands.
They suit players who want a story-heavy adventure with a lighter tone and a lot of personality, as well as anyone curious about the series' break from tradition.
Sun & Moon quick facts
| Release date | November 18, 2016 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Nintendo 3DS |
| Region | Alola |
| Generation | Generation VII |
| Versions | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon |
| New Pokémon | 81 new species |
| Starters | Rowlet, Litten and Popplio |
| Legendary and Mythical | Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, Cosmog, Solgaleo, Lunala and Necrozma |
Story and structure
This section avoids spoilers and sticks to the structure of the story.
You move to Alola with your mother and meet Professor Kukui, a researcher who studies Pokémon moves. After a shaky introduction, you travel across the islands as a young trainer, taking on the island challenge.
A group of unruly young people called Team Skull makes trouble, and a mysterious organization called the Aether Foundation is working in the background. The story is more personal than previous entries, with a strong focus on its characters.
The Island Challenge
Each island has a series of trials, followed by a battle against a Totem Pokémon, a larger and stronger version of an ordinary species. The Kahuna of each island then challenges you to a battle.
The Pokémon League
Instead of a ranked League, a new League is established at the end of the story, and you are the first Champion.
After the story, there is a post-game with additional trainers and legendary Pokémon.
New mechanics explained
Z-Moves
With a Z-Crystal, a Pokémon can use a powerful one-time attack of a certain type. You can use one per battle, and it ignores some defenses.
Tip: Use a Z-Move when a battle is about to turn, because only one per fight is allowed.
Island Trials and Totem Pokémon
Each island has trials in place of Gyms. A Totem Pokémon calls for help in battle and boosts its stats at the start of the fight.
Tip: Bring a Pokémon that can handle summoned allies, as the Totem will call extra support.
Alolan forms
Several first-generation Pokémon have Alolan forms with different types, such as an Ice and Ground version of Sandshrew.
Tip: Check a familiar Pokémon's type in Alola, as it may have changed.
Starter Pokémon
Professor Kukui offers three starters, and each evolves twice, at levels 17 and 34.
| Starter | Final form | Final typing | Evolves at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rowlet | Decidueye | GrassGhost | Levels 17 and 34 |
| Litten | Incineroar | FireDark | Levels 17 and 34 |
| Popplio | Primarina | WaterFairy | Levels 17 and 34 |
Rowlet line
Litten line
Litten becomes Incineroar, a strong Fire and Dark wrestler with an ability that lowers opponents' attack.
Watch out: It is weak to Water, Ground, Rock and Fighting, and it is slow.
Popplio line
Our recommendation
For a first playthrough, we recommend Popplio. Primarina has strong attacks and handles the island trials well. Litten suits players who like physical attackers, and Rowlet rewards careful play.
Version differences
Sun and Moon share the same story and map, and differ in cover legendary and a few wild Pokémon.
- Sun features Solgaleo and Moon features Lunala.
- The in-game clock is offset by twelve hours between the two, so Sun is daytime when Moon is night.
- A number of wild Pokémon appear in only one version.
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon later expanded the story.
Keep exploring
Tips for new players
- Use Z-Moves for important fights, and pick the Pokémon that gains the most from it.
- Check type matchups for the Alolan forms, because their types differ from the originals.
- Visit the Poké Pelago to store Pokémon and gather berries.
- Use the Rotom Dex's navigation, since the islands are large and easy to get lost in.
- Prepare for Totem battles by bringing a team that can handle multiple opponents.
- Experiment with Pokémon you do not recognize, as many familiar species are rare early.
- Save before the final battle in the League.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Pokémon Sun and Moon?
They share the same story and map. Sun features Solgaleo and Moon features Lunala, and the in-game clock is offset by twelve hours.
Are there Gyms in Sun and Moon?
No. Island Trials and Totem Pokémon replace the Gym system.
What are Z-Moves?
One-time powerful attacks that can be used once per battle with a Z-Crystal.
How many Pokémon did Sun and Moon add?
They added 81 new Pokémon, bringing the total to 802.