Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon: Complete Guide
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon Pokédex →Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are enhanced versions of Sun and Moon, released for the Nintendo 3DS in November 2017. They retell the Alola story with a reworked plot, new areas and a much larger post-game, and they were the last mainline games on the 3DS.
The core of the adventure is familiar. You still take on the Island Challenge, battle Totem Pokémon and use Z-Moves. What changes is the second half, where a new legendary, extra story chapters and a team of villains from older games give the story a bigger finish.
They suit players who enjoyed Sun and Moon and want a more complete version, as well as anyone who wants a single definitive way to visit Alola.
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon quick facts
| Release date | November 17, 2017 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Nintendo 3DS |
| Region | Alola |
| Generation | Generation VII |
| Versions | Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon |
| New Pokémon | None (no 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 describes only what is new.
The journey begins like Sun and Moon, with a new life in Alola and an island challenge. As the story continues, it takes a different path, with new characters and a different legendary at the center.
The second half introduces dimensions and wormholes, which lead to new areas and encounters. The ending is considerably different from the original games.
The Island Challenge
The structure matches Sun and Moon, with trials, Totem Pokémon and Kahunas. Some trials have been changed, and the Totem battles include a few new ones.
Ultra Space
A network of wormholes lets you travel to different worlds. Each wormhole holds legendary Pokémon and unique encounters.
The post-game has a team of villains from previous games and a long list of side activities.
New mechanics explained
Ultra Necrozma
The new legendary can fuse with a cover legendary to become Dusk Mane or Dawn Wings Necrozma, and it can then transform into a stronger form during battle.
Tip: Make sure your Pokémon is carrying the right item before the final fight, as it triggers the transformation.
Ultra Wormholes
Rings in the sky lead to different dimensions where you can catch legendary Pokémon. Each ring has its own rules for what you can find.
Tip: Fly through several wormholes in a row, because each trip has different Pokémon.
Team Rainbow Rocket
A post-game event brings back the leaders of the villain teams from past games, each with a team of their own.
Tip: Bring a full team of healing items, because there are several battles in a row.
Starter Pokémon
The starters are the same as in Sun and Moon, 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.
Watch out: It is slow and weak to Water, Ground, Rock and Fighting.
Popplio line
Our recommendation
For a first playthrough, we recommend Popplio. Primarina handles the island trials well. Litten is the choice for physical attackers, and Rowlet rewards careful play.
Version differences
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon share the same story and differ in cover legendary and a few Pokémon.
- Ultra Sun features Solgaleo and Ultra Moon features Lunala.
- Each version has a different form of Necrozma that fuses with its cover legendary.
- A handful of wild Pokémon differ between the two.
If you only play one, the story is the same.
Keep exploring
Tips for new players
- Play through the Island Challenge first, even if you have played Sun and Moon.
- Use the Ultra Wormholes often. They hold legendary Pokémon and rare items.
- Check the Pokémon you can find in the new areas, because many differ from Sun and Moon.
- Use Z-Moves wisely, because the late-game battles are tougher.
- Use the Poké Finder to take photos and unlock rewards.
- Prepare for Team Rainbow Rocket by bringing a strong team.
- Save before the final battle.
Frequently asked questions
How is Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon different from Sun and Moon?
They have a reworked story, new areas and Pokémon, a different legendary and a bigger post-game.
Do I need Sun and Moon to play Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon?
No. They are complete games on their own.
How many new Pokémon are in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon?
They did not add new species. They add new forms and encounters instead.
What is Team Rainbow Rocket?
A post-game group made of villain bosses from earlier games.