Pokemon Sun Starters: Best Starter Guide

Introduction

If you remember the thrill of choosing your first partner in a new Pokemon game, you know how big that moment is. In Pokemon Sun starters matter: the choice between Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio shapes your early adventure, team balance, and even competitive options later. This guide breaks down each Pokemon Sun starter, examines type advantages, movesets, Hidden Abilities, breeding and EV training tips, and helps you pick the best starter for your playstyle.

Choosing Your Pokemon Sun Starter: Quick Overview

At the very start of Pokemon Sun you pick one of three classic starter Pokemon. Each starter has a unique feel and route to power:

• Rowlet – Grass/Flying type initially, evolves into the stealthy Grass/Ghost Decidueye at final evolution.
• Litten – Fire type that evolves into Incineroar, a bulky physical attacker with a Dark typing.
• Popplio – Water type that evolves into Primarina, a special attacker with Fairy typing.

Below we dive into what makes each of the Pokemon Sun starters stand out and which one might be right for you.

Rowlet and Decidueye: The Versatile Stealth Archer

Rowlet starts as a calm, cutely round Grass/Flying type. Its final evolution, Decidueye, becomes Grass/Ghost, a unique typing that provides interesting coverage. Decidueye is often used as a tactical attacker with access to powerful physical STABs and utility moves.

Strengths

• Excellent physical moveset and good movepool utility like Swords Dance, Leaf Blade, Spirit Shackle.
• Ghost typing gives immunity to Normal and Fighting attacks, which is valuable defensively.
• Solid niche in both in-game and casual competitive play.

Recommended Movesets and Examples

• Decidueye physical sweeper example
  • Nature: Jolly or Adamant
  • Moves: Spirit Shackle, Leaf Blade, Swords Dance, Roost
  • Item: Life Orb or Leftovers
• Utility/Support example
  • Moves: U-turn, Defog, Roost, Spirit Shackle
  • Great for pivoting and keeping momentum against Flying-weak teams

Tips

• Train Rowlet early on for physical attack EVs to capitalize on Leaf Blade.
• Pair Decidueye with Pokemon that resist Fire, Ice and Flying to cover its weaknesses.
• Hidden Ability “Long Reach” isn’t applicable here, but look for dual STAB combos that maximize coverage.

Litten and Incineroar: The Bulky Fire Bruiser

Litten evolves into Incineroar, a Fire/Dark pseudo-tank with high physical attack and surprising bulk. Incineroar is a fan favorite, especially in doubles for its Intimidate-like support and utility.

Strengths

• Great physical presence with access to powerful coverage like Flare Blitz, Darkest Lariat.
• Incineroar often functions as an intimidator and pivot, useful in both in-game and competitive contexts.
• Receives access to moves like Fake Out, Snarl and Will-O-Wisp for utility and team support.

Recommended Movesets and Examples

• Incineroar attacker example
  • Nature: Adamant or Jolly
  • Moves: Flare Blitz, Darkest Lariat, U-turn, Earthquake
  • Item: Assault Vest or Choice Band
• Support/intimidate example
  • Moves: Fake Out, Parting Shot, Will-O-Wisp, Flare Blitz
  • Great for softening opponents and controlling match flow

Tips

• Use Incineroar to counter common Grass, Ice and Bug threats early in the game.
• EV train for HP and Attack, and consider a defensive nature if you want a pivoting role.
• In doubles, Incineroar’s synergy with Trick Room and Spread move teams is excellent.

Popplio and Primarina: The Elegant Special Attacker

Popplio evolves into Primarina, a Water/Fairy special attacker with a beautiful movepool and a strong niche. Primarina brings reliable special STABs and solid bulk for a special sweeper.

Strengths

• Water/Fairy typing gives both offensive power and defensive utility, resisting common types.
• Excellent special movepool: Moonblast, Hydro Pump, Sparkling Aria, and usable support options like Calm Mind.
• Primarina can be used as both a cleaner and a bulky special tank depending on EV spread.

Recommended Movesets and Examples

• Special sweeper example
  • Nature: Modest or Timid
  • Moves: Hydro Pump, Moonblast, Ice Beam, Calm Mind
  • Item: Choice Specs or Life Orb
• Bulky support example
  • Moves: Sparkling Aria, Moonblast, Protect, Wish
  • Works well on teams that need sustain and special coverage

Tips

• When using Popplio early, teach it Water and Fairy moves as soon as possible for balance.
• Pair Primarina with Grass or Electric resists to shore up its weaknesses.
• Popplio is a great pick for beginners who prefer a special, ranged playstyle.

Type Advantages, Early Game Strategy, and Sun Mechanics

Understanding type matchups and how the Alolan environment affects your journey in Sun and Moon is vital. Here are key things to consider when picking your Pokemon Sun starters and planning your first 20-30 hours of gameplay.

Early Gyms and Trial Considerations

• Rowlet covers Rock and Water weaknesses early, but watch out for Fire-type Totems.
• Litten excels against Grass and Ice types but struggles against Rock and Water without support.
• Popplio counters Fire-types and helps with Rock and Ground coverage later on.

Sun-Specific Tips

• Although Pokemon Sun does not permanently change starter strengths compared to other titles, environmental encounters and trial bosses may favor one starter in certain areas.
• Use Z-Moves when facing difficult Totem Pokemon for guaranteed heavy damage or support plays.
• Consider early team composition: pair your starter with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses to minimize grinding.

Training, Natures, EVs, Hidden Abilities and Breeding

To get the most out of any of the Pokemon Sun starters you should understand basic competitive and in-game training principles. Here are practical tips on natures, EV training, Hidden Abilities and breeding for better stats.

Natures and EV Training

• Decide on a nature that boosts the primary attacking stat: Adamant or Jolly for physical Decidueye, Modest or Timid for Primarina, Adamant or Jolly for Incineroar depending on physical focus.
• EV training early can prevent long grinding later. Focus Attack/Sp. Atk and Speed for sweepers, HP and Defense for bulky variants.

Hidden Abilities and Breeding

• Hidden Abilities can change a Pokemon’s role. For example, some hidden abilities add niche strategies; research whether a starter has a beneficial Hidden Ability in Sun and how to breed for it.
• Breeding allows passing down natures, IVs and Hidden Abilities. Use Everstone and Destiny Knot to control inheritance.

Practical Example: Breeding a Competitive Decidueye

• Parent A: Decidueye with desired nature held by Everstone
• Parent B: Ditto with high IVs or hidden ability
• Use Destiny Knot to ensure 5 IVs are passed down, then hatch and train for ideal EV spreads

Movesets, TM Use and Competitive Potential

Each starter has legitimate competitive use, especially in singles and doubles metas that allow for niche roles. Know how TMs and TRs can expand their movepools.

Useful TMs and TRs

• Decidueye: Swords Dance, Leaf Blade via level up, Spirit Shackle via tutor or level up
• Incineroar: Flare Blitz, Darkest Lariat, Parting Shot, Snarl
• Primarina: Moonblast, Hydro Pump, Calm Mind, Ice Beam

Competitive Roles

• Decidueye as a late-game cleaner or stealth archer
• Incineroar as a support intimidator or bulky pivot in doubles
• Primarina as a bulky special attacker or a Calm Mind sweeper

Tips for Beginners: Best Starter Picks by Playstyle

Your chosen starter should match how you like to play. Here are clear recommendations based on style.

• If you like steady, tactical play and utility: choose Rowlet for Decidueye’s niche and pivot possibilities.
• If you enjoy strong hits and intimidate-style control: choose Litten for Incineroar’s bulk and support moves.
• If you prefer special attackers with solid coverage: choose Popplio and enjoy Primarina’s consistent damage and sustain.

FAQ

Below are five common questions players ask about Pokemon Sun starters, with straightforward answers to help you play smarter.

1. Which of the Pokemon Sun starters is the best overall?

There is no single “best” starter; each has strengths. For beginners, Primarina is forgiving and strong as a special attacker. Incineroar is excellent for players who like bulky, supportive fighters, while Decidueye suits tactical players who like physical sweepers and pivoting.

2. Can I change my starter later in Pokemon Sun?

Once chosen, you keep that starter for the entire main save file. You cannot change it mid-playthrough unless you start a new game or trade with another player.

3. Are Z-Moves or TM moves important for the Pokemon Sun starters?

Yes. Z-Moves can give you a decisive edge against Totem Pokemon and tough trials. TMs and TRs expand movepools and enable competitive roles, so teach moves that compliment your starter’s strengths.

4. How should I EV train my starter for competitive play?

Focus EVs on the attacking stat that matches your chosen moveset. For example, invest in Attack and Speed for a physical Decidueye or in Special Attack and HP for a Primarina sweeper. Spread EVs based on whether your starter will be bulky or a cleaner.

5. Do Hidden Abilities matter for the starters and how do I get them?

Hidden Abilities can change a Pokemon’s role significantly. Obtain them through breeding or special in-game events and use an Everstone and Destiny Knot for inheritance. Check current Sun mechanics to confirm availability for each species.

Conclusion

Choosing your Pokemon Sun starter is a fun and meaningful decision. Whether you pick Rowlet for Decidueye’s tactical Ghost/Grass niche, Litten for Incineroar’s raw power and support role, or Popplio for Primarina’s elegant special attacking, each choice offers rewarding gameplay. Train smart with the right natures, EVs and movesets, use breeding to optimize stats, and pair your starter with teammates that cover its weaknesses. Enjoy your Alolan journey and make your starter a true partner.

Good luck, trainer — and may your starter become a legendary member of your team!