Starters in Ultra Sun and Moon — Best Alola Picks

Starters in Ultra Sun and Moon — Best Alola Picks

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Introduction

Choosing the right starters in Ultra Sun and Moon is one of the most exciting decisions you make at the start of an Alola adventure. Whether you prefer the grass-ghost grace of Rowlet, the blazing attitude of Litten, or the bubbly charm of Popplio, each starter brings unique evolutions, movesets, and strategic advantages. This guide digs into everything from evolution levels and stats to hidden abilities, Z-Move compatibility, TM options, and competitive training tips so you can raise the best Alola starter for your playstyle.

Quick overview: Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio

Before diving deeper, here’s a snapshot of the three choices you’ll meet as starters in Ultra Sun and Moon:

  • Rowlet — Grass/Flying starter that evolves into Dartrix and then Decidueye (Grass/Ghost in Alola). Great early-game coverage and useful physical moves.
  • Litten — Fire starter that becomes Torracat and finally Incineroar (Fire/Dark). High attack and excellent bulk as Incineroar with strong niche in competitive play.
  • Popplio — Water starter evolving into Brionne and Primarina (Water/Fairy). Special attacker with great movepool and support potential.

All three have unique type advantages, accessible TMs, and useful hidden abilities — elements that matter in both casual playthroughs and competitive battles.

Where to catch and how to obtain the starters in Ultra Sun and Moon

In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, your initial starter choice happens with Lillie and Professor Kukui as in the original Sun and Moon games. However, there are additional ways to obtain alternate starters:

  • Initial choice: Get one starter early in the main story after starting your save.
  • Poké Pelago and Island scanning: Use Poké Pelago and festival events to hatch eggs or encounter additional species to help with breeding.
  • Poké Bank and trading: Transfer other starters using Poké Bank, or trade with friends to secure Hidden Ability variants or preferred natures and IVs.
  • Postgame: Some NPCs and in-game events can gift you alternate starters or evolution items.

Tip: If you’re chasing specific Hidden Abilities or IV spreads, breeding and the use of the Destiny Knot via Poké Pelago or Pokémon Nursery are essential.

Deep dive: Evolutions, levels, and movepools

Understanding evolution levels and recommended movesets helps you optimize these starters for story mode and competitive fights.

Rowlet → Dartrix → Decidueye

  • Evolution levels: Rowlet evolves into Dartrix at level 17; Dartrix evolves into Decidueye at level 34.
  • Type and stats: Grass/Flying early, then Grass/Ghost as Decidueye — balanced Attack and Special Attack with good Speed.
  • Recommended movesets:
    • Early: Leafage, Peck, Growl
    • Mid: Pluck, Synthesis, Air Slash
    • Final: Spirit Shackle, Brave Bird, Leaf Blade, Swords Dance
  • Tips: Decidueye’s unique Ghost typing gives it immunity to Normal- and Fighting-type moves — use that to switch into those threats. Teach Swords Dance for physical burst or use special moves with a mixed set.

Litten → Torracat → Incineroar

  • Evolution levels: Litten evolves to Torracat at level 17 and to Incineroar at level 34.
  • Type and stats: Pure Fire until Incineroar, which becomes Fire/Dark — high Attack and solid defenses, perfect for physical sets.
  • Recommended movesets:
    • Early: Ember, Bite, Leer
    • Mid: Fire Fang, Flamethrower, Brick Break
    • Final: Flare Blitz, Darkest Lariat, Fake Out, Will-O-Wisp or Bulk Up
  • Tips: Incineroar is a staple in competitive formats for its great ability Intimidate (via Hidden Ability) and access to Fake Out and support moves. Use it as a bulky pivot or a utility physical attacker.

Popplio → Brionne → Primarina

  • Evolution levels: Popplio evolves into Brionne at 17 and into Primarina at 34.
  • Type and stats: Water initially, then Water/Fairy as Primarina — strong Special Attack and Special Defense.
  • Recommended movesets:
    • Early: Water Gun, Baby-Doll Eyes
    • Mid: Aqua Jet, Disarming Voice
    • Final: Moonblast, Hydro Pump/Scald, Acrobatics or Psychic
  • Tips: Primarina excels as a special attacker and support Pokémon. Use its Fairy typing to counter Dragon and Dark threats. Teach Scald for burn chances and Moonblast for reliable STAB.

Hidden abilities, Z-Moves, and items

Starters gain greater usefulness through their Hidden Abilities, Z-Moves, and held items. Here’s what to look for:

  • Hidden Abilities:
    • Litten → Intimidate (available on Incineroar through special encounters or transfers) — huge for team synergy and pivot play.
    • Rowlet → Overgrow (standard) / Long Reach not typical; check Ultra Sun and Moon events for specific HA availability.
    • Popplio → Torrent (standard) — Primarina’s Hidden Ability options are limited; focus on moveset instead.
  • Z-Moves: All starters can use Z-Crystals available across Alola. Use a Z-Move for a powerful one-time payoff in important battles — e.g., Decidueye with Grassium Z for a big physical or special hit.
  • Held items: Leftovers for passive recovery, Choice Band/Specs for raw power, or Life Orb for mixed sets. Incineroar loves Assault Vest for special bulk but loses status moves if you equip it.

Training advice: EVs, IVs, and breeding

Efficient training separates a good starter from a great one. Here are actionable tips for EV training, IV breeding, and preparing your starter for competitive or postgame content.

  • IVs and breeding:
    • Use the Nursery on Melemele Island and the Destiny Knot to pass down high IVs. Aim for 31 IVs in key stats (Attack for Incineroar, Special Attack for Primarina, Attack/Speed for Decidueye).
    • Use Everstone to pass Nature; consider a beneficial nature like Adamant on Incineroar, Modest/Timid on Primarina, and Jolly/Adamant on Decidueye depending on the set.
  • EV training:
    • Battle specific Pokémon or use Poké Pelago training functions to allocate EVs. Standard spreads:
      • Incineroar: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe (bulky physical)
      • Primarina: 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 HP (special attacker) or 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Def (bulky special)
      • Decidueye: 252 Atk / 252 Spe / 4 HP (physical sweeper) or mixed sets
  • Training shortcuts: Use Exp. Share and SOS chaining for faster EV gain and the Battle Tree or SOS battles to farm items and rare moves.

Best moves and TMs: balancing story play and competitive sets

TMs and TRs (Technical Records) differ between in-game story progression and competitive recommendations. Below are reliable TMs and TM alternatives for each starter.

  • Rowlet / Decidueye:
    • TM moves to prioritize: Leaf Blade, Brave Bird, Swords Dance, Shadow Claw (if available via TR).
    • Example set: Brave Bird / Leaf Blade / Spirit Shackle / Swords Dance.
  • Litten / Incineroar:
    • TM moves: Flare Blitz, Darkest Lariat, Fake Out, Will-O-Wisp, Earthquake.
  • Example set: Flare Blitz / Darkest Lariat / Fake Out / Will-O-Wisp (or Bulk Up).
  • Popplio / Primarina:
    • TM moves: Moonblast, Hydro Pump/Scald, Ice Beam, Psychic.
  • Example set: Moonblast / Hydro Pump / Ice Beam / Support move (Aqua Ring, Calm Mind).

Team synergy and type advantages

Picking a starter isn’t just about that Pokémon — it’s about how it fits your team. Pay attention to type coverage, immunities, and the roles each starter fills.

  • Rowlet / Decidueye: Provides early Grass coverage, anti-Water and anti-Ground options. Use teammates with Fire and Ice resistance to cover Flying weaknesses.
  • Litten / Incineroar: Excels against Grass-, Ice-, Bug-type foes but is weak to Water, Rock, and Ground. Pair with bulky Water or Ground-immune teammates.
  • Popplio / Primarina: Strong against Fire, Rock, and Ground; use Electric or Grass partners to cover Water’s threats.

Competitive tip: Incineroar’s Intimidate and Fake Out let it act as a pivot/support while Primarina doubles as a special sweeper/support. Decidueye provides niche Ghost coverage and a late-game cleaner role.

Practical examples and sample runs

Here are two short in-game builds for casual playthrough and competitive-minded runs.

Casual playthrough build (balanced)

  • Starter: Pick the Pokémon with moves you enjoy — Litten for easy early fights, Popplio for coverage, Rowlet for strategic play.
  • Moves to teach: Use TMs sparingly; teach one strong TM (e.g., Flamethrower or Hydro Pump) and rely on level-up for variety.
  • Team composition: Add a Ground-type (e.g., Mudsdale), a Water/Electric hybrid (e.g., Rotom forms via trades), and a versatile Fairy or Psychic for late-game threats.

Competitive-minded sample team

  • Lead / Support: Incineroar (Intimidate, Fake Out, U-turn) — pivot and phase.
  • Special wallbreaker: Primarina (Choice Specs or Life Orb) — Moonblast and Hydro Pump.
  • Cleaner: Decidueye (Swords Dance) — late-game sweeper with Spirit Shackle.
  • Other slots: Add a fast Electric (to counter Water), a bulky Ground, and a utility Pokémon (status or hazard control).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which starter is best in Ultra Sun and Moon?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Incineroar is often best for competitive due to Intimidate and utility, Primarina is excellent as a special attacker/support, while Decidueye offers unique Ghost coverage and a niche sweeper role. Choose based on playstyle: aggressive, supportive, or strategic.

2. Can I get Hidden Ability starters in Ultra Sun and Moon?

Yes, Hidden Abilities are accessible but may require breeding, special events, or transfers via Poké Bank. Use the Nursery with Destiny Knot and Everstone to breed for Hidden Abilities or check in-game event distributions.

3. At what levels do the starters evolve?

All three starters follow the same evolution pattern: first evolution at level 17 and the final evolution at level 34. That makes planning moves and TMs straightforward across the early and midgame.

4. Which moves are must-haves for each starter?

Key moves include Flare Blitz or Darkest Lariat for Incineroar, Moonblast and Scald for Primarina, and Spirit Shackle, Leaf Blade or Brave Bird for Decidueye. Include support moves like Fake Out, Will-O-Wisp, Swords Dance, or Calm Mind depending on roles.

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

Standard spreads: Incineroar prefers HP and Attack or HP and Atk/Spe mixes; Primarina maximizes Special Attack and Speed or Pokemon Center bulk; Decidueye often invests in Attack and Speed. Use items, SOS chaining, and Battle Tree repetitions to build EVs efficiently.

Conclusion

Choosing and raising starters in Ultra Sun and Moon is an enjoyable mix of personal preference and strategy. Rowlet/Decidueye, Litten/Incineroar, and Popplio/Primarina each offer distinct strengths — from Incineroar’s pivotal support and Intimidate potential to Primarina’s special power and Decidueye’s ghostly clean-up roles. Focus on movesets, EV/IV training, and team synergy to make the most of your Alola starter. With the tips above on Hidden Abilities, TMs, breeding, and competitive sets, you’ll be prepared to train a starter that shines through the story and conquers postgame challenges.

Good luck on your Alola journey — choose wisely, train smart, and enjoy the adventure with your favorite starter in Ultra Sun and Moon.