Welcome to our comprehensive Pokémon Sun/Moon Walkthrough, your ultimate guide to conquering the lush and vibrant Alola region! Whether you’re a Pokémon Trainer just starting out or an experienced veteran aiming to refine your skills, this walkthrough covers everything you need to become a Champion. Dive into the essentials with our detailed subtopics: Understanding Basic Controls to master every move, Navigating the Alola Region for seamless exploration, uncover the secrets of Key Locations and Their Challenges, harness the power of Using Pokémon Abilities Effectively, and develop unbeatable Strategies for Island Trials. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with our expert tips and strategies!
Understanding Basic Controls
Welcome to the world of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon! Before diving into the Alola region, it’s crucial to get familiar with the basic controls. Mastering these will help you navigate the game smoothly and enjoy your adventure to the fullest. Let’s break down the essential functions for the Nintendo 3DS.
Movement
- Circle Pad: Use the Circle Pad to move your character in any direction. This is your main way to navigate towns, routes, and various other locations in the Alola region.
- D-Pad: The D-Pad can also be used for movement, but it’s less fluid than the Circle Pad, especially when running or changing directions quickly.
Interacting with the World
- A Button: This is your primary action button. Use it to talk to people, check signs, open doors, pick up items, and interact with objects.
- B Button: Holding the B Button will make your character run, as long as you already have the Running Shoes (don’t worry, you get them early in the game).
Menus and Options
- X Button: Opens the main menu, where you can access your Pokémon, Bag, Pokédex, Trainer Passport, and save your game.
- Y Button: Handy for quick access; use it to register key items like the Ride Pager for instant usage.
In Battles
- A Button: Selects options, such as moves for your Pokémon to use, items to deploy, or switching to different Pokémon.
- L + R Buttons: These can be used to rotate through menus or can be configured to function as shortcuts for selecting the Fight or Run options.
Saving Your Game
- X Button + Save: Always remember to save your game frequently. Open the main menu with the X Button, then navigate to the Save option and press A.
Additional Tips
- Touchscreen: Don’t forget to utilize the 3DS’s touchscreen. It’s especially useful in mini-games, your Pokédex, and certain key locations.
- Stylus: The stylus is your friend for precise actions on the touchscreen, whether it’s petting your Pokémon in Pokémon Refresh or navigating the Rotom Pokédex.
- Quick Communication: Use the lower screen to access the Festival Plaza and Trade/Battle with friends. It’s your hub for social interactions.
Special Features
- Ride Pager: After a bit of progress in the game, you’ll get the Ride Pager, allowing you to summon Pokémon to aid in travel and terrain navigation. Use the Y Button to access it easily.
- QR Scan: Use the 3DS camera for QR Scans to gather data and discover Pokémon. It’s a fun way to fill out your Pokédex with the help of friends or online sources.
Keeping it Smooth
Switching between these controls will become second nature eventually, but early on, practice using each button and control function in different scenarios. Whether you’re catching Pokémon, exploring new areas, or challenging formidable trainers, these controls are your keys to mastering the game.
Understanding these basic controls will set the foundation for your adventure in Alola. The more comfortable you are with the navigation and interactions, the more fun and less stressful the game will become. Ready to become the ultimate Pokémon Trainer? Let’s get started!
Feel free to revisit this section anytime you need a refresher on controls. Happy adventuring!
Navigating the Alola Region
Welcome to the sunny shores of Alola, a region brimming with tropical beauty and Pokémon adventure. Unlike other Pokémon regions, Alola is split into four main islands, each with its own unique vibes and cool stuff to discover. Whether you’re surfing the waves or combing through dense jungles, here’s your friendly guide to help you navigate this paradise.
Getting Around
Rotom Dex
Your trusty Rotom Dex is more than just a pokédex. This zany little gadget is embedded with the spirit of a Rotom and acts as your map, navigation system, and guide. When you find yourself lost, just tap on the bottom screen, and Rotom will give you hints on where to head next.
Ride Pokémon
Alola ditches the traditional HM (Hidden Machines) moves for a more fun and convenient Ride Pokémon system. You can call upon these Pokémon at any time using the Ride Pager. Here’s a breakdown of the essential Ride Pokémon and their uses:
- Tauros Charge: Crush through rocks and travel quickly.
- Lapras Paddle: Traverse calm waters.
- Sharpedo Jet: Zoom through rougher waters and break obstacles.
- Charizard Glide: Fly between locations you’ve already visited (No more pesky HM Fly!).
- Stoutland Search: Sniff out hidden items.
Island Ferries and Boats
Inter-island travel is a breeze thanks to ferries and boats. These usually dock in the harbors of each island’s primary city, making it simple to hop between islands when the story demands it.
Island Breakdown
Melemele Island
Your adventure kicks off here in Hau’oli City. Melemele is the tutorial island and eases you into Alola’s style. Points of interest include Iki Town (where you pick your first Pokémon), and Ten Carat Hill—ideal for early training.
Akala Island
Next up is Akala, a blend of bustling resorts and verdant landscapes. You’ll arrive in Heahea City, then journey towards Paniola Town and the lush Brooklet Hill. Don’t miss the Battle Royal Dome in Royal Avenue.
Ula’ula Island
Prepare for some adventurous terrain on Ula’ula, from lush rainforests to the snowy climes of Mount Lanakila. Malie City is your hub here, where you can also explore the dreamy Malie Garden and take on the electrically-charged challenges in Hokulani Observatory.
Poni Island
The final island, Poni, is a wild place full of untamed beauty. Minimal human intervention means lots of rugged routes like the Poni Wilds and Poni Breaker Coast. End your island challenge here at the altar of the Tapu.
Tips and Tricks
Explore Everything
Alola is brimming with secrets. From hidden items tucked behind breakable rocks to random NPCs giving you valuable objects—ensure you explore every nook and routine side paths. Sometimes the best loot and Pokémon are just off the beaten path.
Talk to Everyone
These aren’t just random characters! NPCs often have side quests, gifts, or trading opportunities that can be really beneficial on your journey.
Check the Weather
Each island has its own weather which can affect battles. Rain can boost water moves and hinder fire moves, while hail can deal damage to non-Ice types each turn. Adjust your team accordingly when exploring different areas.
Wild Pokémon Habitats
Each island hosts a variety of habitats with unique Pokémon. Pay attention to grass rustling, shadows on the water, or random Pokémon cries. These clues often signal rare Pokémon sightings and opportunities to catch something special.
Conclusion
Navigating the Alola region isn’t just about getting from point A to B—it’s about soaking in the culture of each island, engaging in epic battles, and discovering hidden gems. With your Rotom Dex and trusty Ride Pokémon, you’re well-equipped to take on anything Alola throws your way. So get out there, Trainer, and enjoy the tropical adventure of a lifetime!
Key Locations and Their Challenges
Welcome to the tropical paradise of Alola! We’ve put together a rundown of the key locations you’ll visit and the challenges you’ll face in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Let’s dive in and explore what each island has to offer!
Melemele Island
Iki Town
Your adventure begins in Iki Town. Here, you’ll meet your starter Pokémon and get to know the island’s Guardians. The first major challenge is the Grand Trial against Island Kahuna Hala. He uses Fighting-type Pokémon, so make sure you have a Flying or Psychic-type ready to take him down.
Route 2 - Verdant Cavern
Your first real test is in Verdant Cavern. You’ll need to defeat Totem Gumshoos (in Sun) or Totem Raticate (in Moon). These Pokémon are beefed up with extra stats, so bring your A-game!
Akala Island
Heahea City
Heahea City is home to the Dimensional Research Lab and a bustling port. Here, you’ll meet Professor Burnet, who will give you more insight into the Ultra Beasts. There’s not a lot of battling here, but it’s a great place to stock up on supplies and learn more about mysterious dimensions.
Route 4 - Brooklet Hill
Brooklet Hill’s challenge is run by Trial Captain Lana, who uses Water-type Pokémon. The challenge concludes with a fight against Totem Wishiwashi, so Electric and Grass-types will be your best friends here.
Route 8 - Lush Jungle
Trial Captain Mallow has prepared a Fungus-infested challenge in Lush Jungle. You’ll gather ingredients only to face Totem Lurantis. Fire, Flying, or Bug-type Pokémon will be essential for overcoming this Trial.
Ula’ula Island
Malie City
Malie City is a historic city filled with lush gardens. Kakui’s old Research Lab is here. Explore the city to find the library and learn more about Alola’s lore. This peaceful city leads to more intense challenges further out.
Route 10 - Hokulani Observatory
Get ready for a shocking experience with Trial Captain Sophocles, who specializes in Electric-type Pokémon. You’ll face Totem Vikavolt. Bring Ground-type Pokémon to make this challenge much easier.
Poni Island
Seafolk Village
Seafolk Village is a quirky village built on houseboats. It’s the last bastion of civilization before your final challenges. Stock up and get your team ready before heading to the Ruins of Hope.
Vast Poni Canyon
In the Vast Poni Canyon lies the final Trial. After getting through some tough battles, you’ll face Totem Kommo-o. This Dragon/Fighting-type Pokémon is fierce, so bring Fairy, Dragon, or Ice-types to win the day.
Mount Lanakila
Victory Road
The toughest battles await you at Mount Lanakila. As you ascend to the Pokémon League, prepare for rivals and powerful Trainers looking to stop your ascent. Victory Road is packed with a variety of strong Pokémon, so ensure your team covers multiple types and weaknesses.
Pokémon League
At the top, you’ll face the Elite Four and eventually Champion Kukui. Pack a balanced team and plenty of healing items; each member of the Elite Four specializes in different types, requiring diverse strategies:
- Hala - Fighting-type
- Olivia - Rock-type
- Acerola - Ghost-type
- Kahili - Flying-type
Take them down, and you’re the Champion!
Exploring Alola is an adventure filled with unique challenges and beautiful scenery. Be prepared, train your Pokémon well, and you’ll become the next Pokémon Champion! Happy adventuring!
Using Pokémon Abilities Effectively
In Pokémon Sun and Moon, Abilities are game-changers. These unique traits can turn the tide of battle if you use them right. Let’s dive into how you can maximize their potential to dominate your opponents.
Understanding Abilities
Abilities are special powers that each Pokémon has. Some abilities activate automatically in battle, while others require specific conditions to be met. There are three types of abilities:
- Normal Abilities: Every Pokémon has one or two of these.
- Hidden Abilities: These are rare and usually found through special methods like breeding or special events.
- Mega Evolutions Abilities: Special abilities that a Pokémon only gets while it’s Mega Evolved.
Choosing the Right Ability
When building your team, always consider a Pokémon’s ability. Here’s why:
- Synergy with Moves: Some abilities boost certain types of moves. For example, Overgrow powers up Grass-type moves when the Pokémon’s HP is low.
- Team Support: Abilities like Intimidate, which lowers an opponent’s Attack stat when your Pokémon enters battle, can help your whole team by weakening the enemy.
- Countering Opponents: Knowing an enemy’s ability can give you an edge. If you see a Pokémon with Levitate, avoid Ground-type moves.
Key Abilities to Watch
Here are some standout abilities in Sun and Moon and how to use them effectively:
Intimidate: Lowers the opponent’s Attack by one stage. Great for weakening physical attackers.
- Users: Gyarados, Arcanine, Salamence
Levitate: Makes the Pokémon immune to Ground-type moves. Perfect for avoiding moves like Earthquake.
- Users: Rotom, Hydreigon
Sturdy: Prevents one-hit KO moves and lets the Pokémon survive with 1 HP if it had full HP. Great for setting up a strategy or using a critical move.
- Users: Skarmory, Golem
Synchronize: If the opponent inflicts a status condition on your Pokémon, they get the same condition. Good for turning things around.
- Users: Espeon, Umbreon
Prankster: Gives priority to status moves, meaning they go first regardless of speed. Awesome for setting up or disrupting opponent’s strategies.
- Users: Sableye, Whimsicott
Combine Abilities and Items
Items can amplify a Pokémon’s ability. For example, when a Garchomp with Rough Skin holds a Rocky Helmet, the opponent takes damage from contact twice—once from the ability and once from the item. Combining items and abilities smartly can create a winning formula.
Example Strategies
Sandstorm Team: Abilities like Sand Stream and Sand Force can be used to create a Sandstorm team. Sand Stream (Tyranitar) sets up the sandstorm automatically, and Sand Force (Excadrill) boosts Rock, Ground, and Steel moves in a sandstorm.
Rain Dance Team: Use Drizzle (Pelipper) to start the rain and let Pokémon with Swift Swim (Ludicolo) speed up in the rain. This strategy can make a usually slow team incredibly fast.
Practice Makes Perfect
Using abilities effectively takes some practice. Battle often and pay attention to when abilities activate. Adjust your strategy as needed. The more you play around and learn, the better you’ll get at exploiting abilities to your advantage.
Keep experimenting and don’t be afraid to try something new. Good luck, and may your battles in Alola be ever in your favor!
Strategies for Island Trials
So, you’ve stepped into the wild and wacky world of Pokémon Sun and Moon, and now you’re ready to tackle the Island Trials. These trials are unique challenges that replace traditional Gym battles and offer a fresh twist on your Pokémon journey across the Alola region. Here are some tips and tricks to help you breeze through each trial.
Know Your Types
One of the golden rules in any Pokémon game is to know your types. Every trial captain specializes in a certain type, and knowing what’s super-effective against that type is key to winning. Here’s a quick look at each trial and their types:
- Ilima’s Trial — Normal
- Lana’s Trial — Water
- Kiawe’s Trial — Fire
- Mallow’s Trial — Grass
- Sophocles’s Trial — Electric
- Acerola’s Trial — Ghost
Use this info to build a balanced team. For instance, take Electric or Grass types to Lana’s trial and Water types to Kiawe’s trial. Having the right Pokémon can make these battles a lot easier.
Optimize Your Team
Pokémon Sun and Moon encourage you to rotate your team based on upcoming challenges. It’s smart to always have a few backup Pokémon trained up. Look at who you’ll be facing next and pick your team accordingly.
- Ilima’s Trial: Stock up on Fighting-type moves to deal with those Normal-type Pokémon.
- Lana’s Trial: Grass and Electric moves will help you turn the tide against Water Pokémon.
- Kiawe’s Trial: Use Water, Ground, or Rock Pokémon to extinguish the flames.
- Mallow’s Trial: Fire, Flying, and Bug moves will cut through Grass types.
- Sophocles’s Trial: Ground types are your best friends against Electric Pokémon.
- Acerola’s Trial: Ghost and Dark moves will help you handle those spooky spectres.
Prepare with Items
Items can be a lifesaver during trials. Before heading in, stock up on key items:
- Potions and Super Potions: Keep your Pokémon healthy, especially during longer trials.
- Revives: Just in case one of your teammates faints in the heat of battle.
- Status Healing Items: Paralyze Heals, Awakenings, etc., since status effects can throw a wrench in your plans.
- Held Items: Berries and battle-enhancing items like Focus Sash or Leftovers can give you an edge.
Use Z-Moves Wisely
Z-Moves are game-changers. Each trial will eventually have its powerful Totem Pokémon that can be really tough. These boosted Pokémon have higher stats and special abilities that make them formidable foes. Saving your Z-Moves for these encounters is a smart strategy. A well-timed Z-Move can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Make sure you’re familiar with how Z-Moves work and equip the appropriate Z-Crystal for the type of move you plan to use. Remember, you can only use one Z-Move per battle, so use it when it counts.
Exploit the Environment
Some trials have unique environmental effects that can be used to your advantage:
- In Lana’s Trial, you’ll be battling near water. Surf can do a lot of damage, so switch in your strongest Grass-type to soak up Water moves and deal extra damage in return.
- In Kiawe’s Trial, you’re in a volcano. Ground and Rock Pokémon will resist Fire moves, letting you chip away more effectively.
Pay attention to any hints or context clues given during the trial. They often tell you how best to approach each challenge.
Level Up
Make sure your Pokémon are at an appropriate level for each trial. Grinding might not be the most exciting thing to do, but being under-leveled can make trials significantly harder. Use areas near the trial sites to level up. You can also use the Experience Share to make sure all of your Pokémon are gaining experience points and staying prepared for the next big challenge.
Bonus Tips
- Test your Pokémon’s strengths and weaknesses in wild battles before taking on the trial.
- Remember to save before entering the trial site! This way, if things go south, you can reset and try again without losing progress.
- Take note of any Assistant Pokémon that may join the Totem Pokémon. They often have supportive moves that can disrupt your strategy.
Happy training, and good luck with those Island Trials! May your journey through Alola be as sun-soaked or moonlit as you wish.