The most frequently asked questions about Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, with short answers and links to our detailed guides.
The game
Are Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon a sequel to Sun and Moon?
No. They are an alternate version of the same adventure, in the same Alola region, with the same hero arriving from Kanto. The first half follows Sun and Moon closely; the second is rewritten around Necrozma and the Ultra Recon Squad, and the post-game is much richer. Our review compares the two.
Do you need to play Sun and Moon first?
It is not necessary. If you are discovering Alola, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are in fact the best entry point: a richer Pokédex, better balanced difficulty and a much longer post-game.
Which console can you play it on?
Only on the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS family of consoles. The game does not exist on Switch. Since the 3DS eShop has been closed since March 2023, you now need a cartridge.
What is the difference between Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon?
The exclusive Pokémon, the legendary Pokémon of the Ultra Wormhole, the Totem Pokémon given in exchange for stickers and the Ultra Recon Squad members you face. The story is the same. See Differences between Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and our Getting started page.
How many Pokémon are in the Pokédex?
The Alola Pokédex in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon has 403 Pokémon, compared with 302 in Sun and Moon. It is split into four island Pokédexes: Melemele Island, Akala Island, Ula’ula Island and Poni Island.
What are the new Pokémon?
Five Pokémon appear in these versions: the Ultra Beasts Poipole, Naganadel, Blacephalon (Ultra Sun) and Stakataka (Ultra Moon), as well as the Mythical Pokémon Zeraora. Added to these are the Dusk Mane, Dawn Wings and Ultra forms of Necrozma, and the Dusk Form of Lycanroc.
The adventure
How long does the adventure last?
The main story takes several dozen hours, and the post-game far more for Episode RR, the legendary Pokémon and the Pokédex. Our complete walkthrough has fourteen chapters.
How do you beat Ultra Necrozma?
Ultra Necrozma, at the top of Megalo Tower, is a Psychic/Dragon type and has all its stats boosted by its aura. It hits hard from the first turn with Photon Geyser. Favour fast Dark, Ghost, Fairy or Ice-type Pokémon, save your Z-Move for it and bring healing items. The chapter Necrozma and the mystery of Ultra Megalopolis details the battle.
Can you catch Necrozma?
Yes, but not during its first battles. After the victory against Ultra Necrozma, you find it weakened on Mount Lanakila, on the way to the League: it can be caught at level 65. See All the legendary Pokémon.
What is Episode RR?
A new episode that begins after the League: Giovanni’s Team Rainbow Rocket invades Aether Paradise with Maxie, Archie, Cyrus, Lysandre and Ghetsis. See chapter 14.
Legendary Pokémon and the Ultra Wormhole
How do you unlock the Ultra Wormhole?
The Ultra Warp Ride opens during the story, to reach Ultra Megalopolis. After the victory against Ultra Necrozma, it becomes freely available from the Altar of the Sunne or Moone. Everything is explained on the Ultra Wormhole page.
How do you find the legendary Pokémon in the Ultra Wormhole?
Go as far as possible down the tunnel, collecting the orange bubbles, then aim for a portal surrounded by rings. A two-ring portal with an aura is guaranteed to contain a legendary Pokémon, as long as there is still one left to catch behind that colour.
Can you catch all the legendary Pokémon in a single version?
No. Several legendary Pokémon are exclusive to one version, and some, such as Rayquaza, Giratina or Kyurem, require two specific legendary Pokémon on your team, one of which comes from the other version. Trades are necessary.
How do you get Cosmog a second time?
After the League, with Solgaleo or Lunala on your team, go through the altar’s wormhole into the inverted world, then head to the Lake of the Sunne or Moone: Cosmog joins you without a battle.
Where can you find shiny Pokémon?
The distant coloured wormholes of the Ultra Warp Ride offer the best chances, up to around 36% for aura portals. Calls for help and the Shiny Charm, given once the Alola Pokédex is completed, also help. See Hunting for shiny Pokémon.
Connectivity and transfers
Can you still trade online?
No: the 3DS online services closed in April 2024. Local trades and battles between two nearby consoles still work.
How do you transfer your Pokémon to the Switch?
Through Pokémon Bank, then Pokémon HOME, one way only. Pokémon Bank has been announced to close on 26 February 2027: complete your transfers before that date.
Can you trade with Sun and Moon?
Yes, the four Alola versions are compatible for trades and battles, with a few limits detailed in Compatibility with Sun and Moon.
