Pokemon Starters For Sun And Moon: Your Complete Guide To Alola's Beginning Companions
Are you ready to embark on your journey through the Alola region but can't decide which starter Pokemon to choose? The decision between Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio at the beginning of Pokemon Sun and Moon is one that players have debated passionately since the games' release. Each starter offers a unique path through the game with different strengths, weaknesses, and evolutionary potential that can significantly impact your gameplay experience.
In Pokemon Sun and Moon, your choice of starter Pokemon is more than just a cosmetic decision—it's a commitment to a specific playstyle that will shape your entire adventure across the tropical islands of Alola. These three Pokemon represent the classic elemental triangle of grass, fire, and water, but with Alolan twists that make them stand out from previous generations. Whether you're a competitive battler looking for optimal strategies or a casual player seeking an enjoyable journey, understanding the nuances of each starter is crucial for making the right choice.
The Alolan Starters: Meet Your Options
Rowlet: The Grass Quill Pokemon
Rowlet, the grass-type starter, is a small owl-like Pokemon that immediately captures hearts with its round shape and sleepy demeanor. This Grass/Flying type Pokemon evolves into Dartrix and eventually Decidueye, gaining a Ghost typing in its final form. Rowlet's design is inspired by the Hawaiian pueo owl, fitting perfectly with the Alolan setting.
Rowlet's evolutionary line offers several advantages for players. As a Grass-type, it's effective against the first island's trial captain, which can give you an early-game advantage. The addition of the Flying type in its initial stages provides coverage against common Bug and Fighting types you'll encounter. Most notably, Decidueye's Ghost typing in its final form gives it unique resistances and makes it immune to Normal and Fighting attacks, while also providing access to powerful moves like Spirit Shackle and Shadow Ball.
For competitive play, Decidueye has carved out a niche as a specially defensive tank with access to moves like Roost for recovery and Leaf Blade for STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) damage. Its signature move, Spirit Shackle, prevents the target from switching out, making it valuable for trapping opponents. However, Rowlet's line is weak to Ice, Fire, Flying, Poison, Rock, and Dark attacks, so careful team building is essential.
Litten: The Fire Cat Pokemon
Litten, the fire-type starter, is a feisty feline that appeals to players who love sleek, cool designs. This pure Fire-type Pokemon evolves into Torracat and finally Incineroar, gaining a Dark typing in its final evolution. Litten's design draws inspiration from both house cats and tigers, with its final form resembling a professional wrestler—a nod to Hawaii's strong wrestling culture.
Litten's evolutionary path offers consistent power throughout the game. As a Fire-type, it's strong against Bug, Steel, Ice, and Grass types, making it particularly useful against the second island's trials. Incineroar's addition of the Dark typing provides coverage against Psychic and Ghost types, though it also introduces new weaknesses to Fighting, Ground, Rock, and Water attacks.
In competitive battling, Incineroar has become a surprisingly popular choice despite its unconventional Fire/Dark typing. Its signature ability, Intimidate, lowers the opponent's Attack stat upon switching in, making it an excellent defensive pivot. Incineroar also gained significant attention when it was added to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, introducing many players to this unique starter. The Fire/Dark typing gives Incineroar unique resistances to Dark, Fire, Ghost, Ice, and Psychic attacks, while being immune to burns.
Popplio: The Water Lion Pokemon
Popplio, the water-type starter, is a playful sea lion that may seem unassuming at first but evolves into a powerful performer. This pure Water-type Pokemon evolves into Brionne and finally Primarina, gaining a Fairy typing in its final form. Popplio's design is based on the Hawaiian monk seal and traditional water performers, with its final form resembling a siren or opera singer.
Popplio's evolutionary line offers excellent utility throughout the game. As a Water-type, it's strong against Fire, Ground, and Rock types, which are common in various trials. Primarina's Fairy typing provides valuable resistances to Fighting, Bug, and Dark attacks, while also giving it super-effective moves against Dragon, Fighting, and Dark types. This makes Primarina particularly useful against the game's final challenges.
In competitive play, Primarina has found success as a special attacker with access to a wide movepool including Sparkling Aria, Moonblast, and Hydro Pump. Its signature ability, Torrent, boosts Water-type moves when at low health, providing a comeback mechanic. The Water/Fairy typing gives Primarina unique resistances and only two weaknesses (Grass and Electric), making it surprisingly durable when played correctly.
Evolution Stages and Development
Rowlet's Evolutionary Journey
Rowlet begins its journey as a small, sleepy owl with the ability Overgrow, which boosts Grass-type moves when at low health. At level 17, it evolves into Dartrix, gaining a more sophisticated appearance with a bowtie-like collar and sharper features. Dartrix maintains the Grass/Flying typing and continues to use ranged attacks effectively.
The final evolution to Decidueye occurs at level 34, transforming Rowlet into a ghostly archer. This Grass/Ghost type gains the Long Reach ability (or Overgrow as its hidden ability), which allows it to use contact moves without making physical contact—useful for avoiding contact-based abilities like Rough Skin or King's Shield. Decidueye's design incorporates elements of an archer and a ghostly figure, complete with a hood that resembles a hat.
Litten's Evolutionary Path
Litten starts with the Blaze ability, boosting Fire-type moves at low health. At level 17, it evolves into Torracat, which gains a bell-like organ around its neck that acts as a flame sac. Torracat maintains the pure Fire typing and develops a more aggressive, battle-ready appearance with visible claws and a fiercer expression.
The final evolution to Incineroar occurs at level 34, transforming Litten into a muscular, wrestler-themed Pokemon. Incineroar gains the Dark typing and the Intimidate ability (or Blaze as its hidden ability), making it a formidable physical attacker with defensive utility. Its design incorporates elements of professional wrestling, including championship belts and a fighting stance.
Popplio's Evolutionary Stages
Popplio begins with the Torrent ability, which boosts Water-type moves at low health. At level 17, it evolves into Brionne, gaining a more elegant appearance with multiple frills and a cheerful expression. Brionne maintains the pure Water typing and develops a more theatrical, performer-like design.
The final evolution to Primarina occurs at level 34, transforming Popplio into a majestic siren. Primarina gains the Fairy typing and maintains the Torrent ability (or Liquid Voice as its hidden ability, which turns sound-based moves into Water-type moves). Its design incorporates elements of a singer and sea creature, complete with a pearl-like decoration and flowing fins that resemble a dress.
Battle Strategies and Team Building
Early Game Considerations
Your choice of starter significantly impacts your early game experience in Pokemon Sun and Moon. Rowlet provides an advantage against the first island's Bug-type trials, while Litten struggles against the Water-type Pokemon common in early areas. Popplio offers reliable performance throughout but may face challenges against the first island's captain.
Consider your playstyle when choosing your starter. If you prefer a defensive, strategic approach, Rowlet's line with its Ghost typing and ranged attacks might suit you. For aggressive, straightforward battling, Litten's line offers consistent power. If you enjoy special attacks and support moves, Popplio's line provides excellent utility.
Type Coverage and Team Synergy
Regardless of your starter choice, you'll want to build a well-rounded team to cover weaknesses. Rowlet's final form, Decidueye, is weak to Ice, Fire, Flying, Poison, Rock, Ghost, and Dark attacks, so consider adding Pokemon that resist these types. Steel and Electric types work well, as do Pokemon with the Flash Fire ability to absorb Fire attacks.
Litten's final form, Incineroar, is weak to Fighting, Ground, Rock, and Water attacks. Ground and Water immunity or resistance is particularly valuable, so consider adding Flying or Levitating Pokemon to your team. Grass types also pair well with Incineroar to handle Water threats.
Popplio's final form, Primarina, is only weak to Grass and Electric attacks, making it one of the most defensively sound starters. However, it's still wise to add Pokemon that resist these types, such as Fire or Poison for Grass attacks, and Ground or Grass for Electric attacks.
Competitive Battling Potential
In competitive Pokemon battling, all three starters have found niches despite the dominance of legendary and pseudo-legendary Pokemon. Decidueye's unique typing and Spirit Shackle move make it valuable for trapping opponents, while its defensive stats allow it to function as a special wall in certain team compositions.
Incineroar's Intimidate ability and physical bulk make it an excellent defensive support Pokemon, particularly in VGC (Video Game Championships) formats where it can protect teammates and absorb physical attacks. Its access to moves like Fake Out and Snarl provides valuable support options.
Primarina's special attacking stats and unique typing make it a potent offensive threat, particularly with its access to Moonblast and Hydro Pump. Its ability to handle Dragon-types with Fairy attacks while also threatening common Water absorbers makes it versatile in many team compositions.
Hidden Abilities and Breeding Considerations
Each Alolan starter has a hidden ability that can be obtained through breeding or in special encounters. Rowlet's hidden ability is Long Reach, which prevents contact moves from making physical contact—useful for avoiding abilities like Rough Skin or King's Shield. Litten's hidden ability is Intimidate, which lowers the opponent's Attack when switching in, providing valuable defensive utility. Popplio's hidden ability is Liquid Voice, which turns all sound-based moves into Water-type moves, expanding its offensive options.
Breeding for hidden abilities requires obtaining a female starter Pokemon or a male with a Ditto, then breeding while the female holds an Everstone to pass down the hidden ability. This process can be time-consuming but is worthwhile for competitive players seeking optimal builds.
Shiny Hunting and Special Variants
All three Alolan starters can be obtained as shiny Pokemon, though the odds are the standard 1 in 4096 without special methods. Shiny Rowlet is green instead of brown, shiny Litten is red instead of black, and shiny Popplio is pink instead of blue. Many players enjoy the challenge of soft-resetting for shiny starters at the beginning of the game.
Additionally, Pokemon Sun and Moon introduced the concept of hyper-training, which allows players to maximize their Pokemon's Individual Values (IVs) without breeding. This makes it easier to obtain competitively viable versions of your favorite starter, regardless of their original stats.
Conclusion
Choosing your Pokemon Sun and Moon starter is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your Alolan adventure. Rowlet offers a unique Grass/Ghost typing with strategic depth, Litten provides consistent Fire-type power with a surprising Dark twist, and Popplio delivers reliable Water/Fairy performance with excellent special attacking capabilities.
Each starter has its strengths and weaknesses, and the "best" choice ultimately depends on your playstyle, team building preferences, and whether you're playing for fun or competition. Rowlet's Decidueye excels at strategic, defensive play; Litten's Incineroar offers straightforward power with support capabilities; and Popplio's Primarina provides versatile special attacking options.
Whatever you choose, remember that Pokemon is ultimately about enjoying your journey through the Alola region. Each starter will carry you through the main story effectively, and with proper training and team support, any of them can become a champion. So take your time, consider your options, and get ready to begin your adventure with the partner that feels right for you!
