Rowlet Litten or Popplio the Best Starter for Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

The choice of a first partner Pokémon is the most critical decision in any trainer's journey, particularly in the Alola region of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. These titles are not mere sequels but enhanced reinterpretations of the original Sun and Moon games, featuring tougher battles, expanded Pokédexes, and the formidable Ultra Necrozma. While the trio of Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio remains the same, the mechanical environment of the "Ultra" games shifts the balance of which starter provides the smoothest experience.

Defining the Ultra Starters of the Alola Region

In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the acquisition of your starter happens slightly differently than in the base games. Players encounter their first partner on Route 1 after being saved from a wild Yungoos. The available choices are Rowlet (Grass/Flying), Litten (Fire), and Popplio (Water). Each represents a different playstyle: balance, brute physical force, and specialized magic power.

Understanding the "Ultra" context also involves recognizing Poipole. While not a traditional starter chosen from a wooden box, Poipole is often referred to by the community as the "Ultra Beast Starter" because it is gifted to the player by the Ultra Recon Squad in Ultra Megalopolis. It functions as a signature partner for the latter half of the game.

Rowlet The Balanced Archer of the Grass Type

Rowlet begins as a Grass/Flying-type Pokémon. Its early-game utility is high due to its resistance to Grass and Fighting moves, which are common among early-game NPCs. As it evolves into Dartrix and finally Decidueye, it trades its Flying sub-type for Ghost.

Decidueye Base Stats and Evolutionary Advantages

Upon reaching its final form, Decidueye possesses a unique stat distribution that favors versatility.

• HP: 78
• Attack: 107
• Defense: 75
• Special Attack: 100
• Special Defense: 100
• Speed: 70

Decidueye is a "mixed attacker." It can effectively use both physical moves like Leaf Blade and special moves like Shadow Ball. Its signature move, Spirit Shackle, is a Ghost-type physical attack that prevents the opponent from fleeing or switching out. This is exceptionally useful in the "Ultra" games for trapping specific roaming threats or preventing annoying switches in competitive-style NPC battles.

Why Choose Rowlet for an Ultra Playthrough

Rowlet is often considered the "middle ground" in terms of difficulty. In our gameplay testing, Decidueye’s Ghost typing provides critical immunities to Normal and Fighting moves, which can be life-saving during the more intense Alola Trials. However, its Speed is its Achilles' heel. At base 70, it will be outsped by many mid-game threats, requiring trainers to invest in its bulk or use items like the Quick Claw.

Litten The Physical Powerhouse of Fire and Dark

Litten is the most popular choice for many due to its "cool" factor and its eventual evolution into Incineroar. Starting as a pure Fire-type, it eventually gains the Dark sub-type. This transformation is pivotal in the Ultra versions, as Dark-type moves are essential for dealing with the many Psychic and Ghost-type threats found in the Ultra Wormholes.

Incineroar The Master of Physical Dominance

Incineroar is built like a tanky bruiser. Its stats reflect a shift from Litten’s initial speed to raw power and durability.

• HP: 95
• Attack: 115
• Defense: 90
• Special Attack: 80
• Special Defense: 90
• Speed: 60

The signature move, Darkest Lariat, ignores the target’s stat changes (like Defense boosts), making it a perfect counter for Totem Pokémon that use Aura boosts to increase their survivability.

Performance Against Ultra Challenges

Litten faces a steep uphill battle early in the game. The first few trials are not particularly kind to Fire-types. However, once it evolves into Incineroar, it becomes a literal beast. Its ability to learn Intimidate (as a Hidden Ability, though usually Blaze for the starter) or simply rely on its high physical bulk makes it the best choice for trainers who prefer a "slugging" match. In the late-game battle against Ultra Necrozma, Incineroar’s Dark typing is a double-edged sword: it provides a much-needed immunity to Psychic moves but leaves it vulnerable to Power Gem.

Popplio The Special Attacking Siren

Often underestimated due to its cute aesthetic, Popplio is arguably the "hidden easy mode" for Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. As a Water-type that evolves into the Water/Fairy-type Primarina, it gains access to one of the strongest offensive and defensive typings in the game.

Primarina The Special Specialist

Primarina focuses entirely on Special Attack and Special Defense, making it a "Special Wall" that can retaliate with devastating force.

• HP: 80
• Attack: 74
• Defense: 74
• Special Attack: 126
• Special Defense: 116
• Speed: 60

Primarina’s signature move, Sparkling Aria, is a powerful Water-type special attack. When combined with its Fairy typing, Primarina can solo almost every Dragon-type encounter in the game.

Why Popplio Wins the Type Matchup Race

In Alola, the trial system replaces gyms. Water and Fairy types are incredibly effective against a wide range of Totem Pokémon. Primarina excels against Totem Marowak (Water vs. Fire/Ghost), Totem Kommo-o (Fairy vs. Dragon/Fighting), and even the final Elite Four challenges. While its physical defense is lackluster, its ability to end fights quickly with high-damage special moves usually means it doesn't have to take many hits.

Tactical Breakdown Starters vs Alola Totem Pokémon

To truly determine the best "Ultra Starter," we must look at how they perform against the buffed Totem Pokémon unique to Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.

The Early Game: Melemele and Akala Islands

1. Totem Araquanid (Ultra Sun) / Totem Marowak (Ultra Moon):
   • Rowlet struggles against Araquanid’s Bug moves but holds its own.
   • Litten is in danger against both.
   • Popplio shines here, especially against Marowak, though Araquanid's Water Bubble ability makes it a tough fight for any Water starter.
2. Totem Lurantis:
   • This is Litten’s time to shine. A strong Fire-type move is the most efficient way to deal with Lurantis’s Solar Blade and Synthesis recovery.
   • Rowlet and Popplio will struggle immensely here without significant support from caught Pokémon like Salandit or Fletchinder.

The Mid-to-Late Game: Ula'ula and Poni Islands

1. Totem Mimikyu:
   • Decidueye’s Ghost typing allows it to hit Mimikyu hard, but it also makes it vulnerable to Mimikyu’s own Ghost moves.
   • Incineroar’s Dark typing provides a resistance to Ghost moves, making it the safest defensive switch-in.
2. Totem Kommo-o:
   • This is the "Primarina Show." A 4x Fairy weakness means Primarina can often one-shot this final Totem Pokémon with Moonblast, bypassing the difficulty entirely.

Poipole The Unique Ultra Beast Starter

In the narrative of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Poipole serves as a secondary starter gifted by the Ultra Recon Squad. Unlike the traditional trio, Poipole is a pure Poison-type that evolves into Naganadel (Poison/Dragon) upon learning Dragon Pulse.

For players who feel the traditional starters aren't "Ultra" enough, Poipole offers a late-game power spike. Naganadel is a top-tier competitive Pokémon with incredible Speed (121) and Special Attack (127). Its ability, Beast Boost, increases its highest stat every time it knocks out an opponent, allowing it to sweep through the Elite Four with ease. Obtaining Poipole is a guaranteed event in Ultra Megalopolis, making it a staple for any "Ultra" themed team.

Shiny Hunting Your Ultra Starter

Many veteran players want their journey to begin with a rare color variant. Unlike some newer Pokémon titles, the starters in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are not shiny locked. This means you can obtain a shiny Rowlet, Litten, or Popplio right at the start of the game.

The Soft Reset Method for US/UM

The process of shiny hunting your starter in these games is notorious for being time-consuming due to the long cutscenes. Our recommended workflow for the most efficient hunt is:

1. Save Point: Save your game immediately after being saved by the Kahuna/Starter sequence on Route 1, but before you approach the grass where the selection happens.
2. The Cutscene: You must sit through several minutes of dialogue and animation.
3. The Check: You cannot tell if the Pokémon is shiny during the selection screen. You must wait until you have received the Pokémon and have the option to give it a nickname. At the nickname screen, the sprite will show its shiny coloration (e.g., Rowlet will be mint green instead of brown).
4. The Reset: If it is not shiny, press L + R + Start/Select simultaneously to soft reset the game and try again.

The odds are the standard 1 in 4,096. Given that each attempt takes approximately 2-3 minutes, this is a task only for the most dedicated "shiny hunters."

Which Starter is the Best for Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon?

The "best" starter depends on what you value in your Alola experience.

• For the Easiest Playthrough: Popplio is the winner. Its evolution into Primarina provides a type combination (Water/Fairy) that trivializes the most difficult late-game encounters, including the Dragon-type trials and the Elite Four.
• For the Best Competitive Potential: Litten (Incineroar) is the undisputed champion. Incineroar has been a dominant force in the VGC (Video Game Championships) for years due to its utility, bulk, and the move Fake Out.
• For a Balanced Challenge: Rowlet offers a unique Ghost/Grass typing and a versatile movepool that rewards strategic play and careful team building.

Summary of Starter Traits in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Choosing a starter is just the beginning. Whether you stick with the tactical precision of Decidueye, the raw intimidation of Incineroar, or the elegant power of Primarina, your "Ultra" journey in Alola will be defined by how you support your first partner with a diverse team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get all three starters in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon?

No, you can only pick one at the start of the game. To get the other two, you must trade with other players via the Festival Plaza or use the Pokémon Bank/HOME services to transfer them from other save files.

Is Poipole considered a starter?

While not one of the original three, it is a "Gift Pokémon" that acts as a starter for the Ultra Recon Squad characters. You receive it for free as part of the story, making it a functional "fourth starter" for the player.

Why does my Litten get slower when it evolves?

This is a common point of confusion. Litten is fast, but Incineroar is designed as a heavyweight wrestler. Its base Speed drops from 70 (as Litten) to 60 (as Incineroar) to compensate for its massive increase in Attack, Defense, and HP.

What is the best nature for a Rowlet?

Since Decidueye is a mixed attacker but leans slightly towards physical moves like Spirit Shackle and Leaf Blade, an Adamant (+Attack, -Sp. Atk) or Jolly (+Speed, -Sp. Atk) nature is often preferred. However, a Brave nature can work if you are using it on a Trick Room team.

How do I get the Hidden Abilities for these starters?

The starters you receive at the beginning of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon always have their standard abilities (Overgrow, Blaze, or Torrent). To get their Hidden Abilities (Long Reach, Intimidate, and Liquid Voice), you generally need to have participated in special Pokémon Bank distribution events or trade with someone who has.