The arrival of Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon on the Nintendo 3DS provided trainers with an enhanced journey through the vibrant Alola region. As is tradition with the core RPG series, choosing between the two versions means encountering entirely distinct wild encounters and legendary beasts. Understanding these version differences beforehand allows players to strategically plan their ideal party and trading routes.
Standard Version Differences in Alola
Exploring the tall grass of the Alola region reveals unique regional forms and standard species tied to specific versions. Trainers exploring Ultra Sun will exclusively find native creatures like Alolan Vulpix, Passimian, and Turtonator during their island challenge. On the other hand, Ultra Moon players can capture Alolan Sandshrew, Oranguru, and Drampa along the same routes.
Fossil preservation also follows version-specific guidelines across the local islands. Players looking to revive the ancient Cranidos or Tirtouga will need to pick up the Sun variant of the game. Meanwhile, those who prefer Shieldon or Archen will find their respective fossils scattered throughout the Moon version.
Legendary and Mythical Discoveries
The legendary split forms the backbone of the choice between these two massive titles. Ultra Sun grants players access to the solar prowess of Dusk Mane Necrozma and the classic Ho-Oh, Groudon, and Latios. Ultra Moon counters this lineup by offering Dawn Wings Necrozma alongside Lugia, Kyogre, and Latias.
Dimensional anomalies known as Ultra Wormholes expand these rosters even further for endgame collectors. Sun players can chase down Dialga, Heatran, Reshiram, and Tornadus within these glowing tears. Conversely, Moon players are treated to encounters with Palkia, Regigigas, Zekrom, and Thundurus as they navigate deep space.
Ultra Beast Allocations
The mysterious entities known as Ultra Beasts exhibit strict distribution rules across the Alolan dimensions. Trainers who choose the solar journey will cross paths with Buzzwole and Kartana during the post-game narrative. The celestial alternative shifts the encounters toward Pheromosa and Celesteela to challenge your strategic team compositions.
New additions introduced in these expanded versions add another layer to the dimensional differences. The explosive Fire and Ghost-type Blacephalon remains a premier target within the Ultra Sun endgame zones. Its counterpart, the defensive Rock and Ghost-type Stakataka, exclusively roams the wilderness of Ultra Moon.
Totem Stickers and Special Rewards
Collecting the glowing Totem Stickers hidden around the environment rewards players with oversized pocket monsters. The specific rewards given by Professor Samson Oak shift dramatically depending on your game cartridge. Sun players can unlock a giant Lurantis once they accumulate fifty stickers across the islands.
Moon enthusiasts will instead receive a formidable Salazzle for reaching that exact same milestone. These custom variants possess unique battle presences that make tracking down every sticker highly rewarding. Balancing these exclusive mechanics ensures that trading remains a vital aspect of completing the Alolan Pokédex.
