BEST SUN & MOON POKEMON
Game Notes
Sun and Moon replaced gyms with Island Trials, and that changes how the tier list works. Instead of gym leaders, you face Totem Pokemon — buffed wild Pokemon with stat boosts and ally calls. Mimikyu's Disguise ability gives it a free hit in every fight. Toxapex walls almost everything with Regenerator. Alolan forms like Alolan Ninetales (Ice/Fairy) turn familiar Pokemon into completely different threats. Mega Stones aren't available until postgame, so Z-Moves are your primary power spike.
Pokemon Spotlight
Garchomp
102 Speed edges out the base-100 crowd, and 130 Attack with Earthquake plus Dragon Claw hits most of Alola hard. Sand Veil gives evasion in sandstorm, though it's inconsistent to rely on. Dragon/Ground coverage is nearly unresisted outside Fairy and Flying types in Sun and Moon.
View page detailsGarchomp — A Tier, 600 BST
102 Speed edges out the base-100 crowd, and 130 Attack with Earthquake plus Dragon Claw hits most of Alola hard. Sand Veil gives evasion in sandstorm, though it's inconsistent to rely on. Dragon/Ground coverage is nearly unresisted outside Fairy and Flying types in Sun and Moon.
Lunala
Moon's box legendary. Shadow Shield works like Multiscale, halving damage at full HP. 137 Sp. Atk on Psychic/Ghost with Moongeist Beam ignoring abilities. 680 BST and two immunities (Normal and Fighting) make Lunala one of Sun and Moon's best defensive threats.
View page detailsLunala — S Tier, 680 BST
Moon's box legendary. Shadow Shield works like Multiscale, halving damage at full HP. 137 Sp. Atk on Psychic/Ghost with Moongeist Beam ignoring abilities. 680 BST and two immunities (Normal and Fighting) make Lunala one of Sun and Moon's best defensive threats.
Pheromosa
151 Speed makes Pheromosa the fastest non-priority attacker in Sun and Moon's metagame. 137 Attack and 137 Sp. Atk are both threatening, so physical or special sets work equally. Beast Boost raises the highest stat on each KO, snowballing into a sweep if left unchecked. Paper-thin 37/37 defenses mean one hit ends it.
View page detailsPheromosa — A Tier, 570 BST
151 Speed makes Pheromosa the fastest non-priority attacker in Sun and Moon's metagame. 137 Attack and 137 Sp. Atk are both threatening, so physical or special sets work equally. Beast Boost raises the highest stat on each KO, snowballing into a sweep if left unchecked. Paper-thin 37/37 defenses mean one hit ends it.
ArceusNormalMIXEDHP120Atk120Def120SpA120SpD120Spe120AbilityMultitypeNatureAdamantItemLife OrbExtreme Speed80Swords Dance–Earthquake100Shadow Claw70HP120Atk120Def120SpA120SpD120Spe120
MewtwoPsychicSPECIALHP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLife OrbPsystrike100Ice Beam90Aura Sphere80Shadow Ball80HP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130
LugiaPsychicMIXEDHP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110AbilityMultiscaleNatureBoldItemLeftoversToxic–Roost–Aeroblast100Whirlwind–HP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110
Ho ohFirePHYSICALHP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90AbilityRegeneratorNatureImpishItemChoice BandSacred Fire100Brave Bird120Toxic–Earthquake100HP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90
RayquazaDragonMIXEDHP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95AbilityAir LockNatureAdamantItemLife OrbDragon Ascent120Extreme Speed80Dragon Dance–Earthquake100HP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95
DialgaSteelDragonSPECIALHP100Atk120Def120SpA150SpD100Spe90AbilityPressureNatureModestItemShuca BerryFlash Cannon80Draco Meteor130Roar of Time150Aura Sphere80HP100Atk120Def120SpA150SpD100Spe90
PalkiaWaterDragonSPECIALHP90Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe100AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLustrous OrbSpacial Rend100Hydro Pump110Fire Blast110Surf90HP90Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe100
GiratinaGhostDragonMIXEDHP150Atk100Def120SpA100SpD120Spe90AbilityPressureNatureImpishItemAssault VestToxic–Rest–Dragon Tail60Will-O-Wisp–HP150Atk100Def120SpA100SpD120Spe90
ReshiramDragonFireSPECIALHP100Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe90AbilityTurboblazeNatureModestItemLife OrbBlue Flare130Draco Meteor130Dragon Pulse85Fusion Flare100HP100Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe90
ZekromDragonElectricPHYSICALHP100Atk150Def120SpA120SpD100Spe90AbilityTeravoltNatureHardyItemChoice ScarfBolt Strike130Outrage120Dragon Claw80Fusion Bolt100HP100Atk150Def120SpA120SpD100Spe90
XerneasFairyMIXEDHP126Atk131Def95SpA131SpD98Spe99AbilityFairy AuraNatureModestItemPower HerbMoonblast95Geomancy–Focus Blast120Thunder110HP126Atk131Def95SpA131SpD98Spe99
YveltalDarkMIXEDHP126Atk131Def95SpA131SpD98Spe99AbilityDark AuraNatureTimidItemLife OrbOblivion Wing80Dark Pulse80Foul Play95U-turn70HP126Atk131Def95SpA131SpD98Spe99
DeoxysPsychicMIXEDHP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150AbilityPressureNatureHastyItemFocus SashPsycho Boost140Psychic90Dark Pulse80Superpower120HP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150- #6GarchompDragonGroundPHYSICALHP108Atk130Def95SpA80SpD85Spe102AbilityRough SkinNatureJollyItemRocky HelmetEarthquake100Swords Dance–Stone Edge100Outrage120HP108Atk130Def95SpA80SpD85Spe102
HeatranFireSteelSPECIALHP91Atk90Def106SpA130SpD106Spe77AbilityFlash FireNatureCalmItemAir BalloonEarth Power90Magma Storm100Toxic–Taunt–HP91Atk90Def106SpA130SpD106Spe77
DarkraiDarkSPECIALHP70Atk90Def90SpA135SpD90Spe125AbilityBad DreamsNatureTimidItemDarkiniumzDark Pulse80Dark Void–Nasty Plot–Hypnosis–HP70Atk90Def90SpA135SpD90Spe125- #7
ZygardeDragonGroundMIXEDHP108Atk100Def121SpA81SpD95Spe95AbilityPower ConstructNatureImpishItemIapapa BerryThousand Arrows90Dragon Dance–Rest–Extreme Speed80HP108Atk100Def121SpA81SpD95Spe95 - #8
Tapu LelePsychicFairySPECIALHP70Atk85Def75SpA130SpD115Spe95AbilityPsychic SurgeNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsMoonblast95Psyshock80Hidden Power Fire60Psychic90HP70Atk85Def75SpA130SpD115Spe95 - #9
Tapu FiniWaterFairySPECIALHP70Atk75Def115SpA95SpD130Spe85AbilityMisty SurgeNatureCalmItemWiki BerryMoonblast95Taunt–Defog–Surf90HP70Atk75Def115SpA95SpD130Spe85 - #10PheromosaBugFightingMIXEDHP71Atk137Def37SpA137SpD37Spe151AbilityBeast BoostNatureHastyItemLife OrbIce Beam90U-turn70High Jump Kick130Poison Jab80HP71Atk137Def37SpA137SpD37Spe151
- #11
KartanaGrassSteelPHYSICALHP59Atk181Def131SpA59SpD31Spe109AbilityBeast BoostNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfLeaf Blade90Sacred Sword90Smart Strike70HP59Atk181Def131SpA59SpD31Spe109 
VolcaronaBugFireSPECIALHP85Atk60Def65SpA135SpD105Spe100AbilityFlame BodyNatureTimidItemLum BerryQuiver Dance–Bug Buzz90Hidden Power Ground60Flamethrower90HP85Atk60Def65SpA135SpD105Spe100
ExcadrillGroundSteelPHYSICALHP110Atk135Def60SpA50SpD65Spe88AbilityMold BreakerNatureJollyItemFocus SashEarthquake100Rapid Spin50Swords Dance–Rock Slide75HP110Atk135Def60SpA50SpD65Spe88
AegislashSteelGhostUTILITYHP60Atk50Def140SpA50SpD140Spe60AbilityStance ChangeNatureAdamantItemWeakness PolicyKing's Shield–Shadow Sneak40Sacred Sword90Swords Dance–HP60Atk50Def140SpA50SpD140Spe60
SlakingNormalPHYSICALHP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100AbilityTruantNatureAdamantItemChoice BandEarthquake100Play Rough90Retaliate70Pursuit40HP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100
KyogreWaterSPECIALHP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90AbilityDrizzleNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfIce Beam90Thunder110Water Spout150Origin Pulse110HP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90
GroudonGroundPHYSICALHP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90AbilityDroughtNatureHardyItemGroundiumzEarthquake100Precipice Blades120Stone Edge100HP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90
RegigigasNormalPHYSICALHP110Atk160Def110SpA80SpD110Spe100AbilitySlow StartNatureImpishItemShell BellZen Headbutt80Thunder Wave–Giga Impact150Substitute–HP110Atk160Def110SpA80SpD110Spe100
KyuremDragonIceMIXEDHP125Atk130Def90SpA130SpD90Spe95AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemIciumzIce Beam90Roost–Substitute–Draco Meteor130HP125Atk130Def90SpA130SpD90Spe95- #13
DragoniteDragonPHYSICALHP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80AbilityMultiscaleNatureAdamantItemFlyiniumzDragon Dance–Earthquake100Extreme Speed80Fly90HP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80 
MewPsychicMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilitySynchronizeNatureTimidItemMental HerbTaunt–Ice Beam90Thunder Wave–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
TyranitarRockDarkPHYSICALHP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61AbilitySand StreamNatureAdamantItemAssault VestPursuit40Earthquake100Crunch80Stone Edge100HP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61
CelebiPsychicGrassMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureModestItemChoice ScarfPsychic90Recover–U-turn70HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100- #14
SalamenceDragonPHYSICALHP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100AbilityMoxieNatureJollyItemFlyiniumzEarthquake100Dragon Dance–Dragon Claw80Fire Fang65HP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100 - #15
MetagrossSteelPsychicPHYSICALHP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemAssault VestEarthquake100Bullet Punch40Meteor Mash90Zen Headbutt80HP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70 
LatiasDragonPsychicSPECIALHP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfDraco Meteor130Healing Wish–Psychic90Calm Mind–HP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110
MespritPsychicMIXEDHP80Atk105Def105SpA105SpD105Spe80AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemColbur BerryCalm Mind–Ice Beam90Psyshock80Shadow Ball80HP80Atk105Def105SpA105SpD105Spe80- #69
SilvallyNormalMIXEDHP95Atk95Def95SpA95SpD95Spe95AbilityRks SystemNatureBoldItemRed CardParting Shot–Flamethrower90Thunder Wave–Explosion250HP95Atk95Def95SpA95SpD95Spe95 - #70
MagmortarFireSPECIALHP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83AbilityFlame BodyNatureTimidItemAssault VestThunderbolt90Flamethrower90Psychic90Focus Blast120HP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83 - #71
LaprasWaterIceMIXEDHP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60AbilityWater AbsorbNatureModestItemAssault VestFreeze-Dry70Surf90Hydro Pump110Ice Beam90HP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60 
SwampertWaterGroundPHYSICALHP100Atk110Def90SpA85SpD90Spe60AbilityTorrentNatureAdamantItemAssault VestEarthquake100Waterfall80Scald80Toxic–HP100Atk110Def90SpA85SpD90Spe60- #72
VanilluxeIceMIXEDHP71Atk95Def85SpA110SpD95Spe79AbilityWeak ArmorNatureModestItemAssault VestFreeze-Dry70Flash Cannon80Ice Beam90Blizzard110HP71Atk95Def85SpA110SpD95Spe79 
CharizardFireSPECIALHP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100AbilityBlazeNatureTimidItemLife OrbAir Slash75Flamethrower90Solar Beam120Fire Blast110HP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100
TyphlosionFireSPECIALHP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100AbilityFlash FireNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfEruption150Focus Blast120Extrasensory80Fire Blast110HP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100
DelphoxFirePsychicSPECIALHP75Atk69Def72SpA114SpD100Spe104AbilityBlazeNatureTimidItemAir BalloonPsychic90Calm Mind–Shadow Ball80Flamethrower90HP75Atk69Def72SpA114SpD100Spe104
Type: NullNormalMIXEDHP95Atk95Def95SpA95SpD95Spe59AbilityBattle ArmorNatureAdamantItemEvioliteRest–Sleep Talk–Return–Swords Dance–HP95Atk95Def95SpA95SpD95Spe59
GogoatGrassMIXEDHP123Atk100Def62SpA97SpD81Spe68AbilitySap SipperNatureHardyItemGrassiumzHorn Leech75Earthquake100Bulk Up–Rock Slide75HP123Atk100Def62SpA97SpD81Spe68
BlastoiseWaterMIXEDHP79Atk83Def100SpA85SpD105Spe78AbilityTorrentNatureCalmItemRocky HelmetRapid Spin50Scald80Toxic–Ice Beam90HP79Atk83Def100SpA85SpD105Spe78
DustoxBugPoisonUTILITYHP60Atk50Def70SpA50SpD90Spe65AbilityShield DustNatureCalmItemBlack SludgeQuiver Dance–Roost–Bug Buzz90Infestation20HP60Atk50Def70SpA50SpD90Spe65
Farfetch'dNormalPHYSICALHP52Atk90Def55SpA58SpD62Spe60AbilityDefiantNatureHardyItemStickBrave Bird120Knock Off65Swords Dance–Roost–HP52Atk90Def55SpA58SpD62Spe60
NidorinaPoisonUTILITYHP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56AbilityPoison PointNatureBoldItemEvioliteToxic Spikes–Toxic–Rest–Poison Jab80HP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56
NidorinoPoisonPHYSICALHP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65AbilityHustleNatureAdamantItemEviolitePoison Jab80Sucker Punch70Hone Claws–Toxic Spikes–HP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65
AmauraRockIceUTILITYHP77Atk59Def50SpA67SpD63Spe46AbilitySnow WarningNatureCalmItemIcy RockThunder Wave–Toxic–Discharge80HP77Atk59Def50SpA67SpD63Spe46- #163
SpindaNormalUTILITYHP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60AbilityContraryNatureAdamantItemEnigma BerryReturn–Assist–Sucker Punch70Thief60HP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60 
LarvestaBugFirePHYSICALHP55Atk85Def55SpA50SpD55Spe60AbilityFlame BodyNatureCarefulItemEvioliteLeech Life80Flare Blitz120U-turn70Wild Charge90HP55Atk85Def55SpA50SpD55Spe60
TranquillNormalPHYSICALHP62Atk77Def62SpA50SpD42Spe65Sky Attack140Uproar90Fly90Protect–HP62Atk77Def62SpA50SpD42Spe65
PidgeottoNormalUTILITYHP63Atk60Def55SpA50SpD50Spe71AbilityKeen EyeNatureJollyItemEvioliteTailwind–Roost–Defog–Brave Bird120HP63Atk60Def55SpA50SpD50Spe71
PanchamFightingPHYSICALHP67Atk82Def62SpA46SpD48Spe43AbilityIron FistNatureImpishItemEvioliteParting Shot–Protect–HP67Atk82Def62SpA46SpD48Spe43
SkiploomGrassUTILITYHP55Atk45Def50SpA45SpD65Spe80AbilityChlorophyllNatureTimidItemGrassiumzAromatherapy–Sunny Day–Rest–Solar Beam120HP55Atk45Def50SpA45SpD65Spe80
LombreWaterGrassUTILITYHP60Atk50Def50SpA60SpD70Spe50AbilitySwift SwimNatureBoldItemEvioliteLeech Seed–Rain Dance–Toxic–Hydro Pump110HP60Atk50Def50SpA60SpD70Spe50
Pokemon Comparison
FAQ
Mimikyu. Ghost/Fairy is one of the best defensive typings in the game, and Disguise gives it a free turn in every fight. Toxapex with Regenerator walls almost everything in Alola. Mudsdale from Mudbray on Route 4 with Stamina gets bulkier every time it's hit. For late-game raw power, Garchomp is available from Gible in Haina Desert.
Litten. Incineroar's Fire/Dark typing hits a wide range of Trials super effectively, and 115 Attack makes it the hardest-hitting starter. Popplio into Primarina (Water/Fairy) is a close second with great Sp. Atk and Fairy STAB that checks Dragon. Rowlet into Decidueye (Grass/Ghost) has the coolest typing but the slowest stats.
Alolan forms are regional variants of Gen 1 Pokemon with different types, stats, and abilities. Alolan Ninetales (Ice/Fairy) gets Snow Warning and is one of the best Fairy-types available. Alolan Marowak (Fire/Ghost) with Lightning Rod counters Electric-types cleanly. Alolan Muk (Poison/Dark) with Poison Touch hits hard and only has one weakness (Ground).
Z-Moves let any Pokemon use one massively powerful move per battle. You need a Z-Crystal that matches the move's type. This means any Pokemon with good stats can nuke one threat per fight, leveling the playing field somewhat. Z-Moves boost slower, bulkier Pokemon since they can absorb a hit and then fire off a Z-Move to remove the biggest threat. Infernium Z on Incineroar can one-shot most Totem Pokemon.
Incineroar (starter), Mudsdale from Mudbray on Route 4, Toxapex from Mareanie via SOS chain on Route 9, Mimikyu from the Thrifty Megamart trial, Magnezone from Magnemite at the Trainers' School, and Alolan Ninetales from Vulpix near Tapu Village. Handles every Trial Captain and Kahuna without needing to swap mid-game.
Sun gets Solgaleo (Psychic/Steel) and Moon gets Lunala (Psychic/Ghost). Lunala is the better pick for in-game since Ghost STAB hits a wider range of targets and it has higher Sp. Atk. For regular exclusives, Sun has Lycanroc Midday (faster) while Moon has Lycanroc Midnight (bulkier). Both versions also get different Ultra Beasts postgame.
No. Sun and Moon replaced gyms with Island Trials. Each Trial Captain sets up a challenge ending with a Totem Pokemon fight. Totem Pokemon have boosted stats and can call for ally Pokemon mid-battle, making some fights harder than traditional gym leaders. The final challenge on each island is a Grand Trial against the Island Kahuna, which plays more like a standard battle.
GAME AVAILABILITY
- Gen IY
Yellow151 Pokemon - Gen IRB
Red & Blue151 Pokemon - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver251 Pokemon - Gen IIC
Crystal251 Pokemon - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire202 Pokemon - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen151 Pokemon - Gen IIIE
Emerald202 Pokemon - Gen IVPt
Platinum210 Pokemon - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver256 Pokemon - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl151 Pokemon - Gen VBW
Black & White156 Pokemon - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2301 Pokemon - Gen VIXY
X & Y457 Pokemon - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire211 Pokemon - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon403 Pokemon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon302 Pokemon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee153 Pokemon - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield400 Pokemon - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus242 Pokemon - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl151 Pokemon - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet400 Pokemon - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A364 Pokemon - Gen XWW
Winds & Waves51 Pokemon