BEST ULTRA SUN & ULTRA MOON POKEMON
Game Notes
USUM diverges from Sun and Moon in the second half, and the additions shift the tier list. Ultra Necrozma is a Level 60 boss with 167 Sp. Atk that sweeps unprepared teams, so you need a real answer for it. More Pokemon are available earlier, including Zorua at the Trainers' School. Ultra Warp Ride lets you catch legendaries from past generations before the postgame. Same Trial system, same Z-Moves, but a harder final stretch.
Pokemon Spotlight
Garchomp
A competitive standout with 130 Attack and 102 Speed on Dragon/Ground typing. Rough Skin reinforces its competitive role, and pseudo-legendary stats ensure viability across multiple team archetypes.
View page detailsGarchomp — A Tier, 600 BST
A competitive standout with 130 Attack and 102 Speed on Dragon/Ground typing. Rough Skin reinforces its competitive role, and pseudo-legendary stats ensure viability across multiple team archetypes.
Lunala
Shadow Shield halves damage at full HP. Moongeist Beam ignores abilities, and 137 Sp. Atk on Psychic/Ghost provides two immunities. USUM expanded Lunala's options with Necrozma fusion, but base form's bulk and immunities already handle most threats.
View page detailsLunala — S Tier, 680 BST
Shadow Shield halves damage at full HP. Moongeist Beam ignores abilities, and 137 Sp. Atk on Psychic/Ghost provides two immunities. USUM expanded Lunala's options with Necrozma fusion, but base form's bulk and immunities already handle most threats.
Pheromosa
With 151 Speed and 137 in both Attack and Special Attack, Pheromosa threatens from either side of the spectrum. Beast Boost after one KO makes it nearly uncatchable. Those 37/37 defenses mean priority moves like Bullet Punch or Ice Shard are mandatory checks.
View page detailsPheromosa — A Tier, 570 BST
With 151 Speed and 137 in both Attack and Special Attack, Pheromosa threatens from either side of the spectrum. Beast Boost after one KO makes it nearly uncatchable. Those 37/37 defenses mean priority moves like Bullet Punch or Ice Shard are mandatory checks.
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–Defog–Rest–Dragon Tail60HP150Atk100Def120SpA100SpD120Spe90
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–Stealth Rock–Stone Edge100HP108Atk130Def95SpA80SpD85Spe102
HeatranFireSteelSPECIALHP91Atk90Def106SpA130SpD106Spe77AbilityFlash FireNatureCalmItemAir BalloonEarth Power90Magma Storm100Stealth Rock–Toxic–HP91Atk90Def106SpA130SpD106Spe77
DarkraiDarkSPECIALHP70Atk90Def90SpA135SpD90Spe125AbilityBad DreamsNatureTimidItemDarkiniumzDark Pulse80Dark Void–Nasty Plot–Hypnosis–HP70Atk90Def90SpA135SpD90Spe125- #7
ZygardeDragonGroundMIXEDHP108Atk100Def121SpA81SpD95Spe95AbilityPower ConstructNatureImpishItemIapapa BerryRest–Glare–Coil–Dragon Tail60HP108Atk100Def121SpA81SpD95Spe95 - #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 Sword90Knock Off65Smart Strike70HP59Atk181Def131SpA59SpD31Spe109 - #12
VolcaronaBugFireSPECIALHP85Atk60Def65SpA135SpD105Spe100AbilityFlame BodyNatureTimidItemLum BerryQuiver Dance–Bug Buzz90Hidden Power Ground60Giga Drain75HP85Atk60Def65SpA135SpD105Spe100 
ExcadrillGroundSteelPHYSICALHP110Atk135Def60SpA50SpD65Spe88AbilityMold BreakerNatureJollyItemFocus SashEarthquake100Rapid Spin50Iron Head80Stealth Rock–HP110Atk135Def60SpA50SpD65Spe88
AegislashSteelGhostUTILITYHP60Atk50Def140SpA50SpD140Spe60AbilityStance ChangeNatureAdamantItemWeakness PolicyKing's Shield–Shadow Sneak40Sacred Sword90Swords Dance–HP60Atk50Def140SpA50SpD140Spe60
SlakingNormalPHYSICALHP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100AbilityTruantNatureAdamantItemChoice BandEarthquake100Play Rough90Pursuit40Giga Impact150HP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100
KyogreWaterSPECIALHP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90AbilityDrizzleNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfIce Beam90Thunder110Water Spout150Origin Pulse110HP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90
GroudonGroundPHYSICALHP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90AbilityDroughtNatureHardyItemGroundiumzEarthquake100Stealth Rock–Precipice Blades120Fire Punch75HP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90
RegigigasNormalPHYSICALHP110Atk160Def110SpA80SpD110Spe100AbilitySlow StartNatureImpishItemShell BellZen Headbutt80Drain Punch75Thunder Wave–Giga Impact150HP110Atk160Def110SpA80SpD110Spe100
KyuremDragonIceMIXEDHP125Atk130Def90SpA130SpD90Spe95AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemIciumzIce Beam90Earth Power90Roost–Substitute–HP125Atk130Def90SpA130SpD90Spe95- #15
DragoniteDragonPHYSICALHP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80AbilityMultiscaleNatureAdamantItemFlyiniumzDragon Dance–Earthquake100Extreme Speed80Fly90HP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80 
MewPsychicMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilitySynchronizeNatureTimidItemMental HerbStealth Rock–Taunt–Ice Beam90Thunder Wave–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100- #16
TyranitarRockDarkPHYSICALHP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61AbilitySand StreamNatureAdamantItemAssault VestPursuit40Earthquake100Crunch80Stone Edge100HP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61 
CelebiPsychicGrassMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureModestItemChoice ScarfGiga Drain75Psychic90Recover–U-turn70HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100- #17
SalamenceDragonPHYSICALHP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100AbilityMoxieNatureJollyItemFlyiniumzEarthquake100Dragon Dance–Outrage120Dragon Claw80HP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100 - #18
MetagrossSteelPsychicPHYSICALHP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemAssault VestEarthquake100Bullet Punch40Ice Punch75Meteor Mash90HP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70 
LatiasDragonPsychicSPECIALHP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfDraco Meteor130Defog–Healing Wish–Psychic90HP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110
MespritPsychicMIXEDHP80Atk105Def105SpA105SpD105Spe80AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemColbur BerryCalm Mind–Ice Beam90Psyshock80Shadow Ball80HP80Atk105Def105SpA105SpD105Spe80- #82
SilvallyNormalMIXEDHP95Atk95Def95SpA95SpD95Spe95AbilityRks SystemNatureBoldItemRed CardParting Shot–Defog–Flamethrower90Thunder Wave–HP95Atk95Def95SpA95SpD95Spe95 - #83
MagmortarFireSPECIALHP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83AbilityFlame BodyNatureTimidItemAssault VestThunderbolt90Flamethrower90Psychic90Focus Blast120HP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83 - #84
LaprasWaterIceMIXEDHP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60AbilityWater AbsorbNatureModestItemAssault VestFreeze-Dry70Surf90Hydro Pump110Ice Beam90HP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60 
SwampertWaterGroundPHYSICALHP100Atk110Def90SpA85SpD90Spe60AbilityTorrentNatureAdamantItemAssault VestEarthquake100Stealth Rock–Waterfall80Scald80HP100Atk110Def90SpA85SpD90Spe60- #85
VanilluxeIceMIXEDHP71Atk95Def85SpA110SpD95Spe79AbilityWeak ArmorNatureModestItemAssault VestFreeze-Dry70Flash Cannon80Ice Beam90Signal Beam75HP71Atk95Def85SpA110SpD95Spe79 
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–Iron Defense–Bug Buzz90HP60Atk50Def70SpA50SpD90Spe65
Farfetch'dNormalPHYSICALHP52Atk90Def55SpA58SpD62Spe60AbilityDefiantNatureHardyItemStickBrave Bird120Knock Off65Swords Dance–First Impression90HP52Atk90Def55SpA58SpD62Spe60
NidorinaPoisonUTILITYHP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56AbilityPoison PointNatureBoldItemEvioliteToxic Spikes–Super Fang–Toxic–Rest–HP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56
NidorinoPoisonPHYSICALHP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65AbilityHustleNatureAdamantItemEviolitePoison Jab80Drill Run80Sucker Punch70Toxic Spikes–HP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65
AmauraRockIceUTILITYHP77Atk59Def50SpA67SpD63Spe46AbilitySnow WarningNatureCalmItemIcy RockStealth Rock–Thunder Wave–Toxic–Discharge80HP77Atk59Def50SpA67SpD63Spe46- #215
SpindaNormalUTILITYHP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60AbilityContraryNatureAdamantItemEnigma BerryReturn–Assist–Sucker Punch70Drain Punch75HP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60 
LarvestaBugFirePHYSICALHP55Atk85Def55SpA50SpD55Spe60AbilityFlame BodyNatureCarefulItemEvioliteLeech Life80Flare Blitz120U-turn70Wild Charge90HP55Atk85Def55SpA50SpD55Spe60
TranquillNormalPHYSICALHP62Atk77Def62SpA50SpD42Spe65Sky Attack140Uproar90Fly90Protect–HP62Atk77Def62SpA50SpD42Spe65
PidgeottoNormalUTILITYHP63Atk60Def55SpA50SpD50Spe71AbilityKeen EyeNatureJollyItemEvioliteTailwind–Roost–Defog–Brave Bird120HP63Atk60Def55SpA50SpD50Spe71
PanchamFightingPHYSICALHP67Atk82Def62SpA46SpD48Spe43AbilityIron FistNatureImpishItemEvioliteKnock Off65Parting Shot–Drain Punch75Protect–HP67Atk82Def62SpA46SpD48Spe43
SkiploomGrassUTILITYHP55Atk45Def50SpA45SpD65Spe80AbilityChlorophyllNatureTimidItemGrassiumzAromatherapy–Sunny Day–Rest–Solar Beam120HP55Atk45Def50SpA45SpD65Spe80
LombreWaterGrassUTILITYHP60Atk50Def50SpA60SpD70Spe50AbilitySwift SwimNatureBoldItemEvioliteLeech Seed–Rain Dance–Toxic–Hydro Pump110HP60Atk50Def50SpA60SpD70Spe50
Pokemon Comparison
FAQ
Incineroar is still the best starter, and Mimikyu is still one of the best Pokemon available. USUM adds more encounters that let you build a stronger team earlier. The real test is Ultra Necrozma — any Pokemon that can handle that fight (like Zoroark with Illusion to dodge Psychic moves) gets a ranking boost here.
The story diverges in the second half — Ultra Necrozma replaces the Lusamine fight as the climactic boss. It's Level 60 with 167 Sp. Atk and a boosted aura, making it one of the hardest mandatory fights in any Pokemon game. Ultra Warp Ride lets you access wormholes to catch legendaries from every past generation. New Ultra Beasts (Poipole, Stakataka, Blacephalon) are also exclusive to USUM.
Litten. Incineroar's Fire/Dark typing and 115 Attack are just as strong here as in SM. Popplio into Primarina is the second-best pick and actually handles Ultra Necrozma better with Fairy STAB hitting its Psychic/Dragon typing super effectively. Decidueye is still the weakest of the three for in-game efficiency.
Ultra Necrozma has 167 Sp. Atk with a boosted aura and outspeeds most of your team. The best strategy: put a Dark-type last in your party with Zoroark's Illusion ability, since Necrozma's Photon Geyser (Psychic) does nothing to Dark types. Toxic stalling with Toxapex also works. Without a plan, it'll sweep a team of 6 without breaking a sweat. Don't go in blind.
Ultra Sun gets Dusk Mane Necrozma (fused with Solgaleo, Steel/Psychic) and Ultra Moon gets Dawn Wings Necrozma (fused with Lunala, Ghost/Psychic). Dawn Wings has better offensive Ghost coverage. For exclusive Ultra Beasts, Ultra Sun gets Blacephalon (Fire/Ghost, huge Sp. Atk) while Ultra Moon gets Stakataka (Rock/Steel, defensive wall).
Absolutely. Ultra Warp Ride lets you travel through wormholes to catch legendary Pokemon from every past generation — Mewtwo, Rayquaza, Giratina, all of them. The farther you fly, the rarer the encounter. It's the easiest way to catch dozens of legendaries in a single game. Most are postgame, but the system itself is available before the credits. It's also how you access the USUM-exclusive Ultra Beasts.
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