Best Starter Pokemon In Sun And Moon

I remember the first time I booted up Pokémon Sun. It was a sweltering summer day, the kind where the air itself felt thick and sticky. I’d been looking forward to this for ages, practically counting down the minutes. My finger hovered over the touchscreen, ready to make the most important decision of the next 50+ hours: my starter Pokémon. Rowlet, the little owl? Litten, the fiery cat? Or Popplio, the… well, the sea lion that’s good at hula hooping? It felt like choosing a best friend, a partner in crime for my Alolan adventure. And boy, did that choice matter!

So, you’ve just stepped onto Melemele Island, the sun is beating down (or is it the moon?), and you’re faced with that classic Pokémon dilemma. Who will be your trusty companion to conquer the trials, battle the nasty Team Skull, and maybe even become the Alolan Champion? It’s a big decision, and trust me, I’ve made all the wrong ones in my Pokémon journey. Remember that time I picked the ‘cute but weak’ starter and regretted it through the entire Water trial? Yeah, me neither. Totally never happened. Wink.

But seriously, picking the right starter can really set the tone for your entire playthrough. It's not just about type advantages (though those are super important, let's be real), it's also about who you actually like hanging out with. Do you want a cool, collected warrior? A spunky, energetic fighter? Or a… uh… water-bending performer? No judgment here, folks. We all have our preferences. So, let's dive into the world of Alolan starters and figure out who’s going to be your ride-or-die.

The Alolan Trio: A Closer Look

Okay, so we’ve got our three contenders: Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio. They’re all super unique, and each has their own charm. Let’s break them down, shall we?

Rowlet: The Grass/Flying Feathered Friend

Ah, Rowlet. The grass-type owl that’s also… flying-type? Mind. Blown. This little guy is adorable, no question. He’s got those big, sleepy eyes that just make you want to hug him. Plus, he’s got a little bowtie made of leaves. Who can resist that?

But don’t let the cuteness fool you. Rowlet is a surprisingly strategic choice. Being Grass/Flying means it’s immune to Ground-type attacks – a huge advantage, especially early on. Think about it: no more worrying about those pesky Sand Attacks or devastating Earthquake moves! It’s like having a built-in shield against some of the most common threats.

Its final evolution, Decidueye, is a total ninja. Seriously. It gains the Ghost typing, becoming Grass/Ghost. This opens up a whole new world of offensive and defensive capabilities. It gets access to powerful moves like Spirit Shackle, which prevents the opponent from switching out. How cool is that? You can literally trap your enemies. It’s like a Pokémon made for assassins. Or for anyone who just really, really dislikes when the opposing trainer swaps out their Sweeper for something annoying.

On the downside, Rowlet does have a bit of a… clumsy reputation. It’s known to sometimes get drowsy and fall out of trees. Relatable, right? Who hasn’t been caught nodding off at an inopportune moment? But in battle, this translates to sometimes missing its attacks. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Its weaknesses are quite common, though. It’s weak to Ice (x4 weakness, yikes!), Flying, Fire, Poison, and Rock. So, while it’s got some cool immunities, you’ll need to be careful about what you throw it up against. Especially when you hit those icy caves or face off against a particularly fiery opponent. Prepare for some strategic switching, my friends!

Overall, Rowlet is a solid choice for players who appreciate a unique typing, a cool aesthetic, and a ninja-like final evolution. It’s also a great pick if you like the idea of an owl that can shoot arrows from its wings. Because… why not?

Litten: The Fiery Feline Fighter

Now, Litten. The fire-type cat. Oh, Litten. This one is for all you edgy kids out there. It’s got that cool, aloof demeanor, the smoldering gaze, and the fur that looks perpetually slightly singed. It practically screams “don’t mess with me.”

Litten’s journey is one of evolving from a mischievous kitten to a powerful, wrestling-inspired beast. Its final evolution, Incineroar, is a Fire/Dark type. This is a fantastic offensive typing, giving it access to powerful STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves that hit a lot of common Pokémon for super effective damage. Think about all those Grass and Psychic types just crying when Incineroar steps onto the battlefield. You'll be the talk of the town, the one with the intimidating starter.

Incineroar also gets a unique ability called Blaze, which powers up its Fire-type moves when its HP is low. This can be a lifesaver in a pinch, turning a desperate situation into a glorious victory. It’s like that last-ditch effort that pays off big time. Very dramatic, very cool.

But here’s where things get a little ironic. Despite its fierce appearance, Litten’s early game can be a bit of a struggle. Fire-type Pokémon often face an uphill battle against the first two gyms in Pokémon Sun and Moon. You’ve got the Water-type trial on Melemele Island and the Fire-type trial on Akala Island. So, while Litten is cool, you might find yourself relying on other Pokémon to get through those initial stages. You might need to do a bit of grinding or some strategic Pokémon acquisition.

Its weaknesses include Water, Ground, and Rock types. Pretty standard for a Fire-type, but something to be mindful of. You’ll definitely want a Water-type or Grass-type on your team to cover those bases. Don’t be afraid to diversify, people!

Litten is a fantastic choice for players who love the raw power and aggressive playstyle of Fire and Dark types. If you want a starter that looks as cool as it hits, and you don’t mind a bit of a challenge in the early game, Litten might be your perfect partner. Plus, who doesn’t love a Pokémon that can literally set things on fire with its belly?

Popplio: The Water-Type Whimsical Wonder

And then there’s Popplio. The sea lion that juggles water balloons. Okay, okay, I know Popplio got a lot of flak when the starters were first revealed. It was seen as the “least cool” or the “girl starter” by some vocal corners of the internet. But let me tell you, those people were sleeping on Popplio!

Popplio starts as a Water-type, and it evolves into a Water/Fairy type. Water/Fairy? Now that’s an interesting combination. It’s got a few key resistances and a great offensive typing against Dragon and Dark types, which are notoriously powerful. This makes Primarina, its final evolution, a fantastic special attacker and a real threat to many opponents.

Primarina’s signature move, Sparkling Aria, is not only powerful but also heals the target if it’s burned. This is such a neat little mechanic, adding a layer of support to an otherwise offensive Pokémon. It’s like a healing lullaby that also happens to be incredibly damaging. Who knew?

Popplio is also generally considered the easiest starter to use throughout the main story of Sun and Moon. Its Water typing gives it an advantage against the first gym leader, and its eventual Fairy typing helps immensely against some of the tougher opponents and trials. You’ll breeze through certain parts of the game with this little guy, no sweat. It’s the “easy mode” starter, if you will. No shame in playing on easy mode, folks!

However, Popplio does have its weaknesses. It’s weak to Poison and Grass-type attacks. So, while it’s a powerhouse against Dragons, you’ll need to watch out for those thorny plants and poisonous puddles. It’s also not the fastest Pokémon, so you’ll need to be strategic about its positioning in battle.

Popplio is the perfect starter for players who want a reliable, powerful special attacker with a unique and useful typing. If you appreciate a Pokémon that can heal as well as it hurts, and you’re not afraid to embrace a little bit of aquatic flair, then Popplio is your champion. Plus, it’s a seal that sings opera. What’s not to love?

So, Who’s the Best Starter?

This is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? And the honest answer is… it depends! There’s no single “best” starter for everyone. It really comes down to your playstyle, your preferences, and what you’re looking for in a Pokémon companion.

For the Strategic Mastermind: Rowlet

If you love a good challenge and enjoy strategizing, Rowlet is an excellent choice. Its unique Grass/Ghost typing in its final evolution offers a lot of interesting offensive and defensive options. You’ll need to be mindful of its weaknesses, but the rewards are great. Plus, who doesn’t want a ninja owl? It’s the embodiment of “silent but deadly.”

For the Aggressive Powerhouse: Litten

If you’re all about raw power and enjoy overwhelming your opponents, Litten is your guy. Incineroar is a force to be reckoned with, especially with its Fire/Dark typing. Just be prepared for a slightly tougher early game, and make sure you have a well-rounded team to support it.

For the Smooth Sailer: Popplio

If you want a starter that makes the main story a breeze and offers excellent special attacking power, Popplio is the way to go. Primarina is a fantastic Pokémon, and its Water/Fairy typing is incredibly useful. Plus, it’s a performer! You’ll be singing its praises (pun intended).

My Personal Pick (and why you should ignore it)

Alright, confession time. On my first playthrough of Sun, I went with Rowlet. I was drawn to the idea of a Grass/Ghost type and the whole ninja aesthetic. And I absolutely loved Decidueye. It carried me through so many battles. But, I did struggle a bit against some of the early Water and Electric types. It made me wish I had picked something with a little more immediate punch for those early gyms.

However, what I learned is that every starter has its pros and cons. The “best” starter is the one that you enjoy playing with the most. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! If you think Popplio is the cutest thing ever, pick Popplio. If you’re obsessed with fire-breathing cats, pick Litten. If you dream of soaring through the skies with a leafy owl, pick Rowlet.

The beauty of Pokémon is that you can always catch other Pokémon to fill in the gaps in your team. So, even if your starter isn’t the perfect type advantage against every single opponent, you’ve got options! Don’t feel locked into your choice. The Alola region is vast and full of amazing Pokémon waiting to join your team.

Ultimately, the journey is what matters. And having a Pokémon by your side that you genuinely connect with makes that journey so much more enjoyable. So, go forth, trainers! Choose your partner, embrace the Alolan sun (or moon!), and have an amazing adventure. And if you pick a starter and then realize it wasn’t quite what you wanted? Hey, there’s always another playthrough, right? Or a trading partner! The Pokémon world is your oyster.