Pokemon Sun and Moon starts you with a choice of Rowlet (Grass and Flying), Litten (Fire) and Popplio (Water). We would pick Rowlet: it has the edge on Hala.
The pick matters most at the start. Alola has trials instead of Gyms, so we looked at the first two trials. The sections below show how each starter does.
Rowlet has the easiest start
Rowlet is a Grass and Flying type. It evolves into Dartrix at level 17 and into Decidueye at level 34. Decidueye is a Grass and Ghost type with 530 base stats in total.
In Pokemon Sun and Moon, it starts with Leafage and Tackle, picks up Peck at level 8 and picks up Astonish at level 11.
Rowlet has the edge on Hala, and no early fight is a clear problem for it. Its matchup score is 6 across 5 opposing Pokemon.
Popplio is the middle pick
Popplio is a Water type. It evolves into Brionne at level 17 and into Primarina at level 34. Primarina is a Water and Fairy type with 530 base stats in total.
In Pokemon Sun and Moon, it starts with Pound and Water Gun, picks up Disarming Voice at level 8 and learns Aqua Jet at level 15.
Popplio has the edge on Hala, and no early fight is a clear problem for it. Its matchup score is 3 across 5 opposing Pokemon.
Litten has the hardest start
The Fire type Litten is one of the choices. It evolves into Torracat at level 17 and into Incineroar at level 34. Incineroar is a Fire and Dark type with 530 base stats in total.
At the start it starts with Ember and Scratch, gets Lick at level 8 and picks up Fire Fang at level 15.
Litten goes into the early fights with no clear edge and no clear weak spot. Its matchup score is 0 across 5 opposing Pokemon.
The three starters side by side
| Starter | Type | Final form | Base stats | Matchup score | |---|---|---|---|---| | Rowlet | Grass and Flying | Decidueye | 530 | 6 | | Litten | Fire | Incineroar | 530 | 0 | | Popplio | Water | Primarina | 530 | 3 |
Rowlet is the pick for Sun and Moon
Rowlet has the highest matchup score at 6, ahead of Popplio at 3 and Litten at 0. All three final forms have 530 base stats in total.
(For the record, picking the cutest one is also a strategy.)
For the same three across the whole generation, see the starters of generation 7.
Pokemon Sun and Moon starters FAQ
What is the best starter in Pokemon Sun and Moon?
Rowlet. It has the best matchup score for the early fights.
Can you get the other starters?
No, not at the start. Another game or another player usually supplies them.
