Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra 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 Ultra Sun and Ultra 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 Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, it starts with Pound and Water Gun, picks up Disarming Voice at level 8 and picks up Aqua Jet at level 14.
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 gets Fire Fang at level 14.
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 Ultra Sun and Ultra 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.
(Somebody on the team still picks the Fire one every time. We let them.)
For the same three across the whole generation, see the starters of generation 7.
Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon starters FAQ
What is the best starter in Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon?
Rowlet. It has the best matchup score for the early fights.
Can you get the other starters?
Not right away. A trade is the usual route to the other two.
