Pokémon Sun and Moon,” part of the seventh generation of Pokémon games, introduced players to the tropical Alola region, filled with new adventures and powerful creatures. One of the most exciting aspects of these games is the introduction of several legendary Pokémon. Legendary Pokémon are rare, powerful, and often integral to the storylines within the games. In “Sun and Moon,” they bring a new level of challenge and excitement. This guide will explore the legendary Pokémon in these games, their types, abilities, and how players can catch them.
Solgaleo: The Sunne Pokémon
Solgaleo, known as the Sunne Pokémon, represents the sun and plays a crucial role in Pokémon Sun’s storyline. It is a Psychic/Steel-type Pokémon with the ability Full Metal Body, which prevents its stats from being lowered by an opponent’s moves or abilities. Solgaleo has a majestic lion-like appearance with a bright, glowing mane.
How to Catch Solgaleo
To catch Solgaleo, players must follow the game’s storyline and reach a specific point where they will be required to face it in a battle. This battle occurs in the Altar of the Sunne, where Solgaleo appears after Nebby, the Cosmog that has accompanied the player throughout the game, evolves into Cosmoem and then into Solgaleo.
Players must be prepared for a challenging battle and should consider using a Master Ball or a Pokémon with status-inducing moves like Sleep Powder or Thunder Wave to increase their chances of a successful capture.
Lunala: The Moone Pokémon
Lunala, the counterpart to Solgaleo, is the Moone Pokémon and is featured prominently in Pokémon Moon. Lunala is a Psychic/Ghost-type Pokémon with the Shadow Shield ability, which reduces damage taken from attacks when Lunala has full HP. Its design is based on a bat, with expansive, glowing wings that resemble the night sky.
How to Catch Lunala
Lunala is obtained similarly to Solgaleo but in Pokémon Moon. In the storyline, Nebby evolves first into Cosmoem and then into Lunala at the Altar of the Moone. Players will have to face Lunala in battle, where they can attempt to catch it. Like with Solgaleo, a Master Ball is a guaranteed method of capture, but using Ultra Balls and weakening Lunala first is a common strategy.
Necrozma: The Prism Pokémon
Necrozma is a Psychic-type legendary Pokémon that plays a mysterious and pivotal role in both “Pokémon Sun” and “Pokémon Moon.” Known as the Prism Pokémon, Necrozma has the unique ability to fuse with Solgaleo and Lunala, resulting in Dusk Mane Necrozma or Dawn Wings Necrozma, respectively. This fusion increases its power and grants it new abilities.
How to Catch Necrozma
After completing the main storyline of “Pokémon Sun” and “Moon,” players can encounter Necrozma in the Farthest Hollow area of the Ten Carat Hill. To catch Necrozma, players should come prepared with plenty of Ultra Balls and Pokémon capable of inflicting status conditions to improve capture chances. Necrozma’s high level and powerful moves make it a formidable opponent, so a strong team is essential.
Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Fini: The Guardian Deities
The Alola region is protected by four guardian deities, each represented by the Tapu Pokémon: Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Fini. Each of these Pokémon has a specific role and place of worship on different islands within the region. These guardians have unique abilities and provide valuable assistance during the game.
How to Catch the Tapu Pokémon
To catch these legendary Pokémon, players must travel to the ruins where each Tapu resides after becoming the Alola Champion. Here’s where each Tapu can be found:
- Tapu Koko is located in the Ruins of Conflict on Melemele Island.
- Tapu Lele is in the Ruins of Life on Akala Island.
- Tapu Bulu can be found in the Ruins of Abundance on Ula’ula Island.
- Tapu Fini resides in the Ruins of Hope on Poni Island.
Each of these Tapu guardians can be challenging to catch due to their high levels and powerful moves. Bringing a team with type advantages and status-inflicting moves can significantly aid in the capture process.
Ultra Beasts: Strange Legendary Creatures
In addition to the standard legendary Pokémon, “Sun and Moon” introduced a new category known as Ultra Beasts. These creatures come from another dimension called Ultra Space and have powerful abilities and unique designs. Notable Ultra Beasts include Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, and Guzzlord.
How to Catch Ultra Beasts
Players can catch Ultra Beasts during the post-game by accepting missions from the Ultra Beast Recon Squad or Looker. Special Poké Balls called Beast Balls are provided for these missions, increasing the catch rate for Ultra Beasts. Each Ultra Beast appears in specific locations, and players will receive hints and guidance from NPCs about where to find them.
Zygarde: The Order Pokémon
Zygarde is another legendary Pokémon featured in “Sun and Moon,” known for its different forms, ranging from its 10% Forme (a dog-like appearance) to its Complete Forme (a powerful dragon-like creature). Zygarde’s unique ability, Power Construct, allows it to transform into its Complete Forme when its HP drops below 50%.
How to Catch Zygarde
To obtain Zygarde, players must collect Zygarde Cells scattered throughout the Alola region. Once all cells are collected, players can use them to assemble Zygarde in its various forms at the Zygarde Cube located in Route 16’s trailer on Ula’ula Island. This collection process encourages exploration and interaction with the Alola environment.
Magearna: The Mythical Pokémon
Magearna is a Mythical Steel/Fairy-type Pokémon introduced in “Sun and Moon.” Unlike the other legendary Pokémon, Magearna is obtained through a special event or distribution, often involving a QR code scan.
How to Obtain Magearna
To add Magearna to your collection, players must scan the official Magearna QR code using the QR Scanner feature in the game. This action unlocks Magearna, allowing players to pick it up at the Antiquities of the Ages shop in Hau’oli City. Magearna’s Soul-Heart ability boosts its Special Attack stat whenever another Pokémon faints, making it a valuable addition to any team.
Marshadow: The Gloomdweller Pokémon
Marshadow is another Mythical Pokémon exclusive to special events. As a Fighting/Ghost-type Pokémon, Marshadow has the ability Technician, which powers up its weaker moves. Its unique move, Spectral Thief, steals the target’s stat boosts before dealing damage.
How to Obtain Marshadow
Marshadow is not found through traditional gameplay and requires participation in special distribution events. During these events, players typically receive a code that allows them to download Marshadow to their game. Its rarity and powerful moves make it a sought-after Pokémon for collectors and competitive battlers alike.
Legendary Events and Special Distributions
Throughout the life of “Pokémon Sun and Moon,” Game Freak and The Pokémon Company have held various events and special distributions to make obtaining certain legendary and mythical Pokémon easier. These events often coincide with promotions or significant dates in the Pokémon calendar, providing players opportunities to add rare Pokémon like Ho-Oh, Lugia, and more to their collection.
How to Participate in Legendary Events
Players should keep an eye on official Pokémon announcements and social media channels to stay updated on upcoming events and distribution periods. Often, participating in these events requires visiting specific locations, such as participating retailers or using the Mystery Gift feature online. Being proactive in these events allows players to complete their Pokédex and obtain exclusive legendary Pokémon.
The Role of Legendary Pokémon in Competitive Battling
Legendary Pokémon often play a significant role in competitive Pokémon battling due to their high stats and unique abilities. In “Sun and Moon,” legendaries like Solgaleo and Lunala are popular choices for competitive teams, offering powerful moves and support capabilities. The inclusion of Z-Moves and the Ultra Space provides additional strategic elements, allowing players to craft diverse and powerful battle strategies.
Tips for Using Legendary Pokémon in Battles
- Understand Type Matchups: Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your legendary Pokémon’s types is crucial for effective battling.
- Utilize Z-Moves: Legendaries often have access to powerful Z-Moves that can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
- Balance Your Team: While legendary Pokémon are strong, having a well-rounded team that covers various types and roles is essential for success.
Conclusion
Legendary Pokémon in “Pokémon Sun and Moon” add depth and intrigue to the game’s storyline and provide exciting challenges for players to conquer. From the iconic Solgaleo and Lunala to the mysterious Ultra Beasts and mythical Magearna, these legendary creatures offer both narrative significance and powerful allies for battles.
Whether you’re a collector aiming to complete your Pokédex or a competitive player looking for strong team members, the legendary Pokémon of Alola are sure to enhance your gaming experience. By understanding their abilities, locations, and how to catch them, players can fully enjoy the rich and immersive world that “Pokémon Sun and Moon” have to offer.
