Here are 7 things for beginners to know about Pokémon Sun and Moon

If you are just beginning your tropical adventure in Pokémon Sun and Moon for Nintendo 3DS, here are seven things to help you get started as you settle into your new home in the Alola region – before delving into your journey:

1. What’s the difference between Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon?

The latest Pokémon adventure for Nintendo 3DS is available in two versions: Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. Each version features a different Legendary Pokémon: Solgaleo or Lunala. Some of the Pokémon that appear in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon are different – including Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala. These Pokémon play a crucial role in the game’s story, but their place in the world is still wrapped in mystery! Solgaleo is featured in Pokémon Sun, while Lunala features in Pokémon Moon.

There’s a difference in the way time is set in the two games: the two worlds of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon are set 12 hours apart! Except for a few scenes, time in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon is tied to the actual time. Pokémon Sun operates on the same time as your Nintendo 3DS system, but time in the world of Pokémon Moon is shifted by 12 hours.

Each game features version-exclusive Pokémon. Some Pokémon are only found in either Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon. To obtain every Pokémon, you’ll need to trade with other players!

2. Strengthen your Pokémon by battling wild Pokémon and Trainers during your adventure

In the Pokémon games, Pokémon battle one another using a variety of moves. These are called Pokémon battles. You’ll take the role of a Trainer and, by battling against other Trainers and wild Pokémon, raise your Pokémon to become stronger. Many of the Pokémon you’ll battle will be found in the wild, travelling without a Trainer. It’s easy to meet Pokémon in patches of tall grass outside towns. You’ll frequently encounter other Trainers around the Alola region. When you meet eyes with another Trainer, a Pokémon battle will start!

3. Know your Pokémon type!

Every Pokémon has its own type or types, such as Fire-type, Flying-type, or Psychic-type, and the moves that Pokémon use are also split into these various types. Each of those types has its own strengths and weaknesses. The relationship between these types is what gives Pokémon battles their deep strategy and endless fun! As an example, look at Fire-type Pokémon. Water-type moves will be super effective against them, but Grass-type moves will not be very effective against them. In this way, all of the Pokémon types interact with one another!

4. Discover the Pokémon of Alola and Alolan variants

The tropical Alola region has a diverse ecology, and there are many new Pokémon to discover during your adventures. Some kinds of Pokémon are found exclusively in the Alola region, including variants of familiar Pokémon that have never been seen before – until now!

5. Poké Pelago – a paradise for Pokémon in PC Boxes!

Why keep your Pokémon in your PC Box when it can be enjoying the sunshine with your other Pokémon? As you progress through the island trials, you’ll unlock Poké Pelago – a collection of isles where Pokémon can go exploring, play on athletic equipment, and enjoy other fun activities.

6. Bond with and care for your Pokémon with Pokémon Refresh

Pokémon in the Alola region have a very special bond with their Trainers. Use the Pokémon Refresh feature to care for your Pokémon, which allows you to cure status conditions like poisoning and paralysis that were inflicted on your Pokémon in battle. Pokémon that have grown very affectionate, thanks to petting them a lot and feeding them their beloved Poké Beans, will battle to the utmost for you. Sometimes they’ll avoid attacks from opposing Pokémon – and even hold out when they’re on the verge of fainting. Take good care of your Pokémon with Pokémon Refresh, and they’ll be great allies on your adventure.

7. Travel far and wide with Poké Ride

One aspect of the culture in the Alola region is Poké Ride, in which certain Pokémon help people get to places they wouldn’t be able to reach by using human strength alone. Although these Pokémon don’t join your team, you can call on them anytime to receive their help. This practice is typical of the way of life in Alola, where humans and Pokémon are so closely bound together.

Source: Nintendo’s official Australia and New Zealand website