Pokemon Sun And Moon Starters

Choosing Your Partner: A Deep Dive into the Pokémon Sun and Moon Starters

Choosing your first Pokémon is a pivotal moment in any Pokémon journey. In Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, this decision is particularly compelling, thanks to the unique and compelling designs and typing of the Alolan starters: Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio. This guide will explore each starter's evolution line, strengths, weaknesses, competitive viability, and overall appeal, helping you make the best choice for your adventure through the lush islands of Alola.

Introduction: The Alolan Trio

Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon introduced a fresh batch of starter Pokémon, each representing a different approach to battling and gameplay. These aren't just cute faces; they represent distinct playstyles and strategic advantages. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the starter that best suits your preferences and desired play experience, whether you prioritize a challenging playthrough or a smoother, more strategic route. Let's delve into the details of each evolutionary line.

Rowlet: The Grass Quill Pokémon

Rowlet, the Grass/Flying-type starter, is a charming owl Pokémon with a calm demeanor. Its evolutionary line is elegant and powerful, offering a balanced approach to battling.

• Rowlet (Grass/Flying): Rowlet starts with decent physical attack and special attack, making it a versatile early-game option. Its Flying-type grants immunity to Ground-type attacks, a significant advantage early on.
• Dartrix (Grass/Flying): Dartrix, Rowlet's evolution, retains the Grass/Flying typing. Its stats lean more towards special attack, hinting at a more strategic special attacker role later in the game.
• Decidueye (Grass/Ghost): Decidueye, the final evolution, undergoes a significant type change, becoming Grass/Ghost. This dual typing is unique and provides excellent offensive coverage. Its signature move, Spirit Shackle, prevents switching, creating a potent trapping ability. Decidueye's high special attack and decent speed make it a formidable special attacker in both casual and competitive play. Its Ghost typing also grants it immunity to Normal-type attacks.

Strengths of the Rowlet Line:

• Unique Typing: The Grass/Ghost typing of Decidueye is relatively uncommon, giving it advantages against several common types.
• Spirit Shackle: This signature move is a game-changer, allowing Decidueye to control the flow of battle.
• Balanced Stats: While specializing in special attack, Decidueye maintains decent physical defense, making it surprisingly durable.
• Good Offensive Coverage: Its type combination covers a wide range of Pokémon.

Weaknesses of the Rowlet Line:

• Vulnerability to Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug, and Ghost: Decidueye has a notable number of weaknesses, which must be considered when strategizing.
• Reliance on Special Attack: While its special attack is high, its physical attack is relatively low.

Litten: The Fire Cat Pokémon

Litten, the Fire-type starter, is a fiery feline with a confident attitude. Its evolutionary line is characterized by powerful physical attacks and a straightforward battle style.

• Litten (Fire): Litten begins as a pure Fire-type, making it strong against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel types.
• Torracat (Fire): Torracat, Litten's evolution, retains the Fire typing. Its stat distribution leans towards physical attack, showcasing its offensive potential.
• Incineroar (Fire/Dark): Incineroar, the final evolution, adds Dark typing, providing significant advantages and new strategic options. It's a powerful physical attacker with access to several strong Dark-type moves and the signature move Darkest Lariat, which ignores the target's Defense stat.

Strengths of the Litten Line:

• Powerful Physical Attacker: Incineroar boasts exceptional physical attack and decent bulk.
• Strong Typing: Fire/Dark offers good offensive coverage and resists several common types.
• Darkest Lariat: This signature move is a powerful asset, disregarding the opponent's Defense stat.
• Intimidate Ability: Incineroar's ability Intimidate lowers the opponent's Attack stat upon entering battle, providing a tactical advantage.

Weaknesses of the Litten Line:

• Vulnerability to Ground, Rock, Water: Fire/Dark is susceptible to several common types.
• Lower Speed: Incineroar is not particularly fast, making it vulnerable to faster opponents.

Popplio: The Sea Lion Pokémon

Popplio, the Water-type starter, is an endearing sea lion Pokémon known for its playful personality. Its evolution line focuses on special attack and strategic control.

• Popplio (Water): Popplio starts as a pure Water-type, effective against Fire, Ground, and Rock types.
• Brionne (Water): Brionne, Popplio's evolution, maintains the Water typing and builds upon its special attack capabilities.
• Primarina (Water/Fairy): Primarina, the final evolution, gains the Fairy typing, creating a potent combination. It's a special attacker with access to powerful Water-type and Fairy-type moves and the signature move Sparkling Aria, which can also lower the special defense of opponents.

Strengths of the Popplio Line:

• High Special Attack: Primarina excels in special attacks, dealing significant damage.
• Water/Fairy Typing: This combination is surprisingly effective, covering several common types.
• Sparkling Aria: This signature move offers both strong damage and stat reduction.
• Good Special Defense: Primarina possesses good special defense, making it reasonably durable.

Weaknesses of the Popplio Line:

• Vulnerability to Electric, Grass, and Poison: Water/Fairy has several notable weaknesses.
• Lower Physical Defense: Its physical defense is quite low, making it vulnerable to physical attacks.

Competitive Viability: A Look at the Alolan Starters in Battling

All three Alolan starters have found success in competitive battling, though their playstyles differ significantly.

• Decidueye: Often used as a special attacker with Spirit Shackle to trap opponents and control the battlefield. Its unique typing makes it a versatile choice.

• Incineroar: A powerful physical attacker, Incineroar utilizes its high Attack stat and Darkest Lariat to break through opponents. Intimidate further enhances its defensive capabilities.

• Primarina: A highly effective special attacker, Primarina utilizes its high Special Attack and Sparkling Aria to deal significant damage and weaken the opponent's defenses.

Each starter's success depends on the team composition and strategic approach. Proper team synergy and move set selection are crucial to maximizing their potential in competitive battling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Which starter is the easiest to use? This depends on your personal preferences. Litten/Incineroar is often considered the easiest due to its straightforward physical attacking style.

• Which starter is the best competitively? Each starter has its own merits in competitive battling. Decidueye's Spirit Shackle is a powerful control tool, Incineroar offers raw power and Intimidate, while Primarina boasts immense special attack and the supportive Sparkling Aria. The "best" depends on team synergy and playstyle.

• Which starter has the best design? This is entirely subjective and depends on individual preference. All three starters possess unique and appealing designs.

• Can I change my starter Pokémon? No, you cannot change your initial starter Pokémon once you've chosen it.

• Are there any significant differences between Sun and Moon regarding the starters? No, the starter Pokémon and their evolutions are identical in both Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon.

Conclusion: Your Alolan Adventure Awaits

The choice between Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio is a significant one in your Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon adventure. There is no definitively "best" starter; the optimal choice depends on your preferred playstyle, strategic approach, and personal preference. Each starter provides a unique and engaging experience, offering different challenges and rewards. Carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of each evolutionary line, their competitive viability, and their overall aesthetic appeal before making your final decision. No matter your choice, an exciting and memorable journey through the Alola region awaits! May your chosen partner lead you to victory!