Pokemon Team Builder

Build your team for Generation 7: Pokemon Sun and Moon. Click on any Pokemon below to add it to your team. Experience the Alola region with Z-Moves, new regional forms, and the exciting Island Challenge!

Blue tally marks indicate resistances, immunities, or STAB coverage. Red tally marks indicate weakness.

About Pokemon Sun and Moon

Pokemon Sun and Moon are Generation 7 games released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2016. These games introduced players to the beautiful Alola region, a tropical archipelago inspired by Hawaii, and featured numerous innovations that changed Pokemon gameplay. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you plan your perfect team for your Alola adventure.

Game Overview

Sun and Moon were released in 2016 (Japan) and 2016 (North America), introducing 81 new Pokemon species for a total of 802 Pokemon. These games marked a significant departure from traditional Pokemon gameplay by replacing Gyms with the Island Challenge, introducing Z-Moves as a new battle mechanic, and featuring the unique Alola region with its distinctive regional forms.

Generation 7 Revolutionary Features

The seventh generation introduced groundbreaking changes that have become essential to modern Pokemon Team Builder planning:

  • Alola Region - Beautiful tropical archipelago inspired by Hawaii with four main islands
  • Z-Moves - Powerful one-time-per-battle moves that can be used with any Pokemon holding a Z-Crystal
  • Island Challenge - New progression system replacing traditional Gyms with trials and captains
  • Regional Forms - New forms of existing Pokemon adapted to Alola's environment
  • Ultra Beasts - New mysterious Pokemon from another dimension
  • Poke Pelago - New training and breeding facility accessible from the overworld
  • Festival Plaza - Hub for online interactions and trading
  • Rotating Battles - New battle format where Pokemon rotate positions

Impact and Significance

Sun and Moon are widely recognized as revolutionary Pokemon games that transformed the series. The Island Challenge provided a fresh take on progression, while Z-Moves added a new strategic layer to battles. The introduction of regional forms created new team building possibilities, and Ultra Beasts added exciting new Pokemon to discover. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you take full advantage of these features when building your perfect team.

Z-Moves: Powerful Battle Mechanic

Z-Moves are one of the most significant battle mechanics introduced in Generation 7, fundamentally transforming how Pokemon Team Builder strategies work. Every Pokemon can use a Z-Move once per battle, regardless of their typing.

How Z-Moves Work

Z-Moves require specific items and conditions that affect Pokemon Team Builder planning:

  • Z-Crystal Requirement - Pokemon must hold a Z-Crystal matching their type or a special Z-Crystal
  • One-Time Per Battle - Each Pokemon can only use one Z-Move per battle
  • Replaces Regular Move - A Z-Move is powered up from a regular move of the same type
  • Massive Power Boost - Z-Moves are significantly more powerful than regular moves
  • Status Effects - Some Z-Moves can also cure status conditions or boost stats

Types of Z-Moves

There are different categories of Z-Moves in Pokemon Team Builder planning:

  • Type-Based Z-Moves - Each type has a corresponding Z-Move (e.g., Inferno Overdrive for Fire)
  • Special Z-Moves - Unique Z-Moves for specific Pokemon (e.g., Pulverizing Pancake for Snorlax)
  • Status Z-Moves - Z-Moves that cure status or provide stat boosts
  • Z-Power - Some Pokemon have unique Z-Moves that change their appearance

Pokemon Team Builder Impact

Z-Moves fundamentally change Pokemon Team Builder planning strategies:

  • Type Coverage - Z-Moves allow any Pokemon to use a powerful move of their type
  • Strategic Timing - Planning must consider when to use Z-Moves for maximum effectiveness
  • Type Matching - The move converted to a Z-Move must match the Z-Crystal type
  • All Pokemon Can Z-Move - Unlike Mega Evolution, every Pokemon can potentially use a Z-Move

Alola Region: Tropical Adventure

The Alola region is a beautiful tropical archipelago consisting of four main islands, each with its own unique environment, Pokemon, and challenges. This Pokemon Team Builder helps you understand the region's diversity and how it affects team building.

Four Islands of Alola

Each island in Alola offers different Pokemon and challenges for Pokemon Team Builder planning:

  • Melemele Island - The first island where your adventure begins, featuring grass and normal-type Pokemon
  • Akala Island - Second island with diverse environments and water-type Pokemon
  • Ula'ula Island - Third island with mountainous terrain and ghost-type Pokemon
  • Poni Island - Final island with the most challenging trials and rare Pokemon

Island Challenge vs Traditional Gyms

The Island Challenge replaces traditional Gyms with a unique progression system:

  • Trial Captains - Each island has a Trial Captain who challenges you to complete trials
  • Trials - Various challenges including battles, puzzles, and exploration
  • Totem Pokemon - Powerful enlarged Pokemon at the end of each trial
  • Grand Trial - Each island ends with a battle against the Kahuna (island leader)

Pokemon Team Builder Impact

The Alola region structure affects Pokemon Team Builder planning:

  • Progressive Team Building - Plan teams that can handle diverse trial challenges
  • Type Coverage - Each island has different type-focused challenges
  • Island Scan - Use the scanning feature to find rare Pokemon on each island
  • Post-Game Content - Additional challenges after completing the main story

Regional Forms: Alolan Adaptations

One of the most exciting features in Sun and Moon is the introduction of Regional Forms - new forms of existing Pokemon adapted to Alola's unique environment. These forms often have different types, abilities, and appearances than their original counterparts.

Understanding Regional Forms

Regional Forms are variations of Pokemon that have adapted to different environments:

  • Alolan Forms - Pokemon adapted to Alola's tropical climate
  • Type Changes - Some regional forms have different typing (e.g., Alolan Vulpix is Ice type)
  • New Abilities - Regional forms often have unique abilities not found in the original
  • Different Appearances - Visual differences make these forms distinctive
  • Separate Pokedex Entries - Each form is listed separately in the Alola Pokedex

Popular Alolan Forms for Pokemon Team Builder

Several Alolan Forms are particularly valuable for Pokemon Team Builder planning:

  • Alolan Raichu - Electric/Psychic type with unique visuals
  • Alolan Ninetales - Ice/Fairy type with Snow Warning ability
  • Alolan Marowak - Fire/Ghost type with Lightning Rod ability
  • Alolan Muk - Poison/Dark type with Poison Touch ability
  • Alolan Exeggutor - Dragon/Grass type with longer neck
  • Alolan Dugtrio - Ground/Steel type with increased stats

Pokemon Team Builder Strategic Planning

When planning your team with Regional Forms in mind:

  • Type Coverage - Alolan forms provide new type combinations for team building
  • Ability Benefits - New abilities like Snow Warning and Lightning Rod are valuable
  • Version Differences - Some forms are version-exclusive
  • Evolution Considerations - Some forms evolve differently

Ultra Beasts: Mysterious Newcomers

Ultra Beasts are a new category of mysterious Pokemon that originate from another dimension called Ultra Space. These powerful Pokemon are some of the most unique additions to the Pokemon universe in Generation 7.

Understanding Ultra Beasts

Ultra Beasts are different from regular Pokemon in several ways:

  • Ultra Space Origin - Ultra Beasts come from dimensions beyond our own
  • Unique Typing - Many have unusual type combinations not found in regular Pokemon
  • Power Level - Ultra Beasts are generally very powerful
  • Beast Ball - Special Ultra Beasts require Beast Balls to catch
  • Design Aesthetics - Ultra Beasts have futuristic and unusual designs

Main Ultra Beasts for Pokemon Team Builder

Several Ultra Beasts are available in Sun and Moon:

  • Nihilego - Rock/Poison type, the first Ultra Beast encountered
  • Buzzwole - Bug/Fighting type with powerful stats
  • Pheromosa - Bug/Fighting type, the fastest Ultra Beast
  • Xurkitree - Electric type with impressive Special Attack
  • Celesteela - Steel/Flying type with balanced stats
  • Kartana - Grass/Steel type with extremely high Attack
  • Guzzlord - Dark/Dragon type as a pseudo-legendary

Pokemon Team Builder Strategic Planning

When planning your team with Ultra Beasts in mind:

  • Powerhouses - Ultra Beasts can form the core of a powerful team
  • Type Coverage - Their unique typing provides excellent coverage
  • Beast Ball Strategy - You'll need to craft Beast Balls to catch them
  • Post-Game Content - Most Ultra Beasts are encountered in post-game

Alola Region Pokedex

The Alola region features a unique Pokedex structure with the Alola Pokedex containing 403 Pokemon. This Pokemon Team Builder provides complete access to all available Pokemon, making it easy to understand which Pokemon are available in each version.

Available Pokemon Count

Sun and Moon feature 403 Pokemon in the Alola Pokedex:

  • Alolan Forms - New regional forms of existing Pokemon adapted to Alola
  • New Pokemon - 81 brand new Pokemon species introduced in Generation 7
  • Ultra Beasts - Mysterious Pokemon from Ultra Space
  • Legacy Pokemon - Pokemon from previous generations that appear in Alola
  • Transfer Pokemon - Pokemon obtainable through Bank and Transporter

Version Differences: Sun vs Moon

Each version has unique Pokemon exclusives that affect team planning:

  • Pokemon Sun Exclusives - Certain Ultra Beasts and version-exclusive Pokemon
  • Pokemon Moon Exclusives - Different Ultra Beasts and exclusive Pokemon
  • Legendary Exclusives - Solgaleo (Sun) vs Lunala (Moon)
  • Ultra Beast Encounters - Different Ultra Beasts appear in each version

Post-Game Pokemon

After completing the main story, additional Pokemon become available:

  • All Ultra Beasts - Complete Ultra Beast collection
  • National Pokedex - Transfer Pokemon from previous generations
  • Battle Tree - Challenge powerful trainers with new team options
  • Mantine Surf - New minigame with additional Pokemon encounters

Team Building Tips for Sun and Moon

Building an effective team in Sun and Moon requires consideration of Z-Moves, regional forms, and the Island Challenge. Our Pokemon Team Builder offers advanced filtering and type analysis tools to help you make informed decisions.

Trial and Kahuna Recommendations

The Alola region features trials and Kahunas with diverse type specializations:

  • Melemele Island - Normal type trials, Electric and Grass types useful
  • Akala Island - Water and Fairy trials, Electric and Dragon types helpful
  • Ula'ula Island - Ghost and Psychic trials, Ghost and Dark types important
  • Poni Island - Dragon type trials, Dragon and Fairy types essential

Elite Four and Champion Recommendations

The Elite Four in Alola features diverse type specialists:

  • Hala (Fighting) - Psychic, Flying, or Fairy types work well
  • Olivia (Rock) - Water, Grass, Fighting, or Steel types are effective
  • Nanu (Dark) - Fighting or Fairy types can counter effectively
  • Kahili (Flying) - Electric or Rock types work well
  • Champion Kukui - His diverse team requires balanced type coverage

Important Battle Considerations

  • Z-Move Planning - Plan which Pokemon will use Z-Moves and when
  • Regional Forms - Consider Alolan forms for new type combinations
  • Ultra Beasts - Powerful additions to any team
  • Type Coverage - Ensure diverse type coverage for trials
  • Z-Crystal Selection - Choose Z-Crystals that complement your team
  • Starter Choice - Your starter choice affects early-game planning
  • Legendary Pokemon - Solgaleo and Lunala are powerful options
  • Island Scan - Use Island Scan to find rare Pokemon weekly

Frequently Asked Questions - Sun/Moon

What Pokemon are version-exclusive in Sun and Moon?

Sun version has Solgaleo as its legendary, while Moon version has Lunala. Additionally, different Ultra Beasts appear in each version. Our Pokemon Team Builder allows you to filter by version to see only the Pokemon available in your chosen game.

What are Z-Moves and how do they affect Pokemon Team Builder planning?

Z-Moves are powerful one-time-per-battle moves that any Pokemon can use when holding a Z-Crystal. Each type has a corresponding Z-Move, and some Pokemon have unique Z-Moves. Planning which Pokemon will use Z-Moves and when adds a new strategic layer to team building.

What are Alolan Forms?

Alolan Forms are new regional forms of existing Pokemon adapted to Alola's environment. They often have different typing, abilities, and appearances. For example, Alolan Vulpix is an Ice-type (instead of Fire), and Alolan Marowak is Fire/Ghost type.

What are Ultra Beasts?

Ultra Beasts are mysterious Pokemon from another dimension called Ultra Space. They have unique type combinations and powerful stats. Some are encountered during the main story, while others are available in the post-game.

What is the Island Challenge?

The Island Challenge replaces traditional Gyms with trials and Kahunas. Each of the four main islands has a Trial Captain who presents challenges, culminating in a battle against the island's Kahuna (leader).

Which starter Pokemon is best for Pokemon Team Builder planning in Sun and Moon?

Each starter (Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio) has different strengths. Rowlet's Grass/Flying typing provides early advantages, Litten's Fire typing offers good coverage, and Popplio's Water typing is well-rounded. The "best" choice depends on your preferred playstyle.

Can I transfer Pokemon from previous generations to Sun and Moon?

Yes! After completing the main story, you can transfer Pokemon from previous generations using Pokemon Bank and Pokemon Transporter. However, during the main story, you'll primarily use Pokemon from the Alola Pokedex.

What is Island Scan?

Island Scan is a feature that allows you to scan QR codes once per island per week to find rare Pokemon not normally found in that location. It's a great way to add rare Pokemon to your team and complete your Pokedex.