The Pokémon Sun and Moon games introduced a vibrant new region, Alola, and with it, a host of new Pokémon. A key feature of these games was the introduction of several Pokémon that were exclusive to either Sun or Moon versions. This guide will delve into the details of these exclusive Pokémon, explaining how to obtain them and highlighting their significance in the games. Understanding these exclusives is crucial for any serious Pokémon trainer aiming for a complete Pokédex.
What Makes Sun and Moon Exclusives Unique?
The exclusivity of certain Pokémon in Sun and Moon wasn't just a matter of arbitrary distribution. Game Freak designed this system to encourage trading and interaction within the Pokémon community. It also added a layer of strategic depth to competitive battling, as certain Pokémon and their movesets were only available to players of a specific version. This fostered a sense of community and encouraged collaboration between players.
List of Sun and Moon Exclusive Pokémon
Here's a comprehensive list of the Pokémon exclusive to each version:
Pokémon Sun Exclusives:
- Solgaleo: The legendary cover Pokémon of Pokémon Sun. Its unique typing and powerful abilities made it a formidable asset in battle.
- Minior (Red Core): This Pokémon, though available in both versions, has a red core exclusively in Sun. The core color affects its abilities and stats slightly.
- Passimian: This Fighting-type Pokémon is known for its powerful physical attacks.
Pokémon Moon Exclusives:
- Lunala: The legendary cover Pokémon of Pokémon Moon, representing the moon's mystical power.
- Minior (Orange Core): Similar to the red core, the orange core Minior is exclusive to Moon.
- Oranguru: This Normal/Psychic type Pokémon provides strategic support to its team, particularly with its unique move Instruct.
How to Obtain Sun and Moon Exclusives?
Obtaining these exclusives primarily involves trading with other players. This is a core element of the Pokémon experience, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. While some methods existed to potentially obtain certain exclusives through glitches or exploits (which are generally discouraged), the intended and most legitimate way to complete your Pokédex was through trading.
Are there other ways to get Sun & Moon Exclusives without trading?
While trading is the standard method, obtaining Sun and Moon exclusives without trading is exceptionally difficult and often relies on unofficial methods or exploits that aren't officially supported and can potentially lead to game saves being corrupted. Therefore, trading with other players remains the recommended and most reliable method for obtaining the complete set of exclusives.
What are the implications of Sun and Moon exclusives on competitive battling?
The presence of Sun and Moon exclusives dramatically impacted competitive battling. The unique type matchups and movepools of each exclusive gave trainers different strategic options and advantages, making team building a more nuanced and challenging process. The need to trade and acquire these exclusives added another layer of complexity and strategy to the competitive scene.
Can I still trade Sun and Moon exclusive Pokémon?
Yes! While the online features for Sun and Moon are no longer actively supported, many fans still engage in trading through various online communities and forums dedicated to the game.
Conclusion
The Sun and Moon exclusive Pokémon added a significant layer of depth and strategy to the game, encouraging player interaction and adding a distinct flavor to the Alola region. While trading is crucial to obtaining them, the effort invested in completing your Pokédex is rewarded with access to powerful and unique Pokémon. For any dedicated Pokémon trainer, collecting these exclusives remains a highly sought-after achievement.
