Players revisiting the Alola region often want to understand the full scope of the National Pokédex in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon. This guide clarifies how the Pokédex works, what is available, and how to complete every entry.
Below is a quick reference table that compares key aspects of the National Pokédex, including base game availability, event distributions, and post-game expansion options.
| Feature | Base Game (Ultra Sun & Moon) | Event-Only Pokémon | Post-Game Expansion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial National Dex Count | 807 | Varies by distribution | Requires post-game tasks |
| Mythical Coverage | Includes Lunala, Solgaleo, Necrozma | Includes missing forms | Event-driven completion |
| Regional Form Support | Alolan, Galarian, Hisuian forms available | Special forms distributed separately | Form changes tracked separately |
| Dex Upgrade Path | Starts with Alola, expands after Island Challenge | Requires NPCs in post-game areas | Professor Kukui and others assist |
Understanding the National Pokédex in Ultra Sun and Moon
The National Pokédex in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon expands beyond the original Alola list to include species from every region encountered in previous games. Progress is gated by story completion and specific NPC interactions, making each new entry feel like a milestone.
Unlike earlier titles, players do not automatically receive the National Dex after beating the league. Instead, they must seek out Professor Kukui after finishing the main story to unlock broader registration, which encourages exploration and post-game engagement.
How to Complete the National Pokédex
Completing the National Pokédex requires more than surfing every route; it demands targeted activities, trading, and event participation. Each new Pokémon registered adds to your overall progress, which is visually reflected in the dex menu.
- Finish the main Island Challenge and speak to Professor Kukui in Iki Town.
- Trade for version-exclusive Pokémon such as Oricorio and type-specific legendaries.
- Participate in distributions that add Mythical and event-only species.
- Battle and catch regional forms to register their unique variants.
- Explore post-game locations where NPCs introduce previously missing entries.
Legendary and Mythical Pokémon Tracking
Legendary and Mythical Pokémon form the backbone of a complete National Dex, and several are locked behind narrative or event gates in Ultra Sun and Moon. Necrozma, Lunala, and Solgaleo appear in the main story, while others arrive via timed distributions.
Because some Mythical Pokémon can only be caught once per save, players plan their routes carefully and use connected features like the Festival Plaza to coordinate trades with others.
Regional Forms and Version Differences
Regional forms such as Alolan Marowak, Galarian Meowth, and Hisuian Braviary increase the total count of distinct entries in the National Dex. Each form may have different stats, typing, or move pools, which appeals to completionists and competitive trainers alike.
Version exclusives encourage cooperative trading between Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon players, adding a social layer to dex completion that feels reminiscent of earlier handheld generations.
Post-Game Activities and NPC Support
After clearing the main story, Ultra Sun and Moon open several areas where players can encounter otherwise unobtainable Pokémon. These zones are tied to NPCs who specialize in specific habitats, from abandoned construction sites to lush jungle clearings.
Working through these encounters gradually fills gaps in your National Dex, turning what initially seemed like empty space into a roadmap of discovery.
Final Exploration Goals for the National Pokédex
Completing the National Pokédex in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon is a long-term commitment that rewards curiosity, planning, and collaboration with other trainers.
- Clear the main story to unlock post-game dex expansion.
- Engage in version-exclusive trades to cover both Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon gaps.
- Participate in official distributions for Mythical and event-only species.
- Capture every regional form to ensure complete species variation tracking.
- Use Festival Plaza and local communication to coordinate remaining missing entries.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I access the National Dex without finishing the main story?
No, you must complete the Island Challenge and defeat the Elite Four before Professor Kukui offers to upgrade your Pokédex to the National mode.
Do event distributions automatically register new Pokémon in the National Dex?
Yes, most event and distribution encounters are registered immediately upon capture or trade, and the dex entry appears without additional steps.
Are regional forms counted as separate entries in the National Dex? Yes, each regional form registers as a distinct Pokédex entry, even if it shares the same species name with the base form. What happens if I miss a version-exclusive Legendary in Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon?
You can trade with the other version or use online distribution events to obtain the missing Legendary and complete the corresponding National Dex slot.