Getting Lunala in Ultra Sun is a key goal for players who want to complete the Galar Pokédex and finish the main story. This guide maps out exactly how to reach and catch the game’s Psychic and Ghost legendary.
With a clear path, the right tools, and a few battle tactics, you can add Lunala to your team without relying on guesswork or luck.
| Stage | Requirement | Details | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adventure Start | Progress in main story | Complete trials on Melemele Island and unlock Fly | Follow Hala’s early trials to build confidence |
| Island Challenge | Complete trials and earn Z-Power | Face Totem battles and collect memory items | Use normal moves if your Pokémon cannot handle Z-moves |
| Reach Poni Island | Finish Kanto and Alola main quests | Surf to Poni Island and pass the Ruins of Life | Stock up on Ultra Balls and status healing items |
| Battle Lunala | Enter the Ultra Wormhole | Defeat or catch Lunala at the Altar of the Sunne | Save before the fight to retry if needed |
How to Progress Through the Main Story
To encounter Lunala, you must steadily advance through Ultra Sun’s narrative rather than skipping key chapters. Early victories against Team Skull establish the rules of combat while unlocking essential items.
As you clear trials, you earn Z-Crystals and strengthen your bond with your partner Pokémon. Consistent story completion guarantees that you unlock new islands and eventually access Poni Island where the final events unfold.
Unlocking Poni Island and the Altar of the Sunne
Poni Island becomes available only after you defeat the Totem Pokémon on every previous island. The Altar of the Sunne sits at the island’s heart and acts as the battlefield for your showdown with Lunala.
Use Strength boulders and victory roads carefully, and make sure your Ride Pokémon can traverse every terrain type on Poni. Completing the main trial here triggers the sequence that opens the Ultra Wormhole.
Navigating Ultra Wormholes to Reach Lunala
Ultra Wormholes appear after you finish the Poni Island trial, and they transport you to Ultra Space where Lunala waits. Each jump carries risks, but they are the fastest route to the legendary encounter.
Stock your bag with Revives, Potions, and Quick Balls before entering. Choose a strong lead Pokémon to survive early hits and keep your team healed during travel through the wormhole lanes.
Battle and Capture Strategies for Lunala
Lunala boasts high Special Defense and speed, so you need precise movesets and accurate throws to secure a catch. Status conditions like Sleep or Freeze dramatically increase your odds of success.
Focus on lowering its health to the red zone without knocking it out, then switch to a Pokémon with False Swipe or a reliable status move. Ultra Balls work best in this fight, especially when combined with Dusk Balls at night in the game.
Key Takeaways for Catching Lunala in Ultra Sun
- Complete the main story and all island trials before targeting Lunala
- Unlock Poni Island and master navigation through Ultra Wormholes
- Use strong, status-capable Pokémon in your party
- Weaken Lunala to low health and apply Sleep or Freeze for best results
- Stock up on Ultra Balls and healing items before the encounter
- Save your game before the fight so you can retry if needed
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I catch Lunala without completing the main story in Ultra Sun?
No, you must finish the main story and unlock Poni Island to access the Altar of the Sunne and trigger the event.
What level should my lead Pokémon be before entering the Ultra Wormhole?
Around level 50 or higher gives you a strong advantage, though you can succeed with careful healing and strategy at lower levels.
Do I need special items to throw effective balls at Lunala?
Ultra Balls are most reliable, and Dusk Balls at night further boost catch rates, but any well-timed throw can work with good timing.
What happens if I accidentally knock Lunala out during the battle?
You can reload your last save and retry, so always save before initiating the fight with Lunala.