Pokémon Sun and Moon introduced Ultra Beasts as mysterious, otherworldly creatures that arrived through Ultra Wormholes, reshaping the Alola region’s ecosystem. These beings blend unsettling design with challenging catch mechanics, making them a defining feature of the seventh generation.
Trainers encountered increased narrative tension and strategic depth as Ultra Beasts forced new team compositions and travel methods. Understanding their roles, habitats, and regulations became essential for players exploring Sun and Moon.
| Name | Classification | Region of Origin | Threat Level | Key Signature Move |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nihilego | Bio Blob | Ultra Space | High | Behemoth Bash |
| Buzzwole | Ultra Worm | Ultra Space | Very High | Supersonic Skystrike |
| Pheromosa | Ultra Beast | Ultra Space | Very High | Behemoth Blade |
| Xurkitree | Ultra Electric | Ultra Space | High | Behemoth Shock |
| Celesteela | Launch Pokémon | Ultra Space | High | Behemoth Burst |
| Kartana | Paper Blade | Ultra Space | Very High | Behemoth Cut |
| Guzzlord | Black Hole Pokémon | Ultra Space | Very High | Darkest Lariat |
| Poipole | Ultra Beast | Ultra Space | Moderate | Behemoth Spirit |
| Stakataka | Ultra Boulder | Ultra Space | High | Behemoth Bash |
| Blacephalon | Ultra Full-Moon | Ultra Space | Very High | Mind Blown |
Arrival And Impact Of Ultra Beasts
Ultra Beasts entered Alola through shimmering Ultra Wormholes, creating sudden sky rifts that altered region geography. Their unpredictable appearances triggered island challenge disruptions and rare SOS battles, raising difficulty for unprepared trainers.
Residents of Melemele, Akala, Ula’ula, and Poni reported ecological disturbances, from displaced native Pokémon to altered weather patterns. The Ultra Recon Squad documented each incursion, linking the disturbances to dimensional instability caused by these entities.
Design Aesthetics And Competitive Role
Bizarre Visual Themes
Each Ultra Beast features unsettling, alien aesthetics that emphasize biomechanical horror and surreal proportions. Nihilego’s jellyfish-like form and Kartana’s razor-thin paper body create memorable silhouette recognition, strengthening brand identity across media and merchandise.
Battle Implications
In competitive formats, Ultra Beasts introduced the Beast Boost ability, which raises one stat each time they knock out an opponent. This mechanic rewards skilled trainers with sweeping potential, though strict legality rules limit their usage in VGC and singles formats.
Encounter Methods And Locations
Accessing Ultra Beasts requires progression through Sun and Moon’s main story, unlocking Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon features. Trainers must operate the Ultra Scope to detect these invisible foes, then initiate combat through dramatic Ultra Wormhole encounters on specific islands and routes.
Post-game assignments from the Ultra Recon Squad direct players to timed spawn points. Successful captures depend on preparation, including strong Ultra Balls, high-level teammates, and knowledge of each Beast’s type weaknesses and resistance profiles.
Regulations And Community Impact
Official tournaments enforce strict restrictions on Ultra Beast usage, citing their powerful abilities and disruptive move pools. Regional distributions also vary by version, encouraging trading between Sun and Moon owners to complete Pokédex entries while supporting local player engagement.
Strategic Planning And Progression With Ultra Beasts
- Use the Ultra Scope consistently to reveal hidden Ultra Beasts before engaging.
- Prepare strong coverage moves to exploit their varied defensive typings.
- Leverage Beast Boost strategically by targeting weakened opponents for stat boosts.
- Coordinate trades early to fill version-exclusive entries in your Pokédex.
- Check tournament legality lists before using Ultra Beasts in competitive formats.
FAQ
Reader questions
Do Ultra Beasts evolve or change forms during gameplay?
No, Ultra Beasts remain in a single form throughout Sun and Moon, with no evolution mechanics applied to them at any stage.
Can I trade Ultra Beasts with friends who own the opposite version?
Yes, trading between Sun and Moon is possible and often necessary to collect every variant, as each version features exclusive Ultra Beasts.
Is it possible to transfer Ultra Beasts to later main series games safely?
Ultra Beasts can be transferred to select subsequent generations via Pokémon Home, though future titles may adjust compatibility and move legality.
What happens if I faint an Ultra Beast during a SOS battle?
The encounter ends without capture, requiring you to exit and re-enter the wormhole or wait for a new spawn to attempt the fight again.