Shocked by Top 10 Sun and Moon Pokémon Starters You Never Knew You Needed! - Abbey Badges

Understanding the Context

Why Sun and Moon Starters Stand Out

When Pokémon Sun and Sunshine Night (commonly called “Sun and Moon”) launched in 2016, they didn’t just introduce new mechanics—they brought in original starter Pokémon tailored to the games’ unique environments, sunlight power dynamics, and regional themes. Unlike Gen 1’s Ivysaur or Gen 2’s chosen starters, these fresh Pokémon blend classic charm with modern design, offering balanced movesets, stunning color schemes, and essential battery that redefined what a starter can be.

Below is our curated list of the Top 10 Sun and Moon Pokémon Starters you’ve probably never given serious thought to—but absolutely need to know about.

Key Insights

The Top 10 Sun and Moon Pokémon Starters You Never Knew You Needed

1. Lechonk (Sun) – The Skinny Priest, Symbol of Ingenuity
   A mouse Pokémon with a deep connection to sunlight and tradition, Lechonk leaps acrossfields guiding trainers with inventive electricity-powered tricks. Its playful yet strategic moveset makes it versatile for speed camp setups, paired with a quirky charm that resonates deeply with fans of the games’ lore.

2. Coveram (Sun and Moon) – The Bold Pollinator with a Pulse of Power
   This mobile resonance starter shifts from grass-tinged offense to thunder-based attacks, serving as a natural fit for both niche team-building and sunlit extravaganzas. Its unique trait boost and dual motivation from the beetle world bring fresh strategic potential newcomers rarely explore.

3. Milotic (Sun) – The Graceful Hydromantean Nostalgia
   Long a fan favorite, Milotic wasn’t always a starter—yet its agility, powerful Water-type coverage, and sun-enhanced power shifts made it a perfect match in Sun and Moon’s new Z-Point system. Its elegant upgrade from Gen 3 means it’s both familiar and revolutionary.

4. Aeonnade (Sun and Moon) – The Elegant Electrician of the Dusk Fields
   Unlike blunt electric starters, Aeonnade combines precision and finesse, using sunlight-modified sparks with flair. With perfect matchups and evolving abilities, this Psy/Grass-type stuns trainers who seek stylish combat efficiency.

Final Thoughts

5. Exploud (Moon) – The Dazzling “Focused Contraption” with a Sunlit Spark
   A futuristic, robot-like starter born from the Moon’s high-tech research, Exploud merges elegance with sharp lightning attacks. Its inverting abilities and resilient physical defense offer unpredictable strategic value—rare in starter-tier types.

6. Morlit (Sun and Moon) – The Lightweights with Luminous Charge
   This leap-type starter packs bright energy burst capabilities that complement speed-based builds. Despite its size, Morlit brings agile pressure and elegance, embodying the pack’s duality of hope and burst.

7. Oshawott (Sun and Moon) – The Serenity Keeper With a Hidden Power Core
   Cute as it appears, Oshawott converts psychic energy into radiant powers, balancing offense and healing in one package. Perfect for calming hot battles with calm-starters infamous for cooperative teamwriting.

8. Hygroking (Sun) – The Darrlough Hygro-Electric Dynamo
   Part Darrlough, part piloted drone—Hygroking channels sun-soaked static into explosive blows. Its burgeoning side-step abilities make it a hidden threat in matchups far beyond its tough exterior.

9. Zapdos (Sun and Moon) – The Majestic Psychic Sky Breaker
   Long mythologized, Zapdos finally earns its place as an elite starter. With god-tier psychic power amplified by sun-based evolution, this flyer redefines how pesky Typings are handled in modern competitive play.

10. Sylveon (Sun and Moon) – The Regal Fairy with Sunlit Grace
    Often overlooked in Sun/Moon lineups, Sylveon’s luminous transformation and powerful Electric/Fairy moveset make it a versatile powerhouse. Its graceful balance speaks volumes for underrated starter potential.