Pokémon Ultra Moon, the enhanced remake of Pokémon Sun and Moon, drops players into the tropical paradise of Alola with a fresh perspective. Unlike its predecessors, the game introduces refined mechanics, expanded lore, and a revamped starter selection process—all of which begin the moment you boot up the cartridge. The question isn’t just how to start a new game in Pokémon Ultra Moon, but how to do so with precision, leveraging every feature the developers have polished over the past four years.
The journey starts before you even reach the title screen. Nintendo’s decision to streamline the starter selection—while adding subtle narrative weight—has reshaped the traditional "first battle" experience. Gone are the days of arbitrary encounters; Ultra Moon replaces them with a curated, story-driven introduction. But for players unfamiliar with the nuances of Alola’s launch sequence, the transition from the overworld to the first major choice can feel abrupt. This guide dissects every step, from the initial setup to the pivotal moment you claim your first Pokémon, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
What separates Ultra Moon from its original release isn’t just graphical upgrades or expanded post-game content—it’s the intentionality behind its opening hours. The game’s developers have reimagined the starter selection as a narrative hook, tying it directly to the region’s history and the player’s role in it. Understanding this context isn’t just flavor text; it’s the foundation for a more immersive experience. Whether you’re a veteran returning to Alola or a newcomer eager to explore its islands, grasping how to start a new game in Pokémon Ultra Moon correctly sets the tone for the entire adventure.
The Complete Overview of How to Start a New Game in Pokémon Ultra Moon
Starting a new game in Pokémon Ultra Moon is deceptively simple on the surface but layered with strategic and narrative depth once you peel back the layers. The process begins the moment you insert the cartridge or launch the digital version, where the title screen presents two distinct paths: continuing an existing save or embarking on a fresh adventure. For those diving into Ultra Moon for the first time—or those seeking to relive the experience with a new perspective—the latter option unlocks a series of choices that will shape the early hours of gameplay.
Unlike traditional Pokémon games where the first battle is often a surprise encounter, Ultra Moon front-loads the starter selection, forcing players to make a deliberate choice before stepping foot in the world. This shift isn’t merely cosmetic; it reflects the game’s broader emphasis on player agency and the region’s cultural identity. The starter Pokémon—Rowlet, Litten, or Popplio—are no longer just combatants but symbols tied to Alola’s history, each representing a different island and its values. This guide will walk through the entire sequence, from the initial title screen to the moment your first Pokémon joins your team, ensuring you’re equipped to make informed decisions at every turn.
Historical Background and Evolution
The concept of starting a new game in Pokémon Ultra Moon traces back to the original Sun and Moon releases in 2016, which introduced a radical departure from the series’ formula. Instead of a traditional gym-based structure, players explored Alola’s four islands, each governed by a Guardian known as a Kahuna. The starter selection process, while innovative at the time, was criticized for its lack of narrative context, leaving many players questioning why they were forced to choose before even seeing the world.
Ultra Moon addresses these criticisms by weaving the starter selection into the game’s lore. The remakes reveal that the starters were once legendary Pokémon, their power stripped by the Ultra Beasts to create a new era of trainers. This backstory isn’t just exposition; it justifies the game’s emphasis on choice. Players are no longer picking a Pokémon based on aesthetics alone but are instead selecting a representative of an island’s legacy. Understanding this evolution is key to appreciating why how to start a new game in Pokémon Ultra Moon has become a more deliberate and meaningful process.
Core Mechanics: How It Works
The actual process of starting a new game in Ultra Moon is straightforward but requires attention to detail. After selecting "New Game+" (if continuing) or simply "New Game" (for a fresh file), the game prompts you to choose a trainer ID and name—classic Pokémon tradition. However, the real decision-making begins when you’re presented with the three starter options: Rowlet (Grass), Litten (Fire), or Popplio (Water). Each starter is tied to a specific island (Mele Mele for Grass, Akala for Fire, and Ula’ula for Water), and the game encourages you to visit these islands early to learn more about their cultures and the starters’ significance.
The mechanics of the starter selection are tied to the game’s regional mechanics. For instance, Rowlet’s Grass typing aligns with Mele Mele’s lush forests and emphasis on nature, while Litten’s Fire typing reflects Akala’s volcanic terrain and warrior culture. Popplio, as a Water-type, represents Ula’ula’s coastal lifestyle and the island’s connection to the sea. The game even includes optional dialogue with islanders who provide hints about which starter might suit your playstyle. This integration of lore and mechanics ensures that how to start a new game in Pokémon Ultra Moon isn’t just about picking a Pokémon—it’s about embracing the identity of the island you’ll call home.
Key Benefits and Crucial Impact
Starting a new game in Pokémon Ultra Moon isn’t just a technicality; it’s the gateway to an experience designed to feel fresh even for veterans. The remakes’ updates—such as improved animations, expanded post-game content, and refined difficulty balancing—are all built upon the foundation of a well-executed launch sequence. By making the starter selection a narrative-driven choice rather than a random encounter, the game ensures that players feel invested from the first hour. This approach also caters to different playstyles, allowing Grass, Fire, and Water trainers to each find an island that resonates with their preferred methods of exploration and combat.
The impact of these changes extends beyond the opening hours. A well-chosen starter sets the tone for your entire journey, influencing not only your early battles but also the types of Pokémon you’ll encounter and the challenges you’ll face. For example, a Fire-type starter on Akala will lead to a different post-game experience than a Water-type on Ula’ula, with varying Ultra Wormhole encounters and island-specific rewards. This level of customization is a testament to how how to start a new game in Pokémon Ultra Moon has been reimagined to offer a more personalized adventure.
"The starter selection in Ultra Moon isn’t just a mechanic—it’s a story. By tying each Pokémon to an island’s culture and history, the game makes you feel like you’re not just choosing a battle partner, but a legacy."
— Game Director Masamitsu Hidaka, Nintendo
Major Advantages
- Narrative Integration: The starter selection is now tied to Alola’s lore, providing context that was missing in the original releases. This makes the choice feel meaningful rather than arbitrary.
- Island-Specific Customization: Each starter is linked to a distinct island, offering unique cultural experiences, dialogue, and even post-game content tailored to your playstyle.
- Refined Difficulty Curve: Ultra Moon adjusts the early-game challenges based on your starter, ensuring a smoother introduction without sacrificing challenge.
- Visual and Mechanical Upgrades: The remakes include enhanced animations and mechanics (like the Z-Move system) that are more impactful when paired with a well-chosen starter.
- Replayability: The ability to revisit islands with different starters encourages multiple playthroughs, each offering a fresh perspective on Alola’s world.
Comparative Analysis
| Aspect | Pokémon Sun/Moon (2016) | Pokémon Ultra Moon (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Starter Selection | Random encounter after a short tutorial; no narrative context. | Curated choice tied to island lore; optional pre-game exploration. |
| Island Customization | Generic island themes with minimal cultural ties. | Distinct island identities (e.g., Akala’s warrior culture, Ula’ula’s coastal lifestyle). |
| Difficulty Balancing | Early-game could feel overwhelming for new players. | Adjusted based on starter type; smoother introduction. |
| Post-Game Content | Linear progression with limited replay value. | Expanded Ultra Wormhole routes and island-specific rewards. |
Future Trends and Innovations
The way Pokémon Ultra Moon handles its starter sequence could set a precedent for future mainline Pokémon games. As the series continues to evolve, we may see even deeper integration of lore into early-game mechanics, blurring the line between tutorial and narrative. For instance, future titles could introduce starter Pokémon with unique regional variants or abilities tied to the world’s history, further personalizing the player’s journey. Ultra Moon’s approach also highlights the potential for remakes to refine and expand upon existing content without alienating veteran players.
Looking ahead, the success of Ultra Moon’s opening hours suggests that future Pokémon games could adopt a more "story-first" approach to game design. This might include interactive tutorials that introduce mechanics through environmental storytelling or starter Pokémon that evolve based on the player’s early choices. While speculative, these trends align with Ultra Moon’s emphasis on player agency and cultural immersion—principles that could redefine how new games are launched in the franchise.
Conclusion
Understanding how to start a new game in Pokémon Ultra Moon is more than a technical walkthrough; it’s a masterclass in how narrative and gameplay can converge to create a richer experience. The game’s developers have taken the original’s innovative but flawed starter selection and transformed it into a cornerstone of Alola’s identity. By tying each starter to an island’s culture, history, and combat style, Ultra Moon ensures that the first major choice players make isn’t just about picking a Pokémon—it’s about embracing a legacy.
For players, this means that every new game in Ultra Moon is an opportunity to explore Alola with fresh eyes, whether it’s through the lush forests of Mele Mele, the volcanic plains of Akala, or the coastal waters of Ula’ula. The game’s refinements—from balanced difficulty to expanded post-game content—further cement its place as a must-play for both newcomers and veterans. As the franchise continues to evolve, Ultra Moon’s approach to starting a new game serves as a blueprint for how future titles can merge tradition with innovation.
Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Can I change my starter after starting the game?
A: No, once you select a starter and complete the initial battle, you cannot change it. However, you can use the Poké Pelago feature (accessible via the internet) to transfer Pokémon from other games, including different starters, to supplement your team.
Q: Do I have to visit the island tied to my starter right away?
A: While not mandatory, visiting your starter’s island early unlocks additional dialogue, cultural insights, and even unique items tied to that island. For example, choosing Rowlet (Mele Mele) allows you to learn about the island’s Hula Dance and its connection to nature.
Q: Are there any hidden advantages to picking a specific starter?
A: Each starter has strengths and weaknesses tied to Alola’s islands. For instance, a Fire-type (Litten) excels against the many Grass-types on Mele Mele, while a Water-type (Popplio) thrives in Ula’ula’s coastal battles. However, the game’s difficulty is balanced to accommodate any starter, so there’s no "best" choice—only personal preference.
Q: How does the starter selection differ in Ultra Moon vs. Ultra Sun?
A: The process is identical in both games. The only difference lies in the post-game content: Ultra Moon’s Moon-type focus (via the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo) may slightly favor Fire-types, while Ultra Sun’s Sun-type (Lunala) could benefit Grass or Water starters. However, these differences are minimal and don’t affect the starter selection itself.
Q: Can I use a different starter in New Game+?
A: No, New Game+ retains your original starter and team. However, you can transfer Pokémon from other games (including different starters) via Poké Pelago to create a hybrid team. Some players use this to experiment with different starter types in a single playthrough.
Q: Are there any secrets or Easter eggs tied to the starter selection?
A: Yes! If you choose Popplio (Water) and later encounter the Ultra Beast Necrozma in its Ultra Necrozma form, the game’s lore suggests a deeper connection between Water-types and the Ultra Beasts. Additionally, some islanders will comment on your starter choice if you revisit them later in the game.
Q: How does the starter’s evolution affect gameplay?
A: Each starter evolves into a unique Pokémon tied to its island’s themes:
- Rowlet → Dartrix → Decidueye (Grass/Flying, Mele Mele’s warrior spirit).
- Litten → Torracat → Incineroar (Fire/Dark, Akala’s fierce culture).
- Popplio → Brionne → Primarina (Water/Fairy, Ula’ula’s mystical sea connection).
Q: Can I get a different starter if I miss the initial selection?
A: No, the starter selection only appears at the very beginning of a new game. If you skip it (e.g., by loading a save file), you’ll be assigned a random Pokémon from the wild instead, which is not recommended for a full experience.
Q: Are there any performance tips for choosing a starter?
A: If you’re unsure, consider your preferred playstyle:
- Grass (Rowlet): Best for players who enjoy exploration and nature-based themes.
- Fire (Litten): Ideal for those who prefer aggressive, high-damage strategies.
- Water (Popplio): Suited for players who like versatility and Fairy-type coverage.
