Sun and Moon Alolan forms and evolution methods
Plan regional typing, version-dependent Lycanroc and the original locations for late evolutions.
Original Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon for Nintendo 3DS (2016). Sun and Moon differences are labelled. Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon have a different story, expanded Pokédex and altered trials.
A familiar species can have a different typing
| Form | Alolan typing | Planning consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Raichu | Electric / Psychic | Psychic coverage, with new Ghost and Dark weaknesses |
| Ninetales | Ice / Fairy | Uses an Ice Stone; available through Sun’s Vulpix line |
| Sandslash | Ice / Steel | Uses an Ice Stone; available through Moon’s Sandshrew line |
| Marowak | Fire / Ghost | Cubone evolves at level 28 or higher at night in Alola |
| Exeggutor | Grass / Dragon | Exeggcute uses a Leaf Stone in Alola |
| Muk | Poison / Dark | Alolan Grimer evolves at level 38 |
| Golem | Rock / Electric | Trade Alolan Graveler to evolve |
The form matters for moves, Abilities and weaknesses. A Kantonian counterpart is not interchangeable with its Alolan form in a battle plan.
Original level and time requirements
| Starting Pokémon | Requirement | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Yungoos | Level 20 or higher in daytime | Gumshoos |
| Alolan Rattata | Level 20 or higher at night | Alolan Raticate |
| Rockruff | Level 25 or higher: daytime in Sun, night in Moon | Midday / Midnight Lycanroc |
| Salandit | Female, level 33 or higher | Salazzle |
| Steenee | Level up while knowing Stomp | Tsareena |
| Type: Null | Level up with high friendship | Silvally |
| Cosmoem | Level 53 or higher, according to game version | Solgaleo in Sun / Lunala in Moon |
Location-based evolutions are late here
In original Sun/Moon, Charjabug, Magneton and Nosepass evolve by levelling in Vast Poni Canyon. Crabrawler needs a level-up at Mount Lanakila. Eevee becomes Leafeon near the Lush Jungle Moss Rock or Glaceon near Mount Lanakila’s Icy Rock. Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon add an earlier electromagnetic location at Blush Mountain; that shortcut is absent from this pair.
Check the in-game clock
Sun follows the system clock; Moon is offset by 12 hours. Use the visible in-game day or night for an evolution requirement. Sylveon uses affection and a Fairy move, while Espeon and Umbreon use friendship and the appropriate time. Before using a stone, review the current and evolved move lists; the late Move Reminder can recover eligible moves for a Heart Scale.
These guides cover original Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon (2016). Check the version and in-game time before planning an encounter.