Moon Encounters
Say goodbye to Gyms and hello to trials. Pokémon Moon reimagines the Nuzlocke journey in the Alola archipelago, where 242 Pokémon—including bizarre regional variants—hide across 69 tropical locations. Totem Pokémon tower over standard encounters, and Z-Moves can obliterate even your best-laid plans.
Alolan forms flip expectations in the Alola islands. That Rattata isn't Normal-type—it's Dark/Normal with different stats and abilities. Island Trials replace Gyms, meaning encounter planning must adapt to Totem Pokémon with boosted stats and SOS allies. Weather and terrain effects are more prominent than ever.
The Alola dex features 242 Pokémon, many in unfamiliar regional forms. This guide tracks encounters across four islands, from Melemele to Poni. Watch for SOS battles—some species only appear when existing Pokémon call for help.
Pokémon Moon has 69 different encounter locations with 242 different Pokémon available as wild encounters.
Moon Boss Battles
Trials replace tradition in the Alola archipelago's 37 challenges. Hau competes not just against you, but against the trials themselves. Totem Pokémon with SOS allies and Z-Crystals create unprecedented difficulty spikes. Kahunas like Hala and Olivia test mastery before Kahili defends the championship.
Trials differ fundamentally from Gyms— 37 challenges including Totem Pokémon with boosted stats and ally calling. A Totem Lurantis with +2 Speed holds a Power Herb for Solar Blade, while ally Castform sets sun. Z-Moves can one-shot your best Pokémon; protecting the weak link matters more than ever.
Island culture in Alola emphasizes community and connection. Your team survived trials that tested partnership itself—Totem battles where trust mattered more than power. Hau became something like family through shared experience. Pokémon Moon ends not just with facing Kahili, but with proving the strength of those bonds.
Below you'll find comprehensive battle breakdowns for every boss encounter in Moon, from Hau's opening Rowlet to Kahili's Toucannon. Study these carefully—your team's survival depends on it.
Select your starter type
Alola starters feature unique Z-Moves and signature abilities. Hau becomes something like a friend through shared trials. Decidueye's Ghost typing provides immunities; Incineroar's Dark typing helps against Psychic threats; Primarina's Fairy typing counters Dragons. Each suits different Island Trial strategies.
Trials replace Gyms for 37 challenges; your Fire starter faces Totem Pokémon with boosted stats. Hau competes in trials too. SOS allies mean single-target attacks from your starter might not suffice. Z-Moves can one-shot threats but are single-use—timing their deployment with your starter matters.
12 Gym Leader
5 Elite Four
9 Rival
11 Evil Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started What are the Nuzlocke rules for Pokémon Moon?
- Permadeath: If a Pokémon faints, it is considered dead and must be released or permanently boxed.
- First Encounter Only: You may only catch the first Pokémon you encounter on each route or location. If you fail to catch it, you get no encounter for that area.
- Nickname Everything: All caught Pokémon must be nicknamed to form stronger emotional bonds.
Common Optional Rules:
- Level cap: Pokémon cannot exceed the next Gym Leader's highest level
- No items in battle (held items allowed)
- Play on Set mode (no switching when opponent sends out)
- Shiny clause: Shinies can be caught regardless of encounter rules
- Dupe clause: If first encounter is a species you already own, you get another chance
Encounters What Pokémon are available in Pokémon Moon?
- Route Encounters: Grass, water, cave, and fishing encounters throughout the alola region
- Static Encounters: Legendary Pokémon and special gifts
- Evolution Lines: Full chains from basic to final evolutions
The encounter tables above organize all available Pokémon by type, making it easy to plan your team composition and coverage. Click any Pokémon sprite to see where it can be encountered.
Note: Alolan regional variants replace some classic species, offering different typings and abilities.
Strategy Which starter should I choose for Moon Nuzlocke?
Key Considerations:
- Your rival will always choose the type with advantage over yours
- Early Gym matchups matter more than late-game potential
- Consider what wild encounters can cover your starter's weaknesses
- Abilities and hidden abilities may change viability (check your specific game version)
Use the starter selector above to preview how different choices affect boss battles throughout your journey. Your starter often becomes your team's anchor—choose wisely!
Boss Battles What are the Gym Leader teams and level caps in Moon?
Level Caps by Gym:
- Ilima: Level 10 (normal type)
- Ilima's trial: Level 12 (normal type)
- Island Kahuna Hala: Level 15 (fighting type)
- Lana's trial: Level 20 (water type)
- Kiawe's trial: Level 22 (fire type)
- Mallow's Trial: Level 24 (grass type)
- Island Kahuna Olivia: Level 26 (rock type)
- Sophocles' Trial: Level 29 (electric type)
- Acerola's Trial: Level 33 (ghost type)
- Island Kahuna Nanu: Level 39 (dark type)
- Island Kahuna Hapu: Level 48 (ground type)
- Kommo-o's Trial: Level 45 (dragon type)
Gym Leader Teams Overview:
- Ilima (normal): Yungoos, Smeargle
- Ilima's trial (normal): Raticate, Rattata
- Island Kahuna Hala (fighting): Mankey, Makuhita, Crabrawler
- Lana's trial (water): Wishiwashi, Wishiwashi, Alomomola
- Kiawe's trial (fire): Salazzle, Salandit
- Mallow's Trial (grass): Lurantis, Trumbeak, Castform
- Island Kahuna Olivia (rock): Nosepass, Boldore, Lycanroc
- Sophocles' Trial (electric): Vikavolt, Charjabug, Charjabug
- Acerola's Trial (ghost): Mimikyu, Haunter, Gengar
- Island Kahuna Nanu (dark): Sableye, Krokorok, Persian
- Island Kahuna Hapu (ground): Dugtrio, Gastrodon, Flygon, Mudsdale
- Kommo-o's Trial (dragon): Kommo-o, Hakamo-o, Scizor
Elite Four:
- Hala — fighting specialist
- Olivia — rock specialist
- Acerola — ghost specialist
- Kahili — flying specialist
- Kukui
In total, there are 37 major boss battles including 12 Gym Leaders, 5 Elite Four members, 9 rival encounters, and other challenging opponents.
Tips What are some essential tips for Moon Nuzlocke success?
Preparation:
- Always check level caps before challenging Gyms to avoid overleveling
- Build a balanced team with diverse type coverage—don't rely solely on your starter
- Stock up on healing items and Poké Balls before major battles
- Save frequently and consider backup saves before risky encounters
Battle Strategy:
- Lead with sacrificial Pokémon if you need to safely switch in a counter
- Use status moves (Sleep, Paralysis) to cripple threatening opponents
- Know when to run—retreating to heal is smarter than losing a team member
- Study boss teams beforehand and plan your party order accordingly
Z-Moves: One-time use—save them for emergencies or to break through tough walls.
Remember: Every Nuzlocke is a unique story. Losses are part of the experience—adapt, overcome, and create legends.