Altar of the Sunne/Moone

Learn how to defeat and capture the Legendary Pokemon Solgaleo or Lunala at the Altar of the Sunne/Moone in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Includes strategies and tips.

After a challenging battle against Aether President Lusamine, you will proceed to the Altar of the Sunne (in Pokémon Sun) or the Altar of the Moone (in Pokémon Moon). Here, you will face the Legendary Pokemon, Solgaleo or Lunala, in an epic battle to capture it.

If you are not ready for the battle, you can use Charizard Glide to leave and return later.

Aether President Lusamine's Pokemon

Lusamine's party remains the same, but her Pokemon have improved moves and stat-boosting auras, making this a tougher fight. Clefable has increased Special Defense and Moonlight for healing. Milotic has an Attack boost (mostly for Flail) and Recover. Mismagius has a Speed boost and Pain Split. Bewear has increased Defense and Pain Split. Lilligant has a boosted Special Attack and Leech Seed.

Legendary Pokemon Battle

Both Solgaleo and Lunala are powerful, capable of dealing significant damage with their signature moves: Sunsteel Strike and Moongeist Beam, respectively. It is highly recommended to use Pokemon that resist their attacks. For Solgaleo, Steel-types are effective against Sunsteel Strike and Zen Headbutt, but beware of Crunch. For Lunala, Dark-types are ideal against its Ghost and Dark-type moves.

Inflicting a status ailment like Paralysis or Sleep can help. Paralysis lasts the entire battle, while Sleep improves the catch rate. Solgaleo's Full Metal Body ability prevents stat reduction, making Paralysis a better choice. Lunala's Special Attack can be lowered with moves like Snarl. Both Pokemon can use Cosmic Power to boost their defenses. Lunala also has Shadow Shield, which reduces damage when at full HP.

The general strategy is to outlast the Legendary Pokemon, using resistant Pokemon, stat reduction, or status ailments. Slowly whittle down its HP. If facing Solgaleo, False Swipe can be used to lower its HP, though its Attack may need boosting. Lunala is immune to False Swipe unless you have Foresight or can use Soak.

Once the Pokemon's HP is low and it has a status ailment, begin using Poke Balls. Both have decent catch rates. The Master Ball is not necessary for this encounter.

Even with resistant Pokemon, the Legendary Pokemon can still deal substantial damage, so use healing items as needed. Leftovers can provide gradual HP recovery.

After capturing the Legendary Pokemon, you will be invited to the final trial on Ula'ula Island's Mount Lanikila.