Ultra Sun vs. Ultra Moon

Discover the key differences between Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, including time offsets, exclusive Pokémon evolutions like Rockruff, and alternate events.

While the core story of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon remains largely the same, there are several notable differences that can affect your gameplay experience. These include in-game time discrepancies, unique Pokémon evolutions, and minor variations in certain events.

Time Offset

The in-game time in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon is directly tied to your Nintendo 3DS or 2DS system's clock. In Ultra Sun, the in-game time mirrors your system's real-world time. However, in Ultra Moon, the in-game time is offset by 12 hours. This means that when it is daytime in Ultra Sun, it will be nighttime in Ultra Moon, and vice versa. If this offset is undesirable, you can adjust your system's clock by 12 hours to synchronize the in-game time with Ultra Sun's cycle, but be mindful of potential impacts on other games that rely on your system's clock.

Exclusive Pokémon Evolutions

One of the most prominent differences lies in the evolution of certain Pokémon. Rockruff, for instance, has a unique evolution path:

• In Ultra Sun (and the original Sun), Rockruff evolves into the Midday Form Lycanroc.
• In Ultra Moon (and the original Moon), Rockruff evolves into the Midnight Form Lycanroc.

It's important to note that while the evolution method differs, both Midday and Midnight Form Lycanroc can be found in the wild in both versions later in the game. However, to obtain a specific evolution from Rockruff, trading is necessary. Additionally, there is another special Pokémon whose evolution varies between Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, though details are kept intentionally vague to preserve the surprise for new players.

Alternate Events

While the overall narrative is consistent, minor variations exist in specific events and encounters:

• Ultra Recon Squad: You will encounter different members of the newly introduced Ultra Recon Squad depending on which version you are playing.
• Totem Pokémon: The Totem Pokémon you face at the end of your first island trial can differ between the two versions.
• Solgaleo and Lunala Scenes: Certain scenes involving the legendary Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala may also present slight variations.