Should You Play Pokémon Sun and Moon Before Ultra?
As a passionate Pokémon expert and gaming guide writer, this question comes up Often—should you play the original Sun & Moon before diving into the Ultra versions? As enhanced installments, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon offer new content and changes. However, you don’t need to play the originals first.
Do You Need to Play the Original Games First?
No, you can absolutely enjoy Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon as standalone entries without playing 2016’s Pokémon Sun & Moon first. Game Freak designed the Ultra games to thoroughly explain characters and plot even for newcomers to Alola. Plus, reviews confirm these games excel at welcoming new and returning players alike.
However, for those invested in Pokémon lore and stories, playing Sun & Moon can enrich your adventure. You’ll better understand Lillie’s journey, the history of the Aether Foundation, and other elements that carry over.
What are the Key Differences and New Features?
As enhanced versions, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon introduce new features and content including:
- 5 new Pokémon – Poipole, Naganadel, Stakataka, Blacephalon, and Zeraora
- An expanded Alola Pokédex with 400 total entries
- New story elements and cutscenes fleshing out the narrative
- Additional gameplay like Mantine Surf and the Ultra Warp Ride
- Altered routes, trials, and towns to explore
- Version-exclusive Legendary Pokémon to catch
Plus small tweaks like move tutor additions, stat buffs, new Z-Moves, interface updates, and more.
| Feature | Sun/Moon | Ultra Sun/Moon |
|---|---|---|
| Main Story Playtime | ~36 hours | ~36 hours |
| Endgame Content | A decent amount | Even more |
| New Pokémon | None | 5 new species |
| Catchable Legendaries | ~10 | All non-mythicals |
As the table shows, lengthwise Ultra Sun/Moon tell stories on par with Sun & Moon. But offer way more bonuses for Pokémon collectors postgame!
What Experience is Better? Expert Insights
In my opinion as a dedicated Pokémon expert, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are the superior versions. Their enhancements create definitive editions of Gen 7. However, Gamers invested in Alola’s lore appreciate experiencing both.
As IGN notes in their Ultra Sun/Moon review:
“Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are enhanced versions of last year‘s great Sun and Moon games for the 3DS family of systems. They offer up dozens of hours of updated Pokémon adventuring, while also managing to keep the experience refreshing with new additions.”
Meanwhile GameSpot, in comparing Sun/Moon vs. Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon, praises the upgrades:
“Think of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon as definitive editions of last year‘s games…Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are expanded versions of 2016‘s Pokémon Sun and Moon games with new features and enhancements.”
So most experts view Ultra Sun/Moon as the premier way to experience Alola. But for fans invested in the rich universe of characters and lore, playing both releases has tremendous value.
Conclusion – Play Ultra, Enjoy Both If You Can
In closing, should you play Sun & Moon before Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon? I‘d recommend jumping right into the Ultra games first. Their new content and welcoming approach make them ideal starting points or standalone adventures.
However, if you become invested in the Alola region, experience all it has to offer by playing Sun/Moon afterward! Their additional backstories and perspectives will deepen your journey through these tropical islands.
Hope this guide helps you determine the ideal journey through Alola! This passionate Pokémon expert aims to provide gamers with the insights needed to get the most out of these rich Nintendo games.
Let everyone know which games you’re playing or if you have any other questions!
