This article summarizes the differences in Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM), including legendary Pokemon and new Pokemon. Read to discover what each version offers.
Many Differences Between Game Versions
There are many significant differences between Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Check out the differences between Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and purchase the one you prefer!
Table of Contents
Obtain Totem Pokemon with Totem Stickers
One of the new features added in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are Totem Stickers. By collecting Totem Stickers, you can get Totem Pokemon to join you.
Different Pokemon Obtainable in Each Version
There are some differences in the Totem Pokemon you can obtain in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Check the obtainable Totem Pokemon and purchase the version you prefer!
Obtainable Totem Pokemon
| Ultra Sun | Ultra Moon |
|---|---|
 Gumshoos |  Alolan Raticate |
 Alolan Marowak |  Araquanid |
 Lurantis |  Salazzle |
 Vikavolt |  Togedemaru |
 Mimikyu | Mimikyu |
 Ribombee |  Kommo-o |
Legendaries Encountered Beyond the Ultra Wormhole
In Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM), you can use the Ultra Wormhole to travel to the worlds of legendary Pokemon from past games.
Differences in Pokemon Encountered Per Version
The legendary Pokemon encountered beyond the Ultra Wormhole differ depending on the version of Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM). Some legendary Pokemon cannot be encountered with just one version of the game.
The Two Legendary Pokemon on the Package Art
Both legendary Pokemon on the package art are forms of Necrozma after absorbing Solgaleo or Lunala.
The Main Body is Necrozma
Although their appearances differ, Necrozma seems to be the main entity in both. You can see their forms on the game packages.
Source: Official Website
What is Necrozma?
A Pokemon that appears and can be obtained in the post-story scenario of Sun and Moon. In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM), Necrozma appears as the central figure of the story.
Necrozma (Dusk Mane)
This Necrozma, commonly known as Dusk Mane Necrozma, is on the package of Ultra Sun.
Necrozma (Dawn Wings)
This Necrozma, commonly known as Dawn Wings Necrozma, is on the package of Ultra Moon.
Different Pokemon Appear in the Two Versions
In Pokemon USUM (Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon), there are Pokemon exclusive to Ultra Sun and Pokemon exclusive to Ultra Moon.
Differences in Wild Pokemon Encounters Between Both Versions
Exclusive to Ultra Sun
 Dusk Mane Necrozma |  Houndoom |  Passimian |
 Cranidos |  Tirtouga |  Rufflet |
 Alolan Vulpix |  Turtonator |  Cottonee |
Exclusive to Ultra Moon
 Dawn Wings Necrozma |  Drampa |  Manectric |
 Oranguru |  Alolan Sandshrew |  Archen |
 Petilil |  Shieldon |  Vullaby |
Differences in UB Appearances Also in USUM
Similar to how some UBs differed in appearance in the previous Sun and Moon games, there seem to be differences in the UBs appearing in USUM as well.
New UBs Also Appear in Respective Versions
One of the three new UBs introduced in this game also appears in different versions. BURST appears in Ultra Sun, and LAY appears in Ultra Moon!
Differences in Appearing UBs
| Ultra Sun | Ultra Moon |
|---|---|
BURST [New Pokemon] | LAY [New Pokemon] |
Buzzwole | Pheromosa |
Kartana | Celesteela |
Different Ultra Recon Squad Appears in Each Version
It seems that different members of the Ultra Recon Squad appear in the story of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon respectively.
What is the Ultra Recon Squad?
The Ultra Recon Squad appears in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM). They seem to have come to the Alola region from an Ultra Wormhole.
In Ultra Sun: Dulse and Zossie
In Ultra Sun, Dulse and Zossie of the Ultra Recon Squad will be central to the story's progression.
In Ultra Moon: Phyco and Soliera
In Ultra Moon, Phyco and Soliera of the Ultra Recon Squad will be central as the story progresses.
Is There a 12-Hour Difference Like in the Previous Games?
In the previous Sun and Moon games, there was a 12-hour time difference between the two versions. Could there also be a time difference in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM)?
Time in Previous Games
| Sun | Moon |
|---|---|
| Same time as the real world | 12-hour difference from the real world |
Dusk/Evening Added, Not Present in Previous Games
In these games, dusk/evening will be added in addition to daytime and nighttime from the previous games. Due to a potential time difference, the in-game evening time might correspond to early morning in the real world.
If Choosing Only One, Ultra Sun
The guide writer of this article would want to purchase [Ultra Sun] if they had to choose only one version.
Reason 1.: Strong Legendary Pokemon
The legendary Pokemon Latios, Groudon, Heatran, Dialga, and Xerneas, which appear exclusively in Ultra Sun, are exceptionally good. They have been active in past rating battles, and looking at the legendary lineup, I would prioritize getting Ultra Sun.
Reason 2.: Curious About the UBs
The UBs appearing only in Ultra Sun are Burst, Buzzwole, and Kartana. Burst is a Pokemon I'm paying attention to as it seems likely to be useful in battles due to its typing. Kartana is already active in Double Battles, making Ultra Sun, where both can be obtained, attractive.
Ideally, Both
In this version of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM), Different Legendary Pokemon Appear. Some legendary Pokemon cannot be obtained unless you have a Pokemon from the other version in your party. Therefore, ideally, I want both versions.
