This article summarizes recommended Pokemon for progressing through the story of Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (Pokemon USUM). If you're wondering which Pokemon to catch in the early game, please use this as a reference.
Recommended Pokemon to Catch in the Early Game
| Pokemon | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
 AlolanMeowth | Dark | [Melemele Island] Hau'oli City Route 1/Route 2 |
 Hawlucha | Fighting Flying | Route 2 Pokemon Center Trade for Spearow |
 Growlithe | Fire | [Melemele Island] Route 2, in front of Verdant Cavern |
 Crabrawler | Fighting | May appear when you check fallen Berries |
 Mudbray | Ground | [Akala Island] Route 4 |
 Fletchling | Flying Fire | [Akala Island] Wela Volcano Park |
Alolan Meowth
Location
| Island Name | Melemele Island |
|---|---|
| Location | Hau'oli City Route 2 Route 1 |
Reason for Recommendation
Alolan Meowth with the Ability [Pickup]. Recommended because it can pick up items necessary for story progression, such as Potions and Poke Balls. Be careful, as its Ability changes upon Evolving.
Hawlucha
| Island Name | Melemele Island |
|---|---|
| Location | Inside the Route 2 Pokemon Center Trade for Spearow |
Reason for Recommendation
One of the few Pokemon with the Fighting type available early in the story. It can be very effective in the Grand Trials against Hala and Olivia.
Growlithe
Location
| Island Name | Melemele Island |
|---|---|
| Location | In front of Verdant Cavern |
Reason for Recommendation
Growlithe is one of the few Fire-type Pokemon in the Alola region. Its Ability [Intimidate] lowers the opponent's Attack, allowing you to battle advantageously.
Crabrawler
Location
| Island Name | Various Islands |
|---|---|
| Location | May appear when you check fallen Berries |
Reason for Recommendation
A powerful Fighting-type Pokemon. When it Evolves, it becomes Crabominable, which also has the Ice type. Not only is it a Fighting type, which is hard to come by in the first half of the game, but its high Attack base stat allows it to be useful until the latter half.
Mudbray
Location
| Island Name | Akala Island |
|---|---|
| Location | Route 4 |
Reason for Recommendation
Mudbray is a powerful Ground-type Pokemon. It can learn the powerful Ground-type move Earthquake. It becomes an even stronger Pokemon upon Evolving.
Fletchling
Location
| Island Name | Akala Island |
|---|---|
| Location | Wela Volcano Park |
Reason for Recommendation
It becomes a more powerful Pokemon upon Evolving. By combining the TM for [Flame Charge] with Firium Z, it can also be a countermeasure for the Totem Pokemon [Lurantis] in Mallow's trial. After the story, its Ability [Flame Body] makes it useful for breeding Eggs, which is also good.
