Unlock the Secrets of Pokémon Sun & Moon Starter Moves – You Won’t Believe Which 5 Are Essential! - Redraw

Understanding the Context

Why Starter Moves Matter in Sun & Moon

In Pokémon Sun & Moon, the journey begins with selecting a starter who defines your battle style and strategy right from the start. Unlike previous generations where move selection changed dynamically, Sun & Moon’s starter moves are fixed but loaded with powerful, unique options that set you apart in battles. The right choice of starter moves not only boosts combat efficiency but also opens doors to creative counters, terrain advantages, and pivotal in-game advantages. Let’s dive into the five essential starter moves you must know — moves you won’t believe are truly game-changing!

The 5 Essential Starter Moves You Can’t Afford to Skip

Key Insights

1. Fly (Fly, Spirit) – The Ultimate Terrain Advantage

Fly is far more than just a launching move. Using the Spirit ability, it grants your starter immunity to status conditions, immunity to dragon-type moves, and perfect flight stability. In Sun & Moon’s diverse maps and diverse Pokémon battles, Fly’s terrain immune status ensures you won’t fall behind on tough terrain or fall victim to status threats. Use Fly to dominate as a fast start, controlling momentum early on.

Why it’s essential: Fly’s confidence boost and terrain immunity make it indispensable for both offensive and defensive setups.

2. Roost – Your All-Weather Offensive Boost

Roost isn’t just a recalibration move — it’s your secret weapon for tough battles. Knowing Roost allows your Pokémon to regain health and Fully Awakened (if applicable) safely during rough fights. In Sun & Moon’s challenging dungeons and high-stakes wild battles, Roost gives your starter staying power when needed most.

Why it’s essential: Roost prevents hopeless situations, turning losses into learning experiences and empowering strategic flexibility.

3. Recover – Your Nonstop Recovery System

Recover is a game-changer. With the ability to bathe without losing health and recover HP in battle, this move lets your starter stay active and potent. In Pokémon Sun & Moon’s fast-paced environments — especially during long hunts or competitive battles — Recover keeps your Pokémon fresh and battle-ready.

Final Thoughts

Why it’s essential: Recover extends your starter’s longevity and reliability, avoiding the dreaded “out-of-battle” moments.

4. Await – Perfect for Stealth or Time-Manipulation Battles

Await combines perfect status recovery with battle timing control. Depending on the ability (Full Recovery or Recovery), it lets your Pokémon heal without disrupting momentum. In Sun & Moon’s complex encounters involving status enemies or stealth tactics, Await helps maintain peak performance.

Why it’s essential: It stabilizes connections and lets trainers dictate the pace of battle.

5. Physics Beam (Physics Rock) – The Underrated Brawn

Not your typical starter move, but Physics Beam offers super-effective stat-boosting damage. In Sun & Moon’s technical competitions featuring Tyrant-type Pokémon or physical types favoring raw power, Physics Beam delivers clear value. Combined with the starter’s unique evolution or trait, it’s a massive offensive reinforcement.

Why it’s essential: Gym challenges and battles requiring raw attack or bully strategies gain huge momentum with Physics Beam.