The seventh generation of Pokemon games shattered conventions by eliminating traditional Gyms and incorporating regional variants into the franchise. While Pokemon Sun and Moon are often criticized for their slow start and excessive hand-holding, they pose a considerable challenge due to the shift from Gyms to Trials and the Totem Pokemon battles. Nevertheless, several exceptionally strong Pokemon in these games can mitigate the challenges encountered in Gen 7.

Alongside the replacement of traditional Gyms with Trials, the introduction of the Z-Move mechanic allows Pokemon to use a powerful move unique to their type once per battle. Despite Mega Evolutions being limited to the post-game, players embarking on a Gen 7 playthrough must contend with Z-Moves in numerous major battles, emphasizing the importance of both offensive prowess and solid defensive capabilities.

Crafting the Ideal Pokemon Team for Gen 7

The Alola Region comprises four major islands, each housing distinct species of Pokemon and unique Trials as part of the island challenge. Consequently, players must assemble a team capable of conquering each trial, including battles against the island Kahunas who serve as replacements for Gym Leaders. Notably, instead of having one definitive third version, the Alola region offers two alternate versions in the form of Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, resulting in slightly varying Pokedex and island challenges but not to the extent of necessitating a completely different team from a Pokemon Sun and Moon playthrough.

Primarina

The optimal starter for a Gen 7 playthrough is Popplio, primarily due to Primarina's formidable Water/Fairy typing in the Alola Region. Popplio learns the Fairy-type move Disarming Voice at level 8, making it an excellent choice for defeating early-game opponents like Totem Alolan Raticate in Pokemon Moon and Hala's Fighting types. Furthermore, this Pokemon holds an advantage in numerous pivotal battles throughout the game, including Kiawe's Fire-type Trial, the Dragon-type Trial on Poni Island, and all Kahuna fights, including those transitioning to Elite Four members.

Lycanroc

Irrespective of the game version, Lycanroc, with its various forms, proves to be invaluable in a Gen 7 playthrough. Rockruff can be captured relatively early on while the player is still on Melemele Island, making it a valuable team member throughout the entire playthrough. Notably, Lycanroc is effective against the multitude of Bug types encountered in battles against Team Skull Leader Guzma, and its signature move, Accelrock, serves as an exceptional priority move to contend with Guzma's Golisopod, potentially securing the KO before it can switch out using its Emergency Exit Ability.

Alolan Raichu

Another early-game Pokemon that proves instrumental throughout the playthrough is Pichu, obtainable on Route 1. Evolving Pichu into Alolan Raichu provides this regional variant with the additional Psychic type, rendering it a fantastic Special Attacker capable of covering various weaknesses. The inclusion of this Electric type proves highly advantageous, especially when facing Lana's Water-type Trial on Akala Island, as well as subsequent battles against Elite Four Hala's Fighting types and Elite Four Kahili's Flying types.

Salazzle

Salazzle stands out as a unique and potent Pokemon in the Gen 7 games, courtesy of its Poison/Fire typing, making it incredibly effective against Mallow's Grass-type Trial. While only female Salandit evolve into Salazzle, players can encounter this Pokemon on Akala Island shortly before the Grass-type trial, and it remains beneficial throughout the playthrough, providing an advantage against Mina's Fairy-type Trial in Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, as well as several of Lusamine's Pokemon. Additionally, Salazzle's Corrosion Ability enables it to poison even Steel and other Poison types, making it a formidable contender against Elite Four Molayne's Steel types.

Palossand

Despite its peculiar appearance, incorporating a Sandygast into the team before departing from Akala Island proves to be immensely beneficial in overcoming the Trials on Ula'ula Island. Boasting a Ghost/Ground typing, Palossand offers a strategic advantage against both Sophocles' Electric-type Trial and Acerola's Ghost-type Trial during this phase of the game. Furthermore, Palossand remains instrumental in overcoming three members of the Elite Four, particularly when confronting Acerola's Ghost types once more.

Bewear

Completing the team with a robust Physical Attacker like Bewear proves to be a prudent choice, especially considering its Fighting type's effectiveness in the endgame. With the Fluffy Ability, Bewear becomes susceptible to Fire-type moves but mitigates damage from all other contact moves, presenting a favorable trade-off given the minimal threat from Fire types after Kiawe's Trial. Notably, the inclusion of a Fighting type like Bewear becomes invaluable, particularly when facing formidable Normal types in the Champion battle, with Kukui utilizing a Snorlax in Pokemon Sun and Moon, and Hau employing a Tauros in Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.