The activities and content available to players after completing the main story of Pokmon Sun and Moon significantly expand the game experience. This phase allows for the pursuit of legendary Pokmon, the completion of side quests, and engagement in more challenging battles, providing extended gameplay beyond the initial narrative conclusion.
This extended gameplay loop enhances replayability and offers opportunities for character development and team building. The additional challenges and objectives provide players with a continued sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, it enriches the narrative by delving deeper into the world’s lore and characters, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the Alola region.
The following sections will detail specific elements encountered during this extended play period, including the Ultra Beast encounters, the Rainbow Rocket episode, and the various training and battling options available.
1. Ultra Beast Encounters
Following the completion of the main story in Pokmon Sun and Moon, players gain access to Ultra Beast encounters, a significant component of the game’s additional content. These encounters are not merely optional side quests; they are integral to extending the narrative and providing a compelling reason for players to continue exploring the Alola region. The appearance of Ultra Beasts is directly tied to the Aether Foundation’s experiments and the disruption of the natural order within the Pokmon world, making their capture crucial for restoring balance. For instance, the capture of Buzzwole and Pheromosa in Sun and Moon represents the resolution of an immediate threat to the islands, while also providing players with powerful and unique Pokmon to add to their teams.
The practical significance of understanding Ultra Beast encounters lies in their strategic importance within the competitive battling scene. Ultra Beasts often possess unique abilities and high stats, making them valuable assets for trainers seeking to excel in online battles or against other players. Furthermore, the process of tracking and capturing these elusive creatures encourages players to thoroughly explore the various islands of Alola, discovering hidden areas and uncovering additional secrets within the game world. This exploration deepens the player’s connection to the environment and reinforces the game’s themes of discovery and adventure. The locations and timing of Ultra Beast appearances are often triggered by specific in-game events or conditions, demanding a proactive and investigative approach from the player.
In summary, Ultra Beast encounters are a critical element of the extended gameplay phase, offering a blend of narrative closure, strategic depth, and exploration-based rewards. The challenges presented by these encounters compel players to further refine their skills and expand their knowledge of the game’s mechanics. This integration solidifies the post-game as a worthwhile extension of the primary adventure, providing content that complements and enhances the core experience of Pokmon Sun and Moon.
2. Rainbow Rocket Episode
The Rainbow Rocket Episode represents a significant component of the Sun and Moon post game. This event, accessible after completing the main story and resolving the Ultra Beast incidents, serves as a narrative extension that revisits previous antagonists from the Pokemon franchise. Team Rainbow Rocket, led by Giovanni, seeks to conquer Alola, thus requiring the player to confront and defeat versions of villainous leaders from earlier games, such as Maxie, Archie, Cyrus, Lysandre, and Ghetsis. This episode directly impacts the post-game experience by providing a challenging series of battles, a nostalgic return to iconic characters, and a closure to lingering narrative threads. Its importance resides in delivering a structured and engaging activity following the primary storyline, retaining player interest through familiar yet formidable adversaries.
The practical significance of understanding the Rainbow Rocket Episode lies in its strategic demands. Players must adapt their teams and battle strategies to counter the unique approaches of each villainous leader. This requires a deep understanding of type matchups, move sets, and the strengths and weaknesses of individual Pokemon. Furthermore, the episode provides access to exclusive Pokemon and items, incentivizing completion for both collectors and competitive players. By defeating Giovanni and Team Rainbow Rocket, players demonstrate their mastery of the game’s mechanics and their ability to overcome challenging opponents. It enriches the overall experience with strategic diversity, reinforcing depth and competitive value.
In summary, the Rainbow Rocket Episode is a crucial element within the Sun and Moon post game, providing a compelling narrative, challenging battles, and exclusive rewards. It effectively extends the gameplay experience, revisiting familiar villains and demanding strategic adaptation from the player. Overcoming Team Rainbow Rocket allows players to deepen their understanding of the game and solidify their status as skilled Pokemon trainers, ultimately enhancing the overall value of the post-game content.
3. Battle Tree Challenges
The Battle Tree presents a core component of the Sun and Moon post game. Its existence is predicated on the player having completed the main storyline, unlocking access to this facility designed for high-level competitive battling. The Battle Tree allows players to test their skills and team compositions against a series of increasingly challenging opponents, including notable trainers from previous Pokmon games. This continuous battle format serves as a proving ground for players aiming to refine their strategies and optimize their teams for competitive play, either against the game’s AI or against other players online. The challenges presented by the Battle Tree directly affect the player’s ability to acquire valuable items and unlock exclusive content, thereby motivating continued engagement with the Sun and Moon post game.
Understanding the Battle Tree’s mechanics and opponent strategies is of practical significance for players seeking to maximize their success in the Sun and Moon post game. The facility offers various battle formats, including single battles, double battles, and multi battles, each requiring different team compositions and tactical approaches. Success within the Battle Tree is often contingent on the player’s knowledge of type matchups, move sets, and ability interactions, necessitating a deep understanding of Pokmon battling mechanics. Furthermore, the Battle Tree provides an avenue for players to earn Battle Points (BP), which can be exchanged for valuable items such as competitive battling items, held items, and rare TMs, directly contributing to team optimization and competitive viability.
In summary, the Battle Tree stands as a key element of the Sun and Moon post game, providing a structured environment for competitive battling and strategic team building. The challenges presented by the Battle Tree demand a thorough understanding of Pokmon mechanics and strategic planning, while the rewards earned within the facility contribute to team optimization and long-term engagement. Its integration within the post-game content ensures players have a consistent and challenging outlet for refining their skills and expanding their competitive capabilities.
4. Zygarde Cell Collection
The Zygarde Cell Collection represents a significant exploration and completion aspect within the Sun and Moon post game. Post-story, players are tasked with gathering scattered Zygarde Cells and Cores throughout the Alola region. These components are essential for assembling Zygarde, a legendary Pokmon with multiple forms, providing a lengthy and rewarding challenge that extends gameplay beyond the initial narrative.
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Cell and Core Locations
Zygarde Cells and Cores are distributed across all four islands of Alola, often hidden in obscure locations. Their locations are fixed, but they only appear during specific times of day, requiring methodical exploration and repeated visits to different areas. For example, some cells are found only at night near specific landmarks, while others are accessible only during the day along certain routes. The acquisition of each cell contributes to the overall progression of assembling Zygarde, creating a sense of accomplishment for dedicated collectors.
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Zygarde Cube Functionality
The Zygarde Cube serves as a repository for collected Cells and Cores. It is a key item received early in the Sun and Moon post game that is essential for tracking the number of cells collected and facilitating the assembly of Zygarde. The Cube provides hints as to the general location of remaining cells, assisting players in their search. Without the Zygarde Cube, the process of locating and collecting these components would be significantly more difficult, emphasizing its integral role in the post-game challenge.
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Zygarde Forms and Assembly
The assembled Zygarde can take on different forms depending on the number of Cells collected. At 10% completion, Zygarde manifests as a dog-like creature, while at 50% completion, it adopts a serpentine form. Only by collecting all 100 Cells and integrating them with a Zygarde Core can the player obtain Zygarde in its complete form, showcasing the legendary Pokmon’s full power. This tiered assembly process incentivizes thorough exploration and commitment to the collection task.
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Battle Strategy Implications
A fully assembled Zygarde is a powerful asset for competitive battling, possessing high stats and a unique signature move. Obtaining Zygarde necessitates a significant investment of time and effort, but it rewards the player with a formidable Pokmon capable of holding its own against challenging opponents. This serves as a driving force for completionists and competitive players alike, providing a practical benefit to the cell collection endeavor within the Sun and Moon post game.
The Zygarde Cell Collection adds depth and longevity to the Sun and Moon post game by encouraging exploration, problem-solving, and strategic team building. The process of assembling Zygarde, from its fragmented components to its complete form, aligns with the game’s themes of discovery and perseverance, providing a satisfying conclusion to the post-story content. The availability of a powerful legendary Pokmon as a reward further reinforces the value of this extensive collection challenge.
5. Tapu Guardian Rematches
Tapu Guardian Rematches constitute a crucial element of the sun and moon post game, representing a significant test of player progression and strategic acumen. After completing the main story and becoming the Alola region’s champion, trainers gain the opportunity to re-challenge the four Tapu guardians: Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Fini. These rematches are not merely reiterations of the initial encounters; the Tapu guardians possess significantly higher levels, altered move sets, and enhanced strategic capabilities, presenting a formidable challenge even to seasoned players. The availability of these rematches serves as a direct result of the player’s actions in safeguarding Alola, thereby reinforcing the importance of their role and providing an extension to the narrative through challenging gameplay. Successfully defeating these guardians validates the player’s mastery of Pokmon battling mechanics and team composition strategies within the framework of the post-game content.
The strategic implications of understanding Tapu Guardian Rematches are considerable. Players must meticulously prepare their teams, taking into account the changed move sets and increased levels of the Tapu guardians. For example, Tapu Koko’s rematch may feature additional Electric-type moves or increased speed, requiring players to adjust their counter-strategies accordingly. Furthermore, the Tapu guardians’ abilities, such as Electric Surge, Psychic Surge, Grassy Surge, and Misty Surge, significantly alter the battlefield conditions, demanding adaptive decision-making during battle. Understanding these factors allows players to exploit weaknesses, mitigate threats, and formulate effective battle plans. Winning these rematches provides not only a sense of accomplishment but also valuable insight into high-level competitive battling strategies, applicable to other facets of the sun and moon post game and online play.
In conclusion, Tapu Guardian Rematches are an essential component of the sun and moon post game, offering a challenging and rewarding experience for players who have completed the main story. These rematches require careful planning, strategic team composition, and a deep understanding of Pokmon battling mechanics. The ability to overcome these powerful opponents validates the player’s skills and provides a stepping stone towards mastering the game’s competitive landscape. Success in these rematches underscores the value of the sun and moon post game in extending the gameplay experience and delivering meaningful challenges to dedicated players.
6. Cosmog/Cosmoem Acquisition
The acquisition of Cosmog and its evolution, Cosmoem, represents a unique and story-driven element of the sun and moon post game. Following the resolution of the main narrative, players gain access to an event that allows them to obtain this rare Pokmon, impacting team composition and contributing to completionist goals.
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The Alternate Dimension Visit
Post-League, the player can revisit the Altar of the Sunne/Moone in the opposite game’s time (night in Sun, day in Moon) and enter an Ultra Wormhole. This event transports them to an alternate world where they can interact with Lillie and the other legendary Pokmon and receive the Cosmog, this narrative context enhancing the significance of its acquisition within the post-game content.
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Evolution to Cosmoem
The Cosmog obtained is at Level 5 and must be trained to Level 43 to evolve into Cosmoem. This process requires dedicated effort and investment from the player, encouraging engagement with the training and battling aspects of the sun and moon post game. The transformation provides a tangible sense of progression and achievement.
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Significance of Obtaining a Legendary
Cosmog/Cosmoem are pre-evolutions of Solgaleo (Sun) and Lunala (Moon), two of the most powerful legendary Pokmon in the Alola region. Acquiring Cosmog and evolving it provides access to either Solgaleo or Lunala, significantly strengthening the player’s team and opening up new strategic possibilities for competitive battling and other post-game challenges. This access to power solidifies its importance.
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Limited Availability and Uniqueness
Unlike some other legendary Pokmon, Cosmog is obtainable only once per game save file through this specific post-game event. This limited availability elevates its value and makes it a highly sought-after addition to any player’s team. Its exclusivity reinforces its role as a key component of the sun and moon post game experience.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Cosmog/Cosmoem serves as a compelling post-game objective, blending narrative significance with strategic benefits and collection-based rewards. This feature enriches the sun and moon post game content by providing players with a rare and powerful Pokmon that enhances both their in-game team and their overall sense of accomplishment.
7. Island Scan Pokmon
The Island Scan function offers a unique method for encountering Pokmon not native to the Alola region, adding a distinctive layer to the sun and moon post game experience. Accessible after the main story, this feature allows players to scan QR codes to locate and encounter rare Pokmon, enriching the post-game exploration and team-building possibilities.
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QR Code Acquisition and Usage
Players accumulate points by scanning QR codes found throughout the real world or online. Once sufficient points are gathered, the Island Scan feature becomes available for use on a specific Alola island. This mechanic introduces an element of real-world interaction and incentivizes exploration beyond the confines of the game itself. The scanned Pokmon becomes temporarily available for encounter, adding a sense of urgency to the search.
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Limited Availability and Encounter Rates
The Pokmon revealed by the Island Scan are only available for a limited time after the scan is activated. This constraint adds a challenge to the process, requiring players to act quickly and efficiently to locate and capture the desired Pokmon. The encounter rate for these scanned Pokmon can be relatively low, further increasing the difficulty and the reward associated with successfully capturing them. This rarity enhances their desirability among collectors and competitive players in the sun and moon post game.
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Regional Exclusivity and Diversity
The Island Scan feature grants access to Pokmon species not normally found within the Alola region, expanding the available roster and providing opportunities for unique team compositions. This mechanic diversifies the post-game experience by allowing players to acquire Pokmon from other regions, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Examples include starters from previous generations or Pokmon with specific move sets not naturally obtainable in Alola, thereby improving strategic depth.
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Strategic Team Building Implications
The addition of non-native Pokmon through the Island Scan function significantly impacts team-building strategies within the sun and moon post game. Players can utilize these rare encounters to fill gaps in their teams, exploit type advantages, or experiment with new battling techniques. This increased team customization allows for a more personalized and competitive experience, motivating continued engagement and strategic refinement during the post-game phase.
The integration of the Island Scan feature provides a compelling incentive to explore the Alola region and engage with the sun and moon post game. By combining real-world interaction with in-game challenges and rewards, this mechanic enhances the overall player experience and promotes continued exploration and team-building long after the main story’s conclusion. The acquisition of rare and powerful Pokmon through Island Scan contributes to a more diverse and engaging post-game environment.
8. Trainer School Completion
Completion of the Trainer School within Pokmon Sun and Moon, while accessible early in the game, bears significance within the context of the sun and moon post game. The initial visit to the Trainer School serves primarily as an introduction to basic Pokmon mechanics and battling strategies. However, revisiting and completing all available challenges after becoming the Alola region champion unlocks additional rewards and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the game’s underlying systems. Therefore, the initial encounter acts as a foundation for a later, more meaningful engagement in the sun and moon post game. For instance, clearing the school challenges with a fully optimized team provides practical experience in applying advanced strategies, which are crucial for success in the Battle Tree or against rematched Totem Pokmon.
The practical significance of understanding this connection lies in maximizing the efficiency of team training and strategic planning during the sun and moon post game. The rewards obtained from completing the Trainer School challenges, such as items that boost experience gains or enhance Pokmon stats, directly contribute to a more streamlined process of preparing Pokmon for competitive battles. Furthermore, the challenges themselves offer opportunities to experiment with different team compositions and battle tactics, honing the player’s skills and providing valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of various Pokmon. Revisiting the Trainer School as a seasoned player also offers a fresh perspective on the game’s fundamental mechanics, reinforcing the importance of strategic planning and adaptability in higher-level gameplay.
In summary, while Trainer School Completion is an early game activity, its benefits extend into the sun and moon post game. Revisiting and mastering the Trainer School challenges offers tangible rewards and strategic experience, enriching the player’s understanding of Pokmon battling and contributing to success in other post-game endeavors. This delayed gratification underscores the interconnected nature of the game’s progression system and reinforces the value of revisiting seemingly trivial content with a more experienced perspective.
9. Alola Photo Club
The Alola Photo Club, a feature within Pokmon Sun and Moon, gains extended relevance during the sun and moon post game. While initially available earlier, its true value unfolds after completing the main storyline. The club allows players to take photographs with their Pokmon in various locations, offering a creative outlet. During the sun and moon post game, the Alola Photo Club becomes more appealing for several reasons. Firstly, players have access to a wider range of Pokmon, including legendaries and Ultra Beasts acquired through post-game events, increasing the diversity of photo opportunities. Secondly, completing the game grants players more freedom to explore the Alola region, enabling them to discover new and scenic locations suitable for photography. The increased power of the player’s team allows for easier navigation and access to previously challenging areas, enhancing the photographic possibilities. Therefore, the Alola Photo Club provides an enjoyable and accessible activity that leverages and enhances the freedom granted to the player after the main story concludes.
The practical significance of understanding the Alola Photo Club’s connection to the sun and moon post game lies in appreciating its contribution to player engagement and personalization. The ability to capture unique moments with favorite Pokmon fosters a deeper connection with the game world. Furthermore, sharing these photographs with other players online encourages social interaction and community building. This feature extends the lifespan of the game by offering an ongoing and non-competitive objective that complements more traditional post-game activities such as battling and collection. For instance, players might create themed photo albums showcasing their journey through the Alola region or capturing humorous scenarios with their Pokmon, adding a personal touch to their gameplay experience. The Alola Photo Club, while seemingly simple, effectively diversifies the post-game content, catering to players who appreciate creativity and self-expression.
In summary, the Alola Photo Club becomes a more compelling feature within the context of the sun and moon post game due to increased access to Pokmon and locations. Its value lies in providing a creative outlet, encouraging player engagement, and fostering social interaction. While not a central component like battling or collection, the Alola Photo Club contributes to a more rounded and personalized post-game experience, ensuring that players have diverse options for continuing their adventure in the Alola region. The challenge lies in appreciating the subtle ways in which this seemingly minor feature enhances the overall gameplay loop and extends the longevity of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following addresses common inquiries regarding activities and content available after completing the main storyline in Pokmon Sun and Moon.
Question 1: What activities become available after defeating the Elite Four and becoming Champion?
Upon becoming Champion, several new features and events unlock. These include the Ultra Beast side quest, the Rainbow Rocket Episode, access to the Battle Tree, the ability to collect Zygarde Cells, rematches against the Island Kahunas and Tapu guardians, and the opportunity to obtain Cosmog.
Question 2: What is the Ultra Beast side quest, and how does it function?
The Ultra Beast side quest involves capturing various Ultra Beasts that appear throughout the Alola region. These creatures are powerful Pokmon from alternate dimensions. The player receives specific missions from the International Police to track down and capture these entities, typically involving challenging battles and exploration.
Question 3: Can the legendary Pokmon originally chosen at the beginning be caught in both the Sun and Moon post-game?
Yes, an event allows players to journey to an alternate dimension. There, they have the opportunity to receive a Cosmog, which will evolve into either Solgaleo (in Sun) or Lunala (in Moon), irrespective of the version initially chosen.
Question 4: How does one access and navigate the Battle Tree?
The Battle Tree is located on Poni Island. Players can challenge a series of trainers to test their battling skills. Successful completion of battles earns Battle Points, which can be exchanged for valuable items that assist in competitive battling.
Question 5: What is the purpose of collecting Zygarde Cells?
Zygarde Cells are scattered throughout the Alola region and can be collected using the Zygarde Cube. Gathering these cells allows the player to assemble different forms of the legendary Pokmon Zygarde, culminating in its complete form at 100% cell collection.
Question 6: Is completing the Pokedex a requirement to fully complete the Sun and Moon post game?
While completing the Pokedex is not technically required, doing so provides access to the Shiny Charm, an item that increases the likelihood of encountering shiny Pokmon. This enhances the experience for completionists and those interested in shiny hunting.
Key takeaways include the availability of numerous quests and activities designed to extend the gameplay experience, challenging battles, and exploration opportunities. Strategic planning and team composition are essential for success in the post-game content.
The next section will delve deeper into specific strategies for tackling the Battle Tree challenges.
Strategic Approaches to the Sun and Moon Post Game
The following outlines effective tactics for maximizing success within the extended gameplay of Pokmon Sun and Moon.
Tip 1: Optimize Team Composition for Ultra Beast Encounters: Prioritize Pokmon with type advantages against known Ultra Beasts. For example, Electric and Grass-type Pokmon are effective against Water-type Ultra Beasts, while Fire and Rock-type Pokmon counter Bug-types.
Tip 2: Master Battle Tree Strategies: Develop versatile team compositions capable of handling various opponent types and battle formats. Consider incorporating Pokmon with strong coverage moves and strategic abilities to counter common threats.
Tip 3: Employ Systematic Zygarde Cell Collection: Utilize a checklist or map to track the locations of Zygarde Cells. Visit each location at the appropriate time of day to ensure all cells are collected efficiently. Coordinate collection efforts to minimize travel time.
Tip 4: Prepare for Tapu Guardian Rematches: Analyze the changed move sets and strategies employed by the Tapu guardians. Adapt team compositions accordingly, focusing on type matchups and exploiting weaknesses. Consider using Z-Moves strategically to gain an advantage.
Tip 5: Leverage Island Scan for Team Enhancement: Utilize Island Scan strategically to acquire Pokmon with specific abilities or move sets that complement existing team members. Prioritize Pokmon that fill type gaps or provide strategic advantages in competitive battling.
Tip 6: Optimize EV Training and IV Breeding: Spend time optimizing EV and IV stats for competitive Pokemon and prepare for battling the most strong NPC trainer and online trainer.
Effective planning and strategic decision-making are paramount for navigating the challenges and opportunities within the sun and moon post game. Utilizing these tactics will enhance success and maximize the enjoyment of the extended gameplay experience.
The subsequent sections will provide a detailed analysis of team building strategies for competitive battling.
Conclusion
The preceding sections have detailed the multifaceted aspects of the sun and moon post game. From capturing powerful Ultra Beasts and battling villainous teams to collecting Zygarde Cells and challenging formidable trainers, the content available after the main storyline completion significantly expands the gameplay experience. Each activity offers distinct challenges and rewards, enriching the player’s understanding of Pokmon mechanics and strategic team building.
The sun and moon post game thus provides a robust extension to the core narrative, offering a platform for continued engagement and skill refinement. The strategic considerations and challenges presented therein ensure that the adventure in the Alola region extends well beyond the initial resolution, providing a fulfilling and engaging experience for dedicated players.
