Free Pokemon And Items Available For Ultra Sun And Ultra Moon Players

Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, released on the Nintendo 3DS in November 2017, continue to receive support from The Pokemon Company through various free distributions and promotional items. Even as the series moves to new platforms with Pokemon Sword and Shield on the Switch, players of these 3DS titles can still access a variety of free Pokemon and in-game items. This comprehensive guide details all the freebies currently available or recently distributed for Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, including special gift Pokemon from in-game NPCs, limited-time Legendary distributions, and cross-promotional items.

Free Pokemon from In-Game NPCs

Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon feature several non-player characters (NPCs) scattered across the Alola Islands who distribute free Pokemon to players. These gift-giving opportunities are built directly into the game and don't require special codes or external redemption methods. Like the previous titles in the series, these NPCs can be easy to miss during a normal playthrough, making it worthwhile to explore thoroughly.

Some particularly valuable Pokemon can be obtained through these NPCs, including rare and powerful specimens such as Zygarde, Type: Null, and even Ultra Beasts like Poipole. The availability of these gift Pokemon is permanent, meaning they can be obtained at any point after reaching the appropriate locations in the game's story. Players should make a habit of speaking to every NPC they encounter, as some may offer valuable free Pokemon as rewards for simple conversations or minor tasks.

Limited-Time Legendary Pokemon Giveaways

The Pokemon Company has consistently supported Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon with time-limited distributions of Legendary Pokemon. These promotions typically span several weeks and require players to obtain special download codes from participating retailers or through the Pokemon Trainer Club website. The availability of these Legendary Pokemon is restricted to specific timeframes, so players must act quickly to secure these powerful additions to their teams.

Numerous Legendary Pokemon have been distributed through these promotional events, with each month featuring different creatures from various regions of the Pokemon world. The specific Legendary received often depends on which version of the game the player owns, with Ultra Sun and Sun players typically receiving different Pokemon than Ultra Moon and Moon players.

Legendary Pokemon Distribution Details

Latios and Latias

The twin Eon Pokemon, Latios and Latias, were distributed as September's freebies. In the United States, these Pokemon were available at Best Buy stores from September 2-29. Players of Sun and Ultra Sun received the more defensive Latias, while Moon and Ultra Moon players obtained the more attack-oriented Latios. In Europe and Australia, these Pokemon were available for download from the Nintendo Network until September 23.

Reshiram and Zekrom

Pokemon Black and White's cover monsters, Reshiram and Zekrom, were distributed during October. US residents could obtain download codes from participating retailers during this period, while European players could download them via the Mystery Gift function on the Nintendo Network. As with other distributions, the specific Pokemon received depended on the game version.

Groudon and Kyogre

The legendary duo from Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, Groudon and Kyogre, were available as August's free Pokemon. In the United States, players could obtain download codes at participating GameStop stores from August 3-26. Those with Sun or Ultra Sun received Kyogre, while players with Moon or Ultra Moon obtained Groudon.

Entei and Raikou

The legendary beasts Entei and Raikrom from the Johto region were distributed in April. US players could obtain download codes at Target stores from April 10-29, while European players could access them via the Mystery Gift function. Sun and Ultra Sun players received Entei, while Moon and Ultra Moon players received Raikou.

Xerneas and Yveltal

Pokemon X and Y's cover monsters, Xerneas and Yveltal, were available in May. From May 4-27, US players could obtain download codes at GameStop stores, while UK players could get them from Game retailers. Sun and Ultra Sun players received Yveltal, while Moon and Ultra Moon players received Xerneas.

Shiny Zygarde

The Kalos Legendary Zygarde was distributed in June as a special Shiny variant. Regardless of game version, all players received this Order Pokemon, though its moveset differed between versions. US players could obtain download codes at GameStop from June 1-24, while players in Europe and Australia could receive it via Mystery Gift over the Nintendo Network.

Tornadus and Thundurus

The Tao trio members Tornadus and Thundurus from Pokemon Black and White were distributed in July. US players could obtain download codes at Target stores from July 13-28, while European players could access them via the Nintendo Network. Sun and Ultra Sun players received Thundurus, while Moon and Ultra Moon players received Tornadus.

Regigigas and Heatran

Starting March 1, players could access Regigigas and Heatran, originally from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. Unlike previous distributions, these Pokemon were available as digital downloads from the Pokemon Trainer Club newsletter. Players needed to create a Trainer Club account to receive the download code. Ultra Sun and Sun players received Regigigas, while Ultra Moon and Moon players received Heatran.

Dialga and Palkia

The cover monsters from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Dialga and Palkia, were available in February. These were distributed at GameStop stores, with different Pokemon available depending on the game version.

Special Promotional Pokemon

Shiny Poipole

To celebrate the release of the Pokemon TCG's Dragon Majesty expansion, The Pokemon Company distributed a special Shiny Poipole. US players could obtain download codes at GameStop stores from September 17 to October 7, while UK players could get them at Smyths until October 15. This special Poipole was white and gold and already knew the move Dragon Pulse, necessary to evolve into Naganadel.

Celebi

Players who purchased Pokemon Gold or Silver from the 3DS eShop by September 21, 2018 received a bonus download code for the Mythical Pokemon Celebi. This code could be redeemed in Pokemon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, or Ultra Moon.

Cross-Game Promotional Items

In addition to Pokemon distributions, The Pokemon Company has collaborated with other Pokemon titles to promote Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Notably, Pokemon GO offered special avatar items to celebrate the launch of the 3DS games.

The mobile game distributed free items inspired by the Alola region, including sandals, shorts, sun hats, flowery tank tops, and sneakers. By equipping these items, Pokemon GO trainers could customize their avatars to resemble trainers from Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon. This marked the first time Pokemon GO promoted another title from the Pokemon franchise, demonstrating the interconnected nature of the brand's promotional strategies.

How to Redeem Free Pokemon

Most of the distributed Legendary Pokemon require players to obtain special download codes and then redeem them through the game's Mystery Gift function. The process generally follows these steps:

1. Obtain a download code from a participating retailer or through the Pokemon Trainer Club website.
2. Turn on the Nintendo 3DS and launch Pokemon Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon.
3. From the main menu, select Mystery Gift.
4. Choose Receive Gift, then Get via Internet.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to the internet and download the Pokemon.
6. Once downloaded, speak to the delivery person in any Pokemon Center to receive the Pokemon.

For Pokemon distributed through the Pokemon Trainer Club, players must first create an account on the official Pokemon website and subscribe to the newsletter to receive the download code. The code can then be redeemed using the Mystery Gift function as described above.

Some special Pokemon, like the Shiny Zygarde, were available via Mystery Gift without requiring a physical code, allowing players to download them directly through the Nintendo Network.

Conclusion

Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon continue to offer players numerous opportunities to add rare and powerful Pokemon to their teams through various free distributions. From time-limited Legendary giveaways to permanent gift Pokemon from in-game NPCs, players have multiple ways to expand their collections without purchasing additional content.

The Pokemon Company's ongoing support for these games demonstrates their commitment to maintaining player engagement even as the series transitions to new platforms. By taking advantage of these distributions, players can complete their Pokedex, prepare competitive teams, or simply enjoy the thrill of obtaining rare Pokemon at no cost.

For the most current information on upcoming distributions, players should regularly check official Pokemon channels, as new promotions may be announced at any time. With each new distribution, the possibilities for adventure in the Alola region continue to expand, keeping the world of Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon vibrant and engaging for trainers of all levels.

Sources

1. New Pokemon Go Update Brings Free Items From Ultra Sun and Moon
2. All The Free Pokemon And Items Still Available For Pokemon Ultra Sun / Moon Right Now
3. Pokemon Ultra Sun Moon Where To Get Free Pokemon Gift NPC Locations
4. Check Out The Next Free Legendary Pokemon For Ultra Sun And Moon