To start a new game in Pokémon Moon, turn on your Nintendo 3DS, select the Pokémon Moon game icon, and then choose ‘New Game’ from the main menu.
Eager to embark on a fresh adventure in the Alola region? Many players wonder ‘how do i start a new game in pokemon moon’ after a long break or if they’re handing their game to someone new. We understand the anticipation, and it’s quite simple.
This process essentially wipes the slate clean, so you can experience the journey from the very beginning, meeting familiar faces and catching all the pokemon again. Follow the steps listed above, and you will be on your way to becoming the best trainer in Alola.
How Do I Start a New Game in Pokémon Moon?
Ready to dive into the sunny Alola region again? Whether you’re a seasoned Pokémon trainer or a new adventurer, starting a fresh game in Pokémon Moon is an exciting experience. You get to choose your first partner Pokémon, meet new friends, and explore all the island challenges once more. But how exactly do you begin this journey? Don’t worry, it’s simple! Let’s explore the steps to get you back into the world of Pokémon Moon.
Preparing Your Nintendo 3DS
Before you can even think about starting a new game, you have to make sure your Nintendo 3DS system is all set. This step is crucial because without a charged console, your adventure will be over before it even starts. So, let’s get the basic stuff out of the way.
Powering Up
First, ensure that your Nintendo 3DS is fully charged. It’s super frustrating to be in the middle of choosing your first Pokémon and have your system die! So, plug in your 3DS and let it charge until the light turns off. This means it’s fully charged and ready to go. If you’re using a New Nintendo 3DS or 2DS model, remember the charging port placement may differ slightly compared to older versions.
Game Cartridge Check
Next, make sure your Pokémon Moon game cartridge is properly inserted into the 3DS game slot. You’ll usually find this slot on the top or side of the console, depending on your specific 3DS model. Push the cartridge in gently until you hear a click, which means it’s securely in place. Double-check to make sure it’s flush with the console casing and isn’t sticking out. A loose cartridge can sometimes cause issues or not be recognized, preventing the game from starting. If you don’t have a physical copy, you need to ensure the digital copy is downloaded from the Nintendo eShop onto your 3DS. A digital copy means you do not require the cartridge to be inserted to play the game.
SD Card Essentials
Having enough space on your SD card is important. The game saves your progress on the SD card which is necessary for continued play. If you get a message telling you that your card is full or almost full, you can either delete some old data or invest in a larger SD card. This will allow you to save your game easily and also download or update any new data for other games.
Starting the Game
Okay, with all that taken care of, now comes the fun part: starting the actual game! It’s really easy, just follow these few steps.
Turning on Your 3DS
Press the power button on your 3DS. You’ll see the Nintendo 3DS logo appear on the top screen, and then you’ll be taken to the HOME Menu. This is where you’ll see all your games and applications. If you don’t see the game there yet, double check that the cartridge is inserted correctly.
Selecting Pokémon Moon
Use your stylus or the control pad to navigate through your HOME Menu and look for the Pokémon Moon icon. The icon usually has the Pokémon Moon logo, which makes it easy to spot. Tap on the icon with your stylus or press “A” to select the game. Once you’ve done that, the game will begin loading up. You can see the title screen of Pokémon Moon.
The Title Screen
When the game starts, you’ll usually see the Pokémon Moon title screen which has the game’s logo and maybe some cool Pokémon animations. This screen will have an option usually says “Start” or “New Game.” This is how you start the game. If you see “Continue,” that means that you have saved data. To start fresh, you should always select “New Game”.
Beginning a New Adventure
You’ve successfully started the game, now it’s time to start your brand-new adventure. But, there are some important things to take note of.
The Initial Cutscene
You will usually be greeted with an introductory cutscene. Usually there will be a character telling you about the world of Pokémon or introducing some important characters. It is best to pay attention during this cutscene as it provides you some background into the Pokémon world that you are going to explore and helps introduce the setting, theme and tone of the game. You may see the famous Professor Kukui in this cutscene. Professor Kukui plays a really big role in the game and provides important tutorials and guides. Try to pay attention to what he says.
Language Selection
Before you dive deep, the game will usually ask you to choose your preferred language for the game text. Pick the language you’re most comfortable with, as this will make reading the game dialogues and instructions much easier to understand. Once selected, you usually cannot change this setting later without restarting your game. So make your choice carefully!
Setting Up Your Trainer Profile
Next, you’ll be asked to create your in-game character, the player avatar for this adventure. This usually involves things like choosing your character’s name, gender, and appearance. This will represent you as you explore the Alola region. These are usually not permanent decisions and you can change these later using in game settings or by starting the game again.
Choosing your Name
You will be asked to enter your character’s name, this can be anything you like from your own name or a character that you like. Be creative and have fun with it. You will be referred to by this name by all other characters in the game. Make sure you like it!
Selecting your Gender
The game will ask you to chose a gender. It can be a girl or a boy. This choice will affect your trainer’s appearance and sometimes some clothes that you wear in the game, and other than this choice does not really affect the gameplay. There is no wrong choice here and it all comes down to what you like and what you prefer.
Customizing your Appearance
Next, you will be given some options to further customize your trainer’s appearance like your clothes, hair style and skin tone. Select the ones you like the most. You are not stuck with these choices as they can be changed later on using in game features and can be changed in specific locations and shops. This allows you to make your trainer your own and give your character that personal touch.
Choosing Your Starter Pokémon
Now for the most exciting part – selecting your first Pokémon! This choice is a really important one as you will be stuck with this Pokemon for at least a good portion of the game. So choose wisely.
The Options
In Pokémon Moon, you will be presented with three starter Pokémon: Rowlet (a Grass and Flying-type), Litten (a Fire-type), and Popplio (a Water-type). Each of them has their own unique abilities and advantages, and will become a very good partner to you in the game.
- Rowlet: A Grass and Flying-type, this Pokémon starts with a defensive advantage and is good against Water-type Pokémon. Rowlet evolves into Dartrix and then Decidueye.
- Litten: A Fire-type, Litten is good in offense. This little cat Pokémon can deal huge amounts of damage and is a good choice if you like attacking. Litten evolves into Torracat and then Incineroar.
- Popplio: A Water-type, Popplio has balanced stats. This little sea lion is very versatile and can provide good support and attack power. Popplio evolves into Brionne and then Primarina.
Making Your Decision
Take your time to consider each Pokémon carefully. Think about their types, their evolution lines, and how they might fit into your battle strategy. Also, consider what starter Pokémon you like the most. There’s no right or wrong choice, so pick the one you find the most appealing. Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time with this Pokémon, so make sure you are happy with your decision.
Confirmation
After making your choice, the game will usually ask you to confirm your selection. Take one last look at the Pokémon you’ve chosen and make sure that’s the one that you want. Once you confirm, your adventure with your very first Pokémon will officially start and you will be introduced to the Alola Region.
Navigating the Alola Region
With your starter Pokémon by your side, the real journey begins. It’s important to know the basics of navigating and gameplay in Pokémon Moon.
Understanding the User Interface
The game’s screen displays important information such as your health bar for your Pokémon, the current location you are at and also includes buttons to access your bag and other menus. Take some time to get acquainted with the interface so you will have an easy time to play the game.
Movement and Exploration
Use the control pad to move your character around the map. The Alola region is full of surprises so take your time to explore every nook and cranny. You can interact with objects and other characters to gain valuable information and items to progress in the game. Don’t be afraid to wander and see what you can find.
Battling Basics
Battling is a core aspect of the game. When you encounter a wild Pokémon or face another trainer, you will enter a battle. The battle screen will show your Pokémon’s health, moves, the enemy’s Pokémon and other important informations. Use your Pokémon’s attacks wisely and always try to use type advantages. With each battle you will learn more about battling strategies and will be able to become a better trainer.
Saving Your Game
Remember to save your game frequently! You don’t want to lose any of your progress by getting caught out without a recent save. You can save your game by going into the menu. Always save before you engage in a difficult fight or before turning off the game. This way, you will not lose a lot of progress and it will save you a lot of frustration.
Tips for a Great Start
To make your new game in Pokémon Moon even more amazing, here are a few handy tips:
- Talk to Everyone: Non-player characters (NPCs) in the game provide hints, quests, and useful items. Always talk to everyone you meet and explore all the options in the game, they may give you something really cool!
- Experiment with different attacks: Don’t be afraid to test out the different moves your Pokémon learns, some move sets are way more useful than others.
- Catch a variety of Pokémon: Having a diverse team of Pokémon will help you in many different situations. Try to catch new Pokémon whenever you get the chance.
- Use the Pokémon Refresh feature: You can bond and care for your Pokémon using this feature, and make them more powerful in battle.
Starting a new game in Pokémon Moon is a fantastic adventure. By following these steps, you will easily begin your journey through the Alola region. Remember, take your time to explore, train your Pokémon, and have fun. The Alola region awaits you!
Enjoy your journey, and become the best Pokémon trainer you can be!
How to start a New Game in Pokémon Sun and Moon!
Final Thoughts
To begin a fresh Pokémon Moon adventure, simply select “New Game” from the main menu. Ensure you have backed up any previous save data if needed. This action will completely overwrite any existing progress.
The game will guide you through the initial setup. You’ll choose your character’s name and appearance. Then the story will begin. Remembering how do i start a new game in pokemon moon is crucial for any fresh play through.



