Starting Fresh: Your Guide To Pokémon Moon On 3DS

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Hey there, fellow Pokémon trainers! Ever felt the itch to embark on a brand-new adventure in the Alola region? Maybe you've conquered the Elite Four, caught 'em all, or just want to experience the magic of Pokémon Moon again. Whatever the reason, starting a new game on your 3DS is super easy, and I'm here to walk you through it. This guide is all about getting you back into the vibrant world of Alola, so you can catch, battle, and explore all over again. We'll cover everything from the initial steps to some helpful tips for your new journey. So, grab your 3DS, get comfy, and let's dive into how to start a new game in Pokémon Moon!

Step-by-Step: Erasing Your Old Save Data

Alright, guys, before we can even think about starting a new game, we gotta clear out the old save data. Don't worry, it's a straightforward process, and I'll guide you through it. Just remember, once you do this, your old game is gone, so make sure you're ready to say goodbye to your Pokémon and progress. Ready? Here's how to do it:

Launch Pokémon Moon: Make sure your 3DS is on, and the Pokémon Moon game card is inserted. Then, go ahead and launch the game. You'll see the title screen with the beautiful Alolan scenery and the game's logo.
The Secret Button Combo: Here's the magic trick! While the game is displaying the title screen (before you press any buttons to start), hold down the Up button on the directional pad, the B button, and the X button simultaneously. Keep holding them down… don't let go!
The Deletion Confirmation: Keep holding those buttons until you're prompted with a message asking if you want to delete your save data. The game will display a warning message, emphasizing that this action will erase all saved data. Pay close attention to this message. It's your last chance to back out!
Confirm the Deletion: The game will ask, in clear terms, if you want to delete all saved data. To confirm that you really want to delete your save data, you will have to press the “Yes” button to confirm your actions, and then the game will automatically delete all the saved data.
Restart Your Adventure: Once the save data is deleted, the game will restart. You'll be back at the beginning, ready to choose your starter Pokémon and begin your new adventure in the Alola region! Congratulations, you've successfully erased your old save file, and now you are ready to start playing the game once again! You can start a completely new adventure now.

Important Considerations Before Deleting Your Save Data

Before you go ahead and erase your save data, here are a few things to keep in mind, because once it's gone, it's gone! Think about it, and make sure that this is what you really want to do!

Irreversible Action: Once you delete your save data, there's no way to get it back, guys. So, make absolutely sure you're ready to say goodbye to your current game before proceeding. Are you absolutely certain? Have you completed everything you wanted to do? Did you catch all the Pokémon? Did you reach the maximum level? Or have you reached the goal you always wanted to get? Think well!
Trading and Pokémon Bank: If you want to keep any of your Pokémon, consider trading them to another game or transferring them to Pokémon Bank. Pokémon Bank is a paid service that allows you to store your Pokémon in the cloud, giving you access to them even after deleting your save data. Note that you need a subscription to access this service.
Hidden Items and Events: Did you know that there are some events or items that are only available once per save file? Make sure you've collected any items or participated in any events that you want to keep before deleting your data. Some rare items will only be available once per game, so make sure to collect them. Some events will also be available for a limited time.
Enjoy the Journey: Deleting your save data is a big decision, so take some time to reflect. Do you want to explore the game from scratch, or do you prefer to keep your progress? Do you want to replay the adventure, or would you prefer a different game? Think well, and then choose!

Getting Started: Choosing Your Starter Pokémon

Okay, so you've wiped the slate clean. Now comes the exciting part: starting your new Pokémon journey! As the Professor Kukui will guide you through the initial sequence of the game. Let's get to the fun part: selecting your starter Pokémon! This is a big decision, as your starter will be your companion throughout your adventure. In Pokémon Moon, you get to choose from three amazing options:

Rowlet (Grass/Flying): The adorable little owl Pokémon. Rowlet evolves into Dartrix and then Decidueye. Decidueye is a powerful Grass/Ghost-type, known for its strong Special Attack and unique design.
Litten (Fire): The fiery little feline Pokémon. Litten evolves into Torracat and then Incineroar. Incineroar is a Fire/Dark-type, a fierce wrestling-themed Pokémon with high Attack stats.
Popplio (Water): The playful little sea lion Pokémon. Popplio evolves into Brionne and then Primarina. Primarina is a Water/Fairy-type, known for its beautiful design and strong Special Attack.

Deciding on the Right Starter for You

Choosing your starter is all about personal preference and playstyle. Here's a little breakdown to help you decide:

Rowlet: If you like a Pokémon with a unique type combination and a cool design, Rowlet is a great choice. Its final evolution, Decidueye, offers good type coverage and can be a strong special attacker. However, its typing leaves it vulnerable to common attacks.
Litten: If you love a powerful, attack-oriented Pokémon, Litten is a fantastic pick. Incineroar's Fire/Dark typing gives it good offensive capabilities and access to some powerful moves. This Pokémon is a great choice if you like to hit hard and fast.
Popplio: If you prefer a graceful Pokémon with a Fairy-type edge, Popplio is a solid choice. Primarina's Water/Fairy typing provides great defensive synergy and access to a diverse move pool. This is perfect for those who like to be a bit more versatile and strategic in battles.

Other Helpful Tips for Beginners

Now, let’s go over some tips to help you in your new adventure.

Naming Your Trainer: You can enter your name in the beginning. Choose a name that suits you well, and then you are good to go!
Explore the World: Take your time to explore the Alola region. Talk to NPCs, check every corner, and get to know the world around you. This will help you learn about the game and will help you to progress.
Catching Pokémon: Get used to catching them. You will see that different Pokémon will appear depending on the area, and they all have different stats and characteristics. Try to catch different types of Pokémon, to better understand how they work.
Battle with Other Trainers: Don't be afraid to battle with other trainers. You can challenge other trainers to gain experience and strengthen your Pokémon. The more you battle, the stronger your Pokémon will get.
Level Up Your Pokémon: Make sure to level up your Pokémon by battling trainers and wild Pokémon. The stronger they get, the better you will perform in battle!
Collect the Items: Collect as many items as you can. Items are very important when playing the game, and some will make your adventure much easier.

Advanced Tips and Tricks for Your New Game

Alright, you've chosen your starter, you are exploring the world, and you’re ready to become the champion. But wait, there are other tricks to help you along the way! If you want to dive deeper into the game, try these advanced tips and tricks:

IV Breeding: Breeding can make you much stronger, as you can improve the inherited IVs of your Pokémon! IVs or Individual Values are hidden stats that determine your Pokémon's potential. Breeding allows you to pass down good IVs to your new Pokémon. This can be used to improve the overall power of your team.
Shiny Hunting: Shiny Pokémon are a rare find, but are very desired by players. If you're looking for a special challenge, try shiny hunting. This involves repeatedly resetting your game in the hopes of encountering a shiny Pokémon.
Competitive Battling: If you like challenges, try competitive battling. This can be very fun, as you battle other trainers from all over the world. This is a great way to test your skills and strategy.
Hidden Abilities: Search for Pokémon with Hidden Abilities, as they provide unique advantages in battle. These can significantly impact the way you play.
Learn About the Metagame: The metagame refers to the current popular team compositions, Pokémon, and strategies in competitive play. Keep up with the metagame to stay ahead of the curve.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best of instructions, you may encounter a few bumps along the road. Here's a quick guide to troubleshooting some common issues:

Can't Delete Save Data: Make sure you are holding the correct buttons at the title screen. Ensure that the game is not frozen, and that your 3DS is working properly. If the issue persists, try restarting your 3DS.
Game Freezes: If your game freezes, try restarting the 3DS. If the problem continues, consider cleaning your game card or checking for any system updates.
Game Won't Start: Check that your game card is clean and inserted correctly. Also, make sure that your 3DS is up to date and that there is sufficient storage space.
Lost Progress: Unfortunately, there is no way to recover your saved data once it has been deleted. Make sure that you have followed the instructions correctly.

Conclusion: Your Alola Adventure Awaits!

And there you have it, guys! You're now fully equipped to start a new game in Pokémon Moon and embark on a fresh adventure in the Alola region. Remember to choose your starter wisely, explore the beautiful world, and most importantly, have fun! Whether you're a seasoned trainer or new to the world of Pokémon, there's always something new to discover. So, go out there, catch those Pokémon, battle those trainers, and become the very best! Good luck, and happy training!