What Are TMs in Pokémon Sun and Moon
In Pokémon Sun and Moon, Technical Machines (TMs) are items that teach Pokémon specific moves, replacing many earlier role-based move tutors. Functionally, TMs work similarly to core-series entries since Generation V: you select a TM from your bag, choose a compatible Pokémon, and the move is learned (usually at a BP cost in Gen VII via the Move Reminiscer in Hau’oli City). Unlike older games where TMs were single-use, many TMs in Sun and Moon can be reused after initial purchase or pickup. This guide clarifies locations, returning TMs in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, and how TM acquisition and budgeting fit into competitive and casual play on Alola.
Key TM Mechanics to Know Before You Hunt
How TM Use Works in Alola
TMs in Sun and Moon behave consistently with recent mainline titles. Buying or finding a TM teaches a move to a compatible Pokémon. In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, some earlier TMs can be re-acquired from vendors after beating the Elite Four, and several HMs become move tutors instead. Battle Points (BP) spent at the Move Reminiscer unlock moves that were previously TMs in older generations, which can affect long-term team building. Compatibility depends on Move Tutors learnsets, Egg moves, and breeding, so check individual moves rather than assuming a Pokémon can use every TM. The following list reflects the initial Sun and Moon TM roster and notes changes in Ultra versions.
Terminology and Categories
- TM: Technical Machine item that teaches a move when used.
- HM: Hidden Machine, handled more like a tutor in Sun and Moon.
- Move Tutor: Trainer who teaches specific moves, sometimes for BP or shards.
- BP: Battle Points earned at the Battle Tree, used to unlock moves.
- Reusable TM: In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, some TMs can be bought again after beating the Elite Four.
Complete TM List in Pokémon Sun and Moon (Initial Release)
Below are notable TMs available in Sun and Moon shortly after the story is completed. Locations refer to early post-game sources; availability expands after the Elite Four and in Ultra versions.
| TM | Move | Pokémon Examples | Early Location (Sun/Moon) |
|---|---|---|---|
| TM02 | Dragon Claw | Salamence, Garchomp | Battle Tree (56 BP) |
| TM03 | Psyshock | Alakazam, Hatterene | Battle Tree (4 BP) |
| TM06 | Toxic | Toxapex, Gengar | Akala Department Store, Konikoni City |
| TM10 | Hidden Power | Utility across types | Given by Ilima after beating Totem Lurantis trial |
| TM11 | Sunny Day | Charizard, Ninetales | Battle Tree (4 BP) |
| TM15 | Hyper Beam | Dragonite, Tyranitar | Battle Tree (32 BP) |
| TM17 | Protect | Scizor, Togekiss | Battle Tree (8 BP) |
| TM18 | Rain Dance | Battle Tree (4 BP) | |
| TM21 | Frustration | Snorlax, Gyarados | Konikoni City, Iki Town |
| TM24 | Thunderbolt | Raichu, Tapu Koko | Battle Tree (12 BP) |
| TM25 | Thunder | Zapdos, Thundurus | Battle Tree (16 BP) |
| TM26 | Earthquake | Garchomp, Gengar | Battle Tree (16 BP) |
| TM27 | Return | Konikoni City, Iki Town | |
| TM31 | Brick Break | Battle Tree (4 BP) | |
| TM32 | Double Team | Battle Tree (4 BP) | |
| TM35 | Flamethrower | Battle Tree (12 BP) | |
| TM36 | Sludge Bomb | Konikoni City, Iki Town | |
| TM38 | Fire Blast | Battle Tree (16 BP) | |
| TM40 | Aerial Ace | Battle Tree (6 BP) | |
| TM41 | Torment | Konikoni City, Iki Town | |
| TM42 | Facade | Battle Tree (6 BP) | |
| TM44 | Rest | Battle Tree (12 BP) | |
| TM45 | Attract | Konikoni City, Iki Town | |
| TM46 | Thief | Battle Tree (6 BP) | |
| TM53 | Energy Ball | Battle Tree (8 BP) | |
| TM55 | Scald | Battle Tree (8 BP) | |
| TM56 | Fling | Battle Tree (10 BP) | |
| TM58 | Endure | Battle Tree (4 BP) | |
| TM64 | Explosion | Battle Tree (5 BP) | |
| TM65 | Shadow Claw | Battle Tree (10 BP) | |
| TM66 | Payback | Battle Tree (5 BP) | |
| TM68 | Giga Impact | Battle Tree (15 BP) | |
| TM70 | Flash | Konikoni City | |
| TM75 | Swords Dance | Konikoni City | |
| TM76 | Stealth Rock | Battle Tree (12 BP) | |
| TM78 | Bulldoze | Battle Tree (6 BP) | |
| TM80 | Rock Slide | Battle Tree (10 BP) | |
| TM87 | Victory Dance | Konikoni City | |
| TM88 | Sleep Talk | Battle Tree (10 BP) | |
| TM90 | Substitute | Battle Tree (10 BP) | |
| TM94 | Rock Smash | Konikoni City | |
| TM97 | Dark Pulse | Battle Tree (8 BP) | |
| TM98 | Power-Up Punch | Konikoni City | |
| TM100 | Confide | Akala Department Store |
Notable Changes in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
After beating the Elite Four in Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon, you gain access to an expanded shop selection. Several TMs you initially bought or found become available for repurchase, which is useful if you used them earlier or want multiples for breeding. Some HMs are now taught by Move Tutors instead of being required as field moves, reducing HM clutter from your bag. The following list highlights notable changes—what becomes reusable and what shifts to tutor-taught moves.
- Surf, Strength, Rock Smash, Cut, and Fly can be re-bought as TMs from the shop after the Elite Four.
- Waterfall, Rock Climb, and other former HMs transition to Move Tutors in select locations.More TMs become available for repurchase, including higher-level TMs that were previously one-time only.
- Some TMs remain single-use story items, so check item descriptions carefully.
Where to Find TMs in Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon
Early purchases are available in Konikoni City and Akala Island shops. Post-game sources include the Battle Tree (BP shop), gift distributions on Alola Route 2, and select island challenges. Ultra versions expand item shop rotations after you complete the main story, offering repurchases of key TMs and more consistent tutor access. For competitive players, the Move Relearner in Hau’oli City allows you to relearn egg moves and forgotten moves at a small fee, complementing TM coverage.
Building a Balanced Team with TMs in Alola
When planning your Sun or Moon team, consider coverage, synergy with your Pokémon’s stats, and move slot efficiency. TMs like Toxic, Thunderbolt, and Earthquake provide broad meta relevance, while utility moves like Protect, Substitute, and Screens support longevity. In Ultra versions, the expanded repurchase options let you refine spreads and correct early mistakes without hunting. Always verify move legality if you intend to compete in Battle Tree or online play, since some tutor- or event-taught moves have restrictions. Compare TM coverage to Move Tutor options to avoid wasting BP on moves you can learn cheaper elsewhere.
Differences Between Generations: Why Sun and Moon Feel Different
Sun and Moon shifted away from heavy HM requirements, making TMs more flexible than in Diamond, Pearl, or Black/White. You no longer need to carry multiple HMs through every route, and many moves that were once single-use TMs are now tutor moves or BP-unlocked in Ultra titles. This reduces inventory clutter but adds BP budgeting decisions. The Move Reminiscer lets you revisit older-generation moves at a cost, which is valuable for nostalgia teams or hybrid strategies. Understanding these changes helps you adapt strategies from older core games to Alola’s structure.