Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon: Master Guide to All TM Locations!

Navigating the intricate move tutor and TM systems in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon is essential for any competitive player or completionist aiming to build the perfect team. Unlike previous generations, these games offer a unique blend of Tutor moves and Technical Machines that are fixed to specific, often hidden, locations across the Alola region. Understanding where to find each Pokémon USUM TM location is not just a matter of curiosity; it is a strategic necessity for optimizing your party without wasting valuable in-game currency or time.

The Strategic Value of TMs and Tutors in Alola

The core distinction in Ultra Sun and Moon lies in the division between standard TMs and the specialized Move Tutors. Standard TMs, which can be used on any Pokémon that meets the move’s type and move pool requirements, are predominantly purchased from the department store in Konikoni City. This centralizes your shopping experience, but the sheer number of TMs means you will be making frequent trips to manage your wallet and inventory. Conversely, Move Tutors in specific locations teach moves that TMs cannot replicate, often including signature moves or high-power attacks that are otherwise inaccessible. Knowing the exact Pokémon USUM TM location for these rare moves is therefore a critical part of post-game planning.

Konikoni City Department Store: The TM Hub

Your journey to mastering the TM list begins at the Konikoni City Department Store, a towering structure located in the heart of the shopping district. Here, you will find the TM Guy on the first floor, who stocks the entire roster of TMs available in the game. However, much like real-world retail, the inventory rotates based on your story progression. Early on, you will have access to a limited selection, but as you defeat the Island Trials and challenge the Elite Four, new TMs will gradually appear for purchase. This system encourages grinding and exploration to unlock the full commercial potential of the mall.

Hau'oli City: Hidden Treasures and Tutors

Critical Tutor Locations Beyond Konikoni

While the department store is reliable, the most sought-after moves in Pokémon USUM are found in specific hideaways that require a keen eye to discover. For example, the move Fling is taught by a hidden NPC in the residential district of Hau'oli City, a detail that often eludes even seasoned players. Similarly, the powerful move Shock Wave is available in Verdant Cavern on Melemele Island, but only after you have completed the main story. These fixed locations mean that once you obtain the move, the tutor is gone forever, making it vital to plan your team compositions carefully before seeking them out.

Post-Game Accessibility and the Battle Tree

Once you have defeated the Elite Four and unlocked the Battle Tree, the landscape of TM acquisition changes significantly. The Battle Tree operates as a high-stakes tournament where you face off against teams that utilize powerful TMs. More importantly, once you achieve a high ranking—specifically after defeating the final boss a second time—you gain access to a special shop. This shop allows you to purchase any TM you have already obtained in the game, effectively providing a second-chance mechanic for players who missed a specific Pokémon USUM TM location during their initial playthrough. This feature is invaluable for revisiting old teams or correcting mistakes made early in the adventure.

Maximizing Efficiency: A Traveler's Approach

To avoid backtracking inefficiently across the islands, players should adopt a systematic approach to TM collection. Rather than grabbing every TM the second it is available, focus on building a versatile team that covers multiple roles. Prioritize TMs that serve dual purposes, such as status moves or coverage attacks that complement your type strategy. Since the locations for specific Tutor moves are static, mapping out your route to visit these NPCs after completing the main story ensures you leave no powerful move behind. Treating the TM guide as a checklist transforms the process from a chore into a satisfying strategic puzzle.