Pokemon Sun and Moon: How to Beat Captain Ilima’s Trial

Captain Ilima – Pokemon Sun and Moon

Pokemon Sun and Moon has done away with the gyms of old and introduced Captains, their Trials, and the grand masters of them all, Kahunas. Captain Ilima is the first one you will face up against in Melemele, and she’s located in Verdant Cave. You’ll naturally progress here following the story, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding it past Route 2. Keep in mind, by the way, that until you complete the trial, you won’t be able to catch any of the Pokemon residing in the cave.

For her trial, she first wants you to defeat three of the Pokemon that lurk within the cave. This can easily be done by venturing around and looking within places that allow you to interact. For example, right after the cutscene, head to the mossy rock that has a hole in it. Interact with A and a Yungoos should pop out. Find more like this and you will be well on your way to getting the three battle victories you need. You’re basically acting as Ilima’s rodent exterminator.

There will be a pesky Yungoos that keeps outdoing you in the holes, but don’t worry, this is supposed to happen with the last one. Simply trigger the cutscene after chasing it in each mossy rock location, and you’ll have to square off against Team Skull Grunts. Do away with them, get the final Gumshoos, and you’ll be done with this first part.

The second task she expects of you is to reach the pedestal that’s posted up further into the cave, where there will be a Z-Crystal lying atop it. Head through the well-lit exit at the end of the cave, and interact with the shiny pedestal in this dead-end. Once you take the Z-Crystal, you’ll have to face the Totem Pokemon for this trial, a level 12 Gumshoos.

Totem Pokemon are far stronger (and bigger) than their original counterparts. This one, in particular, has way higher defense and is way stronger than usual. But nonetheless, the same rules apply to this normal type Pokemon. Just be wary of the Yungoos allies that he’ll call upon. Kill these off first as they appear so that you can focus on the big guy all on his own. Gumshoos’ moves include Bite, Leer, and the ability to call on Yungoos to help.

Once you do manage to beat the it, though, you will have completed your first trial! Congratulations on besting Captain Ilima, and nabbing yourself the Z-Crystal, Normalium Z. For an in-depth guide on Z-Moves and Crystals, click on over here! And for more Pokemon Sun and Moon help, check out our wiki for guides and tips!