What are the 11 ultra beasts?

The Ultra Beasts are a group of extradimensional creatures introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Although players often lump them in with Legendary Pokemon, Ultra Beasts are a distinct class with their own lore and in-game mechanics. This article walks through the eleven that feature in the Alola era, what makes each one memorable, and why collectors and competitive players continue to care about them.

Ultra Beasts and Legendary Pokemon

It is common to see the term Legendary Pokemon used loosely to describe rare or one-off creatures. In the games, Ultra Beasts occupy a different category: they arrive through Ultra Wormholes and have unique National Dex entries and UB designations. Still, their rarity and mythic presentation mean they often share the spotlight with Legendary Pokemon in fan discussions and collections.

The 11 Ultra Beasts

Nihilego (UB-01 Symbiont)

A Rock and Poison type that resembles a translucent jellyfish. Nihilego's alien aesthetic and parasitic behaviour in the story make it one of the most iconic Ultra Beasts.

Buzzwole (UB-02 Absorption)

A hulking Bug and Fighting type with a body like a bodybuilder. Buzzwole stands out for its imposing design and utility in physical attacking roles in competitive play.

Pheromosa (UB-02 Beauty)

A slender Bug and Fighting type known for extreme speed and glass-cannon stats. Pheromosa is memorable for its contrast to Buzzwole, pairing elegance with lethal offence.

Xurkitree (UB-03 Lighting)

An Electric type that looks like a living bundle of wires. Xurkitree is notable for its astronomical Special Attack and unusual visual design.

Celesteela (UB-04 Blaster)

A Steel and Flying type that resembles a floating rocket. Celesteela mixes bulk with respectable attacking options and has a calm, almost serene design.

Kartana (UB-04 Blade)

A Grass and Steel type that appears as a living origami blade. Kartana is famed for its incredible Attack stat and fragile defences, making it a high-risk, high-reward choice.

Guzzlord (UB-05 Glutton)

A Dark and Dragon type behemoth with an appetite to match its name. Guzzlord is bulky and aggressive, memorable for its monstrous silhouette and lore as a devourer.

Poipole (UB Adhesive)

A Poison type that can be encountered as a friendly but mysterious creature. Poipole stands out because it can evolve into another Ultra Beast, Naganadel, bridging two entries.

Naganadel (Poipole evolution)

Poipoles evolution is a Dragon and Poison type with a strong special attacking profile. Naganadel is unique among Ultra Beasts because it requires evolution and has clear competitive uses.

Stakataka (UB Assembly)

A Rock and Steel type that resembles a wall of sentient blocks. Stakataka has massive defence and an unusual appearance that appeals to collectors who like architectural designs.

Blacephalon (UB Burst)

A Fire and Ghost type with a clownlike, explosive aesthetic. Blacephalon is theatrical by design and is often remembered for its flashy appearance and powerful special moves.

Why they matter to collectors and players

Ultra Beasts added variety to the Pokémon roster and provided new strategic options for battles. For collectors, the appeal is visual and narrative: each Ultra Beast feels like a piece of alien art. For competitive players, several have niche roles that keep them relevant across formats. Whether you classify them alongside Legendary Pokemon or treat them as their own category, the Ultra Beasts left a lasting impression on the Alola story and the wider franchise.

If you are exploring a collection, hunting shinies, or building a themed team, these eleven creatures are worth knowing. Their designs, lore and in-game quirks give them an enduring place in Pokémon discussions beyond their initial appearances.