Alolan Marowak or Salazzle for Ultra Moon playthroughs?

I’m asking for Ultra Moon for my birthday that is coming up, and I like to have three members of my team be the three starter types, I’m going to pick Rowlett as my Starter(or maybe Popplio, haven’t 100% decided yet.) Anyway, I wanted to know which was the better fire type, since so many of the Alola Fire-Types are S/US exclusive, that limited my options down quite a bit if I didn’t choose Litten. Based on Typing, Stats, STAB, and Moveset, which is the better one. Or, if you know of a fire type that is even better than both these Pokemon, please tell me. Thanks so much. Also, as an extra question, might just make this a seperate question, should I choose Rowlett or Popplio.

Pleaselog inorregisterto add a comment.

I will base my answers on stats, moves, Kahunas, and when it is obtained.

Salazzle is better in terms of typing, as it is not weak to dark. It is definitely less bulky, but has more versatility and much better attack potential. They are both obtained at around the same time in the game. It might take a few tries to get a female Salandit, but trust me, it’s worth it. You get good early-game moves, but it lacks coverage. You also get a very good ability. Salazzle is best kept away from the Kahunas(except for the Dark one. You can’t Salandit it before the fighting one I think), but it’s a bit better in my opinion. Also, focus sash toxic can make the Ultra Necrozma fight really easy.

Alolan Marowak is a lot weaker in terms of attack, so you will want to overlevel for any Kahunas or major battles. However, anything that’s not a physical attack is going to leave a massive dent in your health bar, ESPECIALLY if it’s a super effective move. Alolan Marowak is weak to all the Kahunas that you can face using it, and every single one of the Kahuna’s Pokemon have moves that threaten a OHKO(unless it’s physical, in which you survive with like 5 hp). It has lots of ground moves, but you probably won’t even survive to use them at any degree of effectiveness. Also don’t even try to use swords dance, you’ll just die before you get to get any good hits.

Salazzle is generally better. Hope I helped!

Marowak(alola)Basic statusHp:60Atk:80Df:110Sp.atk:50Sp.df:80Speed:45Total:425

SalazzleBasic statusHp:64Atk:68Df:60Sp.atk:111Sp.df:60Speed:117Total:480

The two are good, The nature change The statics, so whitout say about The nature its a draw.