Guardian deities/Games

Among the guardian deities, Tapu Koko plays the largest role within the games' storyline, appearing before the undefined picks their starter Pokémon to save them after they fall from a broken bridge with Nebby in tow. Tapu Koko, in recognition of the player's bravery, gives the player a Sparkling Stone, which is later refined by Hala into a Z-Ring. Tapu Koko later appears to defend Melemele Island against the then-unidentified Ultra Beast / alongside Hala. After becoming, the player and Lillie visit Tapu Koko at the Ruins of Conflict to give thanks to it, after which the player s it. After catching or defeating it, the player receives the Tapunium Z.

Tapu Fini, while not physically seen, plays a small role in the story as well, granting Hapu the title of Island Kahuna after her grandfather, the previous Kahuna, passed away.

The player can battle and catch the other guardian deities after the credits roll.

The guardian deities play a near-identical role in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon as in Pokémon Sun and Moon. However, instead of defending against Buzzwole or Pheromosa, Tapu Koko comes to battle /. Additionally, Tapu Koko is not battled during the credits sequence. All four guardian deities can be approached in their respective ruins after the credits. After catching or defeating their first deity, the player receives the Tapunium Z.