Lunala first appeared in Filling the Light with Darkness!, where it was playfully chasing Nebby through an Ultra Wormhole. However, both of them soon found themselves being chased by Necrozma. Lunala later emerged from the Ultra Wormhole at the Altar of the Sunne, appearing before Ash, his classmates, Gladion, Lusamine, Wicke, Faba, and Professor Burnet, with Necrozma still chasing it.
Lunala reappeared in Full Moon and Many Arms!, where Necrozma continued to chase it around Melemele Island. Despite the best efforts of Tapu Koko, Necrozma was able to merge with Lunala, becoming Dawn Wings Necrozma. Lunala was later freed when Nebby appeared and forced Necrozma to separate from it. Lunala was subsequently taken to the Ultra Guardians base below the Pokémon School to be healed. Later, Lunala was able to recover itself by using the energy emitted from Ash, Kiawe, Lana, and Gladion's Z-Rings.
In The Prism Between Light and Darkness!, Lunala turned into its Full Moon phase and traveled through an Ultra Wormhole with the Ultra Guardians, whereupon they arrived at Poipole's home world. While the Ultra Guardians stayed back to assist Naganadel at Poipole's home, Lunala went ahead to face Necrozma. Later, Lunala was defeated by Necrozma, but was rescued by Gladion's Silvally.
In Securing the Future!, Lunala helped Necrozma by giving it some of its Z-Power. This forced Necrozma to release Nebby, but it also angered Necrozma into attacking everyone again. After giving Gladion a Lunalium Z, Lunala and Gladion performed Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom, while Ash and Nebby used Searing Sunraze Smash. The combined Z-Moves successfully gave Necrozma enough light to regain its true form and restore Poipole's home world. Afterwards, it, Nebby, and the Ultra Guardians went back to Alola.
