How to Get the Best Pokémon Early in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

[TurboNova]

In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, starting your adventure with a strong team can make all the difference. Whether you’re exploring early routes or facing your first tough boss battle, having a few top-tier Pokémon early on gives you an edge. While the game’s new setting in Lumiose City offers plenty of opportunities, knowing where to look and how to prepare can save you hours of grinding. Here’s how to get the best Pokémon early and start your journey the right way.

1. Explore Early Habitat Zones Thoroughly

The early zones in Pokémon Legends: Z-A are full of underrated catches. Pokémon like Riolu, Axew, and Ralts can spawn earlier than in most titles if you explore hidden side areas. Riolu, for instance, appears in certain outskirts of Lumiose City during daytime, while Ralts can be found near foggy zones with Psychic energy readings. These Pokémon evolve into powerful team members—Lucario and Gardevoir are among the best early-game sweepers you can train.

2. Take Advantage of the Weather System

Z-A introduces a more dynamic weather system that influences both Pokémon behavior and spawn rates. Some of the strongest early Pokémon only appear under specific conditions—think Dragon or Ghost types that come out during rain or fog. Keeping track of weather changes will help you time your exploration perfectly. If you’re aiming for rare spawns, revisiting the same area under different conditions can be surprisingly rewarding.

3. Complete Early Requests and Trainer Challenges

Several early NPCs offer quests that reward you with high-potential Pokémon or rare items. One example is an early Trainer Challenge in South Boulevard that grants a pseudo-legendary baby form after you win. Completing these side missions not only strengthens your team but also unlocks better Poké Balls and experience boosters for your squad.

4. Breeding and Trading for Better IVs

Even early in the game, trading can help you secure stronger Pokémon without relying solely on wild encounters. Some players prefer to trade or buy shiny Pokémon to fill their early roster with rare variants. While not everyone is interested in shinies, these trades often come with solid stats or rare moves, making them great battle assets. If you’re planning to buy shiny Pokémon, make sure to check that the ones you get have proper abilities and nature for your preferred strategy.

5. Make Use of the PokéMart and Online Market

As the game’s economy grows, you’ll notice listings for special Pokémon and rare items in the in-game trading hubs. Some players also offer cheap shiny Pokémon ZA options for collectors looking to expand their collection without breaking the bank. Whether you’re after aesthetics or competitive builds, finding affordable early options can help you build a strong team before reaching mid-game areas.

6. Focus on Team Synergy, Not Just Power

While it’s tempting to chase the highest stats early on, synergy is key in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. A balanced team with varied types—covering weaknesses and offering flexibility—is far more effective than a lineup of pure heavy hitters. Consider combining a tank like Snorlax or Steelix with speedy attackers like Gengar or Greninja for a dynamic early-game experience.

Getting the best Pokémon early in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is all about smart exploration, strategic trading, and taking advantage of new systems like weather and city zones. With the right approach, you can assemble a team that not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well in the game’s evolving battle system. Whether you hunt for rare spawns, trade for powerhouses, or experiment with cheap shiny Pokémon ZA, starting strong will set you up for success throughout your adventure in Lumiose City.