Pokemon Legends Z-A has just released. Being the first Switch 2 Pokemon game, it is expected that there are still new players dipping their toes in Lumiose waters or still experimenting with the game. This listicle aims to give early game guidance to new players who might find the open-world structure tricky and in need of early game powerhouses.
These Pokemon are easy to access, need little skill to defeat, and moreover, can be caught very early. Let's dive in!
What Are The Best Early Game Pokémon To Catch In Pokemon Legends Z-A?
These early game toughies can help you progress with ease and settle in on the rapid progression of Pokemon Legends Z-A with a bit more comfort. Not only are they good early, some of the Pokemon on this list can be brought all the way to the endgame.
Hawlucha with early game overpowered-ness and Dratini's early dragon domination are just two of the entry on this list. Keep reading to feel untouchable early.
Hawlucha
Speaking of Hawlucha, this lucha-beast is our first entry. The Pokemon can be very strong early to late game. It can be found near Rouge Plaza after you finish Emma's Main Mission 5. Near the Wild Zone, there will be repairman beside a Holovator.
After you beat him, very easily, you'll gain access to said Holovator and Hawlucha is just above the rooftop. This aero-wrestler has excellent Attack and Speed stats and will one-shot most early opponents you meet. Not only that, stay patient and you'll eventually get its Mega Stone.
Dratini
This cute dragon can be found on the rooftop of Restaurant Le Nah and it will be around Level 25. Dratini will come equipped with powerful dragon type moves with great stats so this Pokemon is a good early companion. Being a pseudo-legendary, it'll be worth it to keep it until the late game.
At level 40, it evolves into Dragonair and in just 15 levels, it becomes a full-grown Dragonite. It's a powerhouse in every part of the game, plus, it eventually gets a Mega Evolution. Just look out for early Fairy-types.
Alpha Whirlipede
This Pokemon was a surprise MVP for me because it can be found as early as in Wild Zone 5 at around Level 28. It is strong because of its massive bulk and DPS-style tactics. An Alpha would be difficult to beat and catch early right? Not really!
The narrow canal of Wild Zone 5 makes it have limited motion and works against it. So keep taking its HP down while it struggles to move and catch it every chance you get. Alpha Whirlipede also helps in catching other Alphas with its Infestation and Poison Jab combo.
Alpha Magikarp
A Magikarp? I'm kidding, right? Nope! An Alpha Magikarp! This Magikarp is accessible in Wild Zone and only knows the move Splash and Hydro Pump. Just keep dodging the occasional Hydro Pump, hit it when it uses Splash, faint it and toss your favorite ball at it.
If you're afraid to fail, just save near it before engaging and keep retrying a-la-Groundhog Day. At Level 30 to 32, you can immediately evolve it and enjoy your early Alpha Gyarados.
Eevee
The rooftop beside Cafe Ultimo in North Boulevard is home to the most versatile Pokemon in the franchise. It has a low catch rate but I guarantee you, it's very worth it. Eevee is an early game typing delight.
Why? Because all of its evolutions are accessible early too thanks to the Stone Emporium or the cafes making Umbreon, Espeon, and Sylveon a piece of cake, pun-intended, to evolve. Penny-simulator coming up!
Kalos Starters
These adorable starters are scattered all over the map and can be obtained by finishing ultra-simple side missions. No need to choose and just bring them all! Starter Pokemon are notorious in having above-average stats so these three plus your own Legends Z-A starter, you are in for quite an adventure!
It is also good to know that if you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you have the opportunity to get the Mega Stone for each by participating in online Ranked Battles.
Honorable Mention: Early Purchase Ralts
I mean, it's free and it holds a free Mega Stone, so there's no reason not to bring this dazzling fairy. It's easy and free access to one of the best Special Attackers in the entire franchise once Ralts evolves into Gardevoir. Oh, and the Mega? You will have an unfair advantage from start to finish.
Honestly, starting this title can be quite overwhelming with the volume of content it boasts but with the proper crew alongside you, that confidence may be all you need to face the challenges of Lumiose with your head held high. Having these Pokemon on your team very early will boost your power level as if you're in Rank F when in truth, you're still in Rank Y. And that experience is just priceless.