Pokémon Legends ZA has captivated players with its dynamic open-world mechanics and a variety of rare Pokémon to capture. In this guide, I’ll break down how to efficiently build a strong team, locate rare Pokémon, and evolve key companions like Riolu into Lucario. These strategies are based on hands-on gameplay, ensuring you can replicate them easily.
Capturing Riolu and Evolving into Lucario
One of the earliest objectives is to catch Riolu, which can evolve into the powerful Lucario. To start, you’ll need to complete roughly two hours of the game’s tutorial, which unlocks the necessary areas for Riolu. The recommended capture point is the 4th arrondissement of Mot Rouge. Once there, use a Rapid Ball for the highest chance of capture—this type of Pokéball significantly improves your odds with Riolu.
After capturing Riolu, evolution is tied to both friendship and timing. Visit the Neo Café and have Riolu consume the “Ultimate Flame” coffee or alternate with tea to raise its friendship level. Importantly, Riolu evolves into Lucario only during the daytime, so use benches or in-game time progression to ensure evolution conditions are met. After four interactions with coffee or tea, Riolu is ready to evolve, providing you with a strong early-game powerhouse.
Obtaining Tarsal and Gardevoir
For players looking to expand their team, Tarsal is a key Pokémon for accessing Gardevoir’s Mega Evolution. Tarsal can be obtained via the in-game online feature called Mystery Gift. After receiving Tarsal, it’s crucial to consider its nature and stats, as different bonuses affect battle performance. Players can choose based on whether they prioritize attack, defense, speed, or health points.
Securing Ambrilex
Ambrilex is another vital Pokémon for team composition. Begin by teleporting to Zone 2 and navigate carefully to its spawn point. The capture process can be tricky due to terrain, but with careful positioning and repeated saves, you can catch a standard Ambrilex efficiently. Once captured, leveling up Ambrilex gradually evolves it into Tyranocif at level 55, providing a late-game heavy hitter.
Rare Starter Pokémon: Salaméche
Pokémon Legends ZA also offers the opportunity to obtain classic starters like Salaméche. Triggered by a secondary mission, players visit the Myosotis Lab where the professor gifts you a starter. Salaméche eventually evolves into Dracfeu, giving you a versatile fire-type and flying combination. This quest is typically available around three hours into gameplay and is highly recommended for players aiming to build a balanced team.
Mini Draco: The Challenging Capture
Finally, Mini Draco is one of the more elusive Pokémon in the game. Found in the 6th arrondissement of Val Sian, this dragon-type requires Hyper Balls for optimal capture chances. Positioning is crucial—approach Mini Draco from behind and save before attempting to throw Hyper Balls. Persistence is key, as the Pokémon can easily flee. Using attacks like Point Ice from your other Pokémon can help weaken Mini Draco, increasing capture success.
Tips for Efficiency and Team Building
Save frequently before attempting captures to avoid losing progress.
Mix different Pokéballs based on Pokémon type for better results.
Focus on building friendship for Riolu to ensure evolution into Lucario.
For rare Pokémon or hard-to-catch Pokémon, consider buy Shiny Pokemon ZA or cheap Legends ZA Pokemon if you want to expedite your team-building process.
Pay attention to time-of-day mechanics, especially for Pokémon with specific evolution conditions.
Building a strong team in Pokémon Legends ZA requires strategic planning, patience, and knowledge of spawn locations. Starting with Riolu for Lucario, acquiring Tarsal for Gardevoir, capturing Ambrilex, and securing Mini Draco provides a balanced and powerful team. Remember to leverage friendship, time-of-day evolution, and proper Pokéball selection to maximize your chances. With these strategies, your team will be ready for both story progression and competitive play.