Pokemon Legends: Z-A offers a plethora of Pokemon that players can find early on and develop extensively; however, a select few stand out and can rapidly elevate players from Rank Z to A. To excel in A-Z Royale Battles, it’s crucial to assemble an optimized team by choosing the best partner Pokemon as soon as possible.

This guide highlights some of the top Pokemon that trainers should aim to catch and train early in Lumiose City. It features an often-overlooked Electric-type that resurged with its Mega Evolution, along with a unique trio of monkeys that can provide a significant advantage in early battles.

Mareep

Mareep can be easily located in the first Wild Area players encounter while undertaking the initial quest. Some may underestimate this Gen 2 Electric-type, but it’s wise to reconsider; Mareep evolves into one of the strongest Electric Pokemon in Legends Z-A: Ampharos. Equipped with various special attack (SpA) builds, Ampharos can be a formidable opponent starting at Level 30–just as Flaffy evolves. Mareep serves as a solid addition to any chosen starter’s team.

In the later stages of the game, Ampharos has the capability to Mega Evolve into Mega Ampharos, gaining an Electric/Dragon typing with an impressive Base Stat Total of 610, distributed as follows: 90 HP, 95 Atk, 105 Def, 165 SpA, 105 SpD, and 45 Spe. While it may not be the fastest or the most powerful Mega, its Dragon sub-type offers a significant edge among Electric-types. Furthermore, Ampharos learns Cotton Guard, which proves useful against melee-heavy opponents, and Hidden Power, allowing it to switch between Water-type attacks when not Mega Evolved, and Grass-type with Mega Ampharos. This provides ample coverage, substantial damage potential with the right EVs, and versatile strategies.

Eevee

Eevee ranks among the most versatile Pokemon in Pokemon Legends Z-A, and even without a new Eeveelution, it’s still a fantastic choice for early training. The question is: where can players find it? The answer may be nearer than expected.

Trainers should head to the Vernal Pokemon Center, located near Wild Area 1, and proceed down the alley to the right from the Spawn Zone (if using fast travel). Follow the fence of the Pokemon Battle Cage, and to the right, players can break a few Stones with Rock Smash. This path leads to a small park featuring a canal. Those paying close attention may spot an Eevee wandering around (Lvl. 14). Activate Stealth Mode and use a Quick Ball to capture it before it escapes.

Dratini

Dratini is a well-known Pokemon due to its evolution into the powerful Dragonite, which has recently risen to the top tier of competitive gameplay thanks to its newly accessible Mega Evolution. Players looking to capture Dratini early should make their way to Restaurant Le Nah, situated in the southeastern part of Lumiose, close to Vert Sector 6.

Once there, players should position themselves near the entrance and look towards the building on the left, where a ladder leads to a rooftop. By zooming to the opposite rooftop (the Restaurant’s rooftop), they can potentially sight their target. Players can reach this rooftop by sprinting with B and rolling with Y when they reach the edge. Dratini can spawn here as an Alpha, offering better stats and access to unique moves compared to a standard Dratini (along with maximum size). Regular Dratini can be caught with a stealth approach, save scumming, a Quick Ball, and a bit of luck; securing one early can set players up for success throughout their journey.

Riolu

A beloved choice among fans, Riolu can be found relatively easily during the early game stages (around Lvl. 20) by heading to Cafe Soleil Area, near South Boulevard. Players will find a ladder around the building that leads to a terrace where an Alpha Riolu can be found. Be sure to save before ascending the ladder to avoid losing the opportunity, then defeat and capture it.

After obtaining Riolu, trainers should take it to a Cafe or Restaurant and enjoy a few cups of Tea or Coffee together. After one or two visits, Riolu’s friendship will reach the necessary level to evolve into Lucario, a formidable Fighting/Steel-type capable of performing a variety of punch-based attacks, particularly useful for stealth attacks and ambushes during the Z-A Royale. Mega Lucario is also available in this game, making it a valuable addition to endgame team compositions, enabling players to dominate against other trainers on their path to the top.

Fletchling

Another often-overlooked Pokemon that players can easily catch early in the Wild Zone 1 is Fletchling. This Fire/Flying type evolves into Fletchinder, and then into the impressive Talonflame, which is regarded as one of the best Pokemon from Generation 6. Talonflame stands out not just for its speed, but for its offensive capabilities as well, accessing moves such as Flare Blitz, Brave Bird, and Steel Wing (many of which are contact moves that perform exceptionally well in Legends Z-A).

Thanks to its robust move set, Talonflame can effectively carry players through the early and mid-game. Although it may not boast the Base Stats to rival heavy hitters like Dragonite, Tyranitar, or Goodra, skilled trainers can utilize it to blaze through most Royale Battles as if it were a meteor.

Pansage, Pansear, Panpour

The trio of monkeys–Pansage, Pansear, and Panpour–return in Pokemon Legends Z-A, available for players to catch while they roam rooftops and rest in trees throughout Lumiose’s streets and parks. These monkeys make excellent complements to any starter combination and evolve into Simisear, Simisage, and Simipour using Evolution Stones.

These Pokemon possess a diverse array of moves relative to their types, making them useful up to mid-game when battles become more complex and players must make strategic decisions to avoid being an easy target.