Exploration plays a significant role in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, though you’ll often encounter barriers such as purple sludge blocking your way. These gooey obstacles hinder access to vital areas in the city, but there’s a straightforward method to eliminate them in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

Normally, you would need a special TM to clear such hurdles with one of your Pokemon. However, that’s not the case with these purple sludge mounds. While you still need assistance from certain Pokemon, you won’t require any special abilities. Below is the guide on how to remove purple goo piles in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

How to Remove Sludge in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

To eliminate the purple sludge piles in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, simply use a Water-type move against them. Any Water-type attack will wash away the sludge and clear your way for further exploration.

If you selected Totodile as your starter Pokemon, you’re in luck. If you chose Tepig or Chikorita, you’ll need to find a Water-type Pokemon in one of Lumiose City’s Wild Zones. Fortunately, Water-type Pokemon are quite prevalent. You can encounter Magikarp, Binacle, and Staryu in Wild Zone 2.

In addition to Water-type moves, certain Psychic-type attacks can also remove the sludge piles in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. However, not all Psychic moves are effective. The move Confusion will clear the purple goo, but Psybeam will have no impact. It’s generally more effective to use Water-type moves, but Psychic-type attacks can be useful in emergency situations.

Clearing the purple sludge throughout Lumiose City will also grant your Pokemon a small amount of experience points, making it worthwhile even if you’re not currently exploring that area. You’ll encounter numerous sludge piles as you travel through the city completing side quests in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and you’ll also discover additional uses for your Pokemon’s moves beyond battle.