10 Essential Tips for Pokémon Legends: Z-A Starters

FireStorm91

When diving into Pokémon Legends: Z-A, one of the first decisions you'll face is choosing your starter Pokémon. The game's open-world design and dynamic battle system mean that your choice can have a significant impact on your adventure. To help you navigate this critical early-game decision, here are 10 Tips for Pokémon Legends: Z-A Starters that will help you maximize your experience from the very beginning.

1. Understand Your Starters' Strengths and Weaknesses

Each starter Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A comes with its own unique abilities and elemental types. Whether you're choosing Fire, Water, or Grass, it’s important to understand how your starter’s type aligns with the challenges you’ll face in the early stages of the game. For instance, Fire-type Pokémon have an edge against Grass-types, but struggle against Water-types. Be sure to plan your team accordingly.

2. Don’t Overlook Type Matchups Early On

While you might be tempted to pick your favorite Pokémon, type advantages and disadvantages are crucial in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Make sure to consider the types of Pokémon you’ll be encountering in the first few regions. If your starter has weaknesses that are prevalent in early-game opponents, it might be worth considering how to cover those gaps with your team.

3. Keep Your Starter Pokémon Balanced

As you progress through the game, you'll encounter numerous battles that will require a variety of strategies. Even though your starter Pokémon will evolve into stronger forms, you’ll want to ensure it has a balanced set of moves. Be sure to teach your starter Pokémon moves that cover a wide range of types, ensuring it’s adaptable against different enemies.

4. Evolving Your Starter Wisely

One of the exciting aspects of Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the evolution system. Your starter will evolve as you level it up, but the timing of evolution can be critical. Some evolutions change your Pokémon's abilities and stats significantly, so be sure to evolve at the right time to take full advantage of its potential.

5. Pay Attention to Hidden Abilities

In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, some Pokémon, including starters, can have hidden abilities that give them an edge in battle. If you’re looking to make the most out of your chosen starter, it’s worth investigating its hidden abilities. You can increase the likelihood of encountering a starter with a hidden ability by using specific methods like breeding or searching for special Pokémon in the wild.

6. Mix Up Your Early Game Team

Although your starter Pokémon will be a core member of your team, it’s essential to diversify your roster. Relying too heavily on your starter can leave you vulnerable to certain types of foes. Catch a variety of Pokémon early on to ensure you’re prepared for any challenge.

7. Maximize Your Starter’s Potential in Battle

As your starter evolves, pay attention to how it performs in battle. Focus on increasing its strengths by giving it the right items and moves to complement its abilities. The right held items, such as stat-boosting berries or TMs that teach powerful moves, can drastically improve your starter’s performance during key battles.

8. Be Prepared for Your Rival’s Choice

In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, you’ll be facing off against a rival early in the game. Your rival’s starter will often be strong against yours, creating a challenge right out of the gate. Make sure to build your team with countermeasures to deal with your rival’s Pokémon and take advantage of any weaknesses.

9. Keep Your Starter Pokémon Well-Stocked

Throughout your adventure, don’t forget to keep your starter Pokémon stocked with healing items and status cures. There’s nothing worse than running into a tough battle and realizing that your starter is low on health or affected by a debilitating status condition. Always keep a few potions, antidotes, and other items handy to avoid unnecessary setbacks.

10. Make Your Starter a Core Part of Your Strategy

The starter Pokémon you choose is more than just a companion; it’s a key strategic asset. As you progress through Pokémon Legends: Z-A, your starter’s role will evolve, and you’ll need to tailor your playstyle around its strengths. By treating your starter as a central part of your strategy, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the various challenges the game throws your way.

Choosing the right starter is more than just a decision about which Pokémon looks the coolest or has the best stats. With the tips above, you'll have a well-rounded approach to handling your starter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, ensuring your adventure is smooth from the very start.