Starting your adventure in Pokémon Legends: Z-A can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. With a wide variety of Pokémon available right from the beginning, choosing which ones to invest your time and resources into can make a big difference in how smoothly your journey unfolds. Whether you’re planning to explore at your own pace or get a head start in competitive battles later, here are some of the best early-game Pokémon to train in Legends: Z-A.
- Riolu
Riolu remains a fan-favorite early pick due to its evolution into Lucario—a powerhouse that combines Fighting and Steel types. Lucario’s balanced stats, access to strong moves like Aura Sphere and Flash Cannon, and resistance to several types make it a reliable companion from start to finish. Training Riolu early helps you unlock its full potential before mid-game challenges ramp up.
- Shinx
If you’re looking for a fast and reliable Electric-type Pokémon early on, Shinx is a top choice. Evolving into Luxray gives you an edge against Flying and Water types, which are common in the early routes. Its strong Attack stat and access to physical moves like Wild Charge make it a consistent performer. Plus, finding and training a Luxray early can be a cost-effective option if you’re hunting for cheap Legends ZA Pokémon to strengthen your team.
- Starly
Don’t underestimate the humble Starly. While it may look like a typical regional bird, its final evolution, Staraptor, is a serious threat thanks to high Speed and Attack stats. Staraptor also learns Brave Bird and Close Combat, allowing it to handle a wide range of opponents. It’s an easy Pokémon to find early on, making it one of the most efficient picks for players looking to train strong flying types without much effort.
- Eevee
Eevee’s versatility is what makes it such a valuable early-game catch. Depending on your playstyle, you can evolve it into a variety of types—Vaporeon for durability, Jolteon for speed, or Espeon for special attack. For players who plan to build a balanced team without catching too many Pokémon, training an Eevee early can save time and provide flexibility.
- Ralts
Ralts is a Psychic/Fairy type that can evolve into Gardevoir or Gallade depending on your strategy. Gardevoir offers strong special attacks and support moves, while Gallade gives access to solid physical attacks. Training Ralts from the start ensures you have a powerful and dependable Pokémon ready for late-game battles.
- Growlithe (Hisuian Form)
The Hisuian Growlithe found in Legends: Z-A is a Fire/Rock hybrid that stands out from the classic version. It’s both strong and stylish, with access to powerful moves like Rock Slide and Flare Blitz. It’s a great addition for players who want to balance offense with solid defense early in the story.
Tips for Building a Strong Early Team
When training your early-game Pokémon, focus on balancing your types to cover as many weaknesses as possible. Mixing physical and special attackers ensures flexibility during battles. If you’re short on time or looking to expand your team quickly, some players prefer to buy Legends ZA Shiny Pokémon or special variants through community markets like U4N, which can offer unique options for collectors or competitive players.
Your early-game team sets the foundation for your entire Pokémon Legends: Z-A adventure. Pokémon like Riolu, Shinx, and Ralts can carry you through multiple stages of the game, while versatile picks like Eevee give you long-term options. Whether you enjoy catching them all yourself or finding cheap Legends ZA Pokémon from trusted community sources, the key is to train smart and plan for the future.
