Welcome to Pokemon Legends: Z-A, the newest chapter in the Pokemon series! Set entirely in Lumiose City, this new adventure blends exploration, research, and real-time combat into one seamless experience. 

This Pokemon Legends Z-A beginner guide will help you understand how to explore Lumiose City, master its real-time battle system, and make steady progress as you rise through the ranks in Z-A Royale.

 

 

Getting Started: Explore the Heart of Lumiose City

Unlike previous Pokemon games, Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes place entirely within Lumiose City, a massive open-world hub filled with shops, alleyways, parks, and rooftops to explore. Each district offers something unique — from research labs and boutiques to hidden Wild Zones packed with Pokemon.

 

Spend your time getting familiar with the city layout. Explore side streets, climb scaffolding, and check rooftops for hidden items or new Pokemon. Curiosity pays off — you'll often find Mega Shards, Evolution Stones, and other valuable rewards tucked away in hard-to-reach spots.

 

Time of Day Matters

Time in Pokemon Legends Z-A directly affects your gameplay. Certain areas and events only occur at specific times:

 

Battle Zones: Only open at night for Trainer battles.

Other Zones: Available day and night, but Pokemon species change depending on the time.

 

You can change the in-game time by sitting on a bench near a Pokemon Center, allowing you to instantly switch between day and night. This mechanic helps you access different zones and time-sensitive missions without waiting in real time.

 

Travel Quickly with Lumi Cabs

Lumiose City is huge — walking everywhere can take a while. Thankfully, Lumi Cabs let you fast travel across the city. For a small fee, you can instantly reach key areas like Pokemon Centers, cafes, or plazas.

Pro Tip: Cabs save you a lot of time when completing tasks or returning to heal your Pokemon. They also unlock early in the game, so take advantage of them whenever you can.

 

The Real-Time Battle System

Pokemon Legends: Z-A introduces real-time combat. Battles no longer rely on turn-based moves — instead, you move freely and use attacks that recharge on cooldown. Learn your Pokemon's attacks, manage cooldowns, and time your moves to unleash powerful combos. If a fight gets too tough, especially with Alpha or Mega types, are extremely strong. It's okay to flee and prepare better.

 

Gather Mega Shards and Use Mega Evolution Wisely

Mega Evolution returns in Pokémon Legends Z-A. During tough battles — especially against Rogue Mega Pokémon — you can trigger a Mega Evolution to temporarily power up your Pokemon, enhancing its stats and abilities temporarily.

You'll often find glowing Mega Crystals across Lumiose City. Break them apart to collect Mega Shards, then exchange them for Mega Stones at Quasartico Inc., a company focused on Mega Evolution research.

 

Complete Research Tasks for Rewards

Early in your adventure, you'll meet Mable, the acting director of the Lumiose Pokemon Research Lab. She assigns research tasks that involve catching specific Pokemon, exploring Wild Zones, or smashing Mega Crystals scattered across the city.

 

Completing these tasks increases your Research Level, unlocking valuable rewards like:

TMs for new moves

Exp. Candies

Mega Stones and rare items

The Shiny Charm (at Research Level 50), which boosts your chances of finding Shiny Pokemon. This is one of the best ways to progress and earn resources early in the game.

 

Explore Lumiose City Rooftops

Don't limit yourself to the streets — Lumiose City's rooftops hide powerful items and rare Pokemon. You can reach them by climbing ladders or riding Holovators, special building elevators that unlock after specific story events or side missions.

Some rooftops are connected by bridges, making exploration feel like a parkour challenge. Once unlocked, Holovators appear on your map, allowing for faster travel between rooftops and major districts.

 

Climb the Ranks in Z-A Royale

When night falls, head to the Battle Zones to participate in the Z-A Royale — the city's ranked trainer battles.

In the Royale, you'll fight other Trainers to climb from Rank Z all the way to Rank A. Each victory earns points, rewards, and higher standing among Lumiose's elite.

If you're looking for competitive battles and want to test your team's limits, Z-A Royale is the perfect place to start.

 

Rest, Heal, and Restock

Pokemon Centers are your best friend in Lumiose City. Beyond healing your Pokemon, they also let you:

Purchase key items and Poke Balls

Change the in-game time

Retrieve lost Poke Balls from a helpful NPC

Accept side quests or talk to locals for extra tips

Make a habit of visiting Pokemon Centers regularly — they're safe zones where you can rest, restock, and regroup before your next challenge.

 

Side Missions and Alpha Pokemon

Keep an eye out for blue exclamation marks on your map — they represent side missions from local citizens. These optional quests often reward rare items, Pokemon, or shortcuts to new areas.

While exploring Wild Zones, you might encounter Alpha Pokemon — larger, more aggressive versions with glowing red eyes. They hit harder but are worth the effort to catch. Bring healing items, plan your approach, and use Mega Evolution if needed.

Starts your adventure now! Explore the city, train your Pokémon, complete research, and climb the ranks in the Z-A Royale.