Pokémon Legends: Z-A puts Zygarde front and center in the main story of the game, shining the light on the Pokémon, and there are special steps to be taken before it can join your party fully.
Zygarde’s role in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is extremely important, playing a driving force in the background of what is going on in Lumiose City, and, like Arceus in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, catching Zygarde is a huge part of boasting 100% completion of the game.
If you’re desperate to add Zygarde to your party in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, here’s everything you need to know.
How to Catch Zygarde in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Zygarde cannot be caught until deep into the post-game of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, with the full story required to be complete and a few extra steps too.
Before the opportunity to catch Zygarde opens, you must compete in the Infinite Z-A Royale for the first time, as well as successfully catch both Xerneas and Yveltal. Once that’s done, return to Hotel Z, and L will once again be waiting, this time ready for a battle, and you must take him down.
A breakdown of his team is shown in the table below.
| Pokémon | Type | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Pyroar | Normal/Fire | 78 |
| Florges | Fairy | 78 |
| Sableye | Dark/Ghost | 78 |
| Garbodor | Poison | 78 |
| Noivern | Flying/Dragon | 78 |
| Mega Gyarados | Water/Dark | 80 |
Zygarde Location in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Once L has been defeated, Zygarde will be waiting in the middle of Wild Zone 20. Beware, though, its appearance means no Alpha Pokémon will spawn in that spot, which may lock you out of some big catches until Zygarde has been quelled.
Preparation is crucial for this battle as there are multiple stages, which have to be completed in one stint, as there is no saved progress. Each stage pits you against a different form of Zygarde, each with its own powerful moves that, if you’re not careful, can quickly wipe away your progress.
In the second phase, when Zygarde is at 50% power, run to avoid its attacks when it is charging up, and withdraw your Pokémon so they don’t sustain damage. The hardest stage is the final stage, where Zygarde has 100% power, and this is where things get tricky as it will now target you, not the Pokémon.
The two main threats are the ultimate abilities, which can wipe you out if not avoided. For Core Enforcer, Zygarde flies out of the arena and lasers a large ‘Z’ onto the ground, which then explodes in a large radius. To avoid this, run to the left or right-hand side of the zone and find the spot that isn’t glowing green.
Land Wrath is the hardest to avoid, as it hits multiple times. When Zygarde begins to charge, run to the edge of the arena and withdraw your Pokémon so it doesn’t sustain damage. While you may get hit at this edge, there should be enough time between the strikes to avoid being blacked out.
Best Pokémon to Beat Zygarde in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
In terms of battling Zygarde and dealing damage, Fairy-type Pokémon are your best bet. Gardevoir is particularly useful, with Moonblast to deal damage, Draining Kiss to restore HP, and Calm Mind to boost stats. Find a rotation that works for you, and get into a rhythm to take down the Pokémon.
Many other Pokémon are also useful, but the key is to buff your stats, lower Zygarde’s stats, and provide healing through moves, which helps you sustain your Pokémon to remain in the fight.
We’ve outlined some other fine choices to take down Zygarde in the table below.
| Pokémon | Type | Crucial Moves |
|---|---|---|
| Gardevoir | Psychic/Fairy | – Calm Mind – Moonblast – Draining Kiss |
| Mega Meganium | Grass/Fairy | – Dazzling Gleam – Giga Drain |
| Abomasnow | Grass/Ice | – Swords Dance – Ice Punch – Ice Beam |
| Froslass | Ice/Ghost | – Draining Kiss – Ice Beam – Shadow Ball |
Once all three stages of Zygarde are defeated, the Pokémon is now available to be caught and has a guaranteed 100% catch rate. Upon completion of the fight, you’ll also receive the Zygarde core, giving you the ability to change its forms, and you can Mega Evolve Zygarde in battle—but only when its health falls below 50% and it’s in its complete form.
Which Pokémon do you want to see added to Pokémon Legends: Z-A in the Mega Dimension DLC? Let us know in the Insider Gaming Discord.
For more Pokémon Legends: Z-A, check out the full Evolution guide for special Evolutions, and take a look at all Mega Evolutions in the game.
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