How To Find and Evolve Dratini in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

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With Dragonite receiving a Mega Evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, it’s clear this highly popular Pokémon will be on everyone’s catch list. However, as expected, obtaining Dragonite isn’t easy.

Since Dragonite is extremely powerful, even getting a Dratini early in the game can be challenging. Fortunately, there is a spot where you can find a Dratini shortly after starting, but it requires some parkour skills.

Where to Find Dratini

Most Pokémon in Legends: Z-A can be found roaming in Wild Zones, but Dratini, Dragonair, and Dragonite aren’t among them. To catch a Dratini or possibly a Dragonair, you’ll need to go to the rooftops of Lumiose City.

While examining rooftops while exploring might lead to sightings, there are specific locations confirmed for spawning. At the start of the game, check these locations:

Le Nah Restaurant (Vert Sector 6): Climb the ladder south of the building. Once on top, walk along the ledge, then perform a dodge roll forward to reach the roof where Dratini might be waiting.
Bleu Sector 9: Head to the small grassy triangle between Bleu Sector 6, 9, and 10. Use the construction platform on Bleu Sector 6 to reach the roof of Sector 6. From there, connect to Sector 8, then move northwest to find a bridge leading to Sector 9. On top, check the northwest corner for a Dratini or a rare Dragonair.
Magenta Sector 8: Enter the building with the Pokémon Center. Use the Holovator on the south side to go to the roof. Cross the bridge to neighboring buildings by getting as close to the edge and dodging across. Find a ladder leading to a roof with many Bellsprouts and, among them, a Dratini.
Jaune Sector 3: You’ll need the Roto-Glide feature, which unlocks later in the story. Ascend the neighboring building and use Roto-Glide to reach the target building’s roof where Dratini may spawn.

The appearance of these Pokémon as Dragonair is possible but rare, and they could also spawn as Alpha Pokémon during the day or night.

How to Catch Dratini

Catching Dratini can be difficult. It has a low catch rate and will often run away if not caught on the first try. Expect to make multiple attempts, especially for the Alpha version. Using a Pokémon with a strong move to weaken it in the first or second turn can help, as it stuns the Pokémon, making it easier to toss a Poké Ball.

Because Dratini is easily startled, sneaking up on it—whether attacking or throwing Poké Balls—is essential. Be ready with several balls, as missing the first throw allows it to run away, requiring you to wait a day or rest on a bench for it to respawn.

Evolving Dratini into Dragonite

Dratini evolves by leveling up. Like most Dragon Pokémon, it requires high levels to evolve fully, with Dragonite needing to reach level 55.

Here’s how the evolution works:

Level 30: Dratini evolves into Dragonair.
Level 55: Dragonair evolves into Dragonite.

Additionally, Dragonite can Mega Evolve using a Mega Evolution Stone. To achieve this, you must defeat a Rogue Mega Dragonite, which appears as a wild boss. Winning grants you its Mega Stone, which you can then give to your Dragonite to Mega Evolve it during battles.

How to Mega Evolve Dragonite

Mega Stones for many Pokémon are sold at Quasartico Inc., but the Mega Stone for Dragonite cannot be bought. Instead, continue progressing through the story until you encounter and defeat a Rogue Mega Dragonite. Upon victory, you earn its Mega Stone, which allows your Dragonite to Mega Evolve in battle.

This entire process requires patience and persistence, but with determination, you’ll eventually add a Mega Dragonite to your team.