How to Survive Canari's Challenge in Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Complete the Puzzle

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If you’re unaware of how streamers go all out for content, then Pokémon Legends: Z-A is about to show you how important those views can be. Canari is working hard to find new ways to entertain her viewers, and she needs your help to make it happen.

All you have to do is avoid getting knocked out for 30 seconds—sounds simple, right? But it’s more challenging than it looks. Here are some useful tips to help you survive this intense Pokémon challenge.

How to Start ‘Be A Defenseless Dodger!’

First, you need to unlock Side Mission 173, called “Be A Defenseless Dodger!” You can access it after completing Hyperspace Mission 9: Hyperspace Lumiose Survey No. 5, which involves defeating Canari and Ivor. Once you take down these two, new side missions will become available throughout Lumiose City, including this one.

Next, fast travel to Racine Construction, located on South Boulevard, just southeast of Wild Zone 17. Enter the building, and inside, you’ll find Canari sitting at her computer in the back right corner of the first floor. Talk to her, and she’ll explain her challenge. The catch? You have to survive for 30 seconds against a group of Pokémon without using any of your own Pokémon or Poké Balls.

How to Survive the Challenge

Once Canari sets the challenge, she’ll give you some time to prepare—use it wisely by getting a key item that can help.

Head back outside Racine Construction, where a worker will offer various Canari Plushes in exchange for your Colored Screws. If you haven’t already, try to max out the Green Canari Plush. This plush increases your resistance to damage from opposing Pokémon, effectively giving you more health points (HP). While it’s not mandatory, having your Green Plush upgraded makes the challenge much easier, especially if you’re stocked up on Screws.

After upgrading your plush, go to the location on the map where the challenge will take place. When you’re ready, the countdown will start, and a group of Pokémon—including Raichu, Ampharos, and Hippowdon—will attack you with powerful moves like Hyper Beam, Rock Slide, Swift, and Earthquake.

Tips for Surviving

One of the best strategies is to bait their attacks by standing in one of the room’s four corners. Timing your movements allows most Pokémon to use their attacks toward that corner. Then, quickly run through the middle of the arena to dodge most of their attacks, which will miss if timed correctly.

Avoid Hippowdon’s Earthquake, as it’s tougher to dodge, but most other attacks should miss if you keep moving. If you’re uncomfortable with perfect timing, continuously run along the outer edge of the room. This makes it harder for the Pokémon to target you, as most of their attacks will aim where you just were.

Expect to get hit a few times. Even if your screen starts turning red, don’t give up. Keep dodging and running, and you’ll likely survive the full 30 seconds.

Rewards for Completing the Challenge

When you succeed, Canari will praise your quick dodging skills and reward you with some prizes: