Top Early Game Team in Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Completing and Solving

Select Language:

Building a strong team early in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is crucial for establishing a reliable foundation for the game. Your team will likely change multiple times throughout the adventure to fit your evolving strategy. If you’re eager to add a Hawlucha right from the beginning, keep in mind that you’ll need to reach a certain point first; in the meantime, don’t hesitate to use a temporary Pokémon as a placeholder.

If adding a Gengar to your team is essential for your playstyle, don’t worry—we have some recommended starting teams that will help you get a good start in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

For each suggested team, we consider the three main starters available, as well as the original Kalos and Kanto starter Pokémon, focusing on their availability early in the game.

### Bug-Type Team Basics
A strong early team can include Pokémon like Gyarados, Heracross, Mareep, Pansear, Ralts, or your chosen starter.

One recommended squad involves catching a Pikachu to trade for Heracross early on, making it an easy team to assemble. Other Pokémon like Magikarp and Pansear can be found around Lumiose City early in the game. Once your team is together, you’ll have a versatile set that helps you progress without being locked into specific Pokémon choices.

It’s best to have Chikorita, Bulbasaur, or Chespin on your team, as this squad offers plenty of Water and Fire coverage but lacks Grass-type options, so keep that in mind when building your team.

### For Now and Later
Another solid team can include Espurr, Gastly, Houndour, Pidgeotto, and your starter. If you’re focusing on a Water-type starter, swapping out Gyarados for Pokémon like Houndour or Bellsprout can keep your team balanced. Gastly, Houndour, and Pidgeotto are powerful options that can grow into formidable fighters with training, providing flexibility for your team’s future.

### Pure Potential Pokémon
If you want to play through the early parts of the game while preparing a powerful team for later, consider Pokémon like Bellsprout, Fletchinder, Gastly, Mareep, Staryu (which can evolve into Starmie with a Water Stone), and your starter.

This team is strong because most Pokémon have multiple evolution stages or are very powerful in their second stage. For instance, Staryu becomes a force once evolved, and Bellsprout adds early Mega Evolution potential along with your starter. To adapt this team to your starter choice, replace Bellsprout with Riolu or Venipede if using a Water or Grass starter respectively.

### Balanced Future Brawlers
For a team with balanced power, consider including Pokémon like Gastly, Gyarados, Mareep, Riolu, and Venipede. This squad combines offensive strength with versatility and can be tailored to your starter choice, whether Fire, Water, or Grass.

If Riolu and Gastly appeal to you, this setup offers a good mix of consistency and trial options, with Mareep providing an excellent early Electric type that fits into many teams.

—

Focusing on these core Pokémon can help you get through the early stages of Pokémon Legends: Z-A while setting the stage for a powerful, flexible team later in the game. Remember, your team will evolve as you progress, so choose Pokémon based on your preferred playstyle and strategic goals.