In Pokémon Legends: ZA, the Kanto starters are an iconic part of the gameplay experience, and acquiring them early on in your playthrough is something many players don't want to miss. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get your hands on Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle in this exciting title.
Unlocking the Side Mission
Once you’ve received your Challenger Ticket from the ZA Royale at rank W, head over to any Pokémon Center. After healing your Pokémon, you’ll receive a call from Mabel, who invites you to her lab. This triggers Side Mission #22, which is crucial for obtaining the Kanto starters.
If you’re a fan of these classic Pokémon, this mission is a must-do early in your journey. Mabel, located at her research lab on floor three, will offer you the chance to choose between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Each of these Pokémon brings their own type advantages to your team, and while the decision ultimately depends on your personal preference, here’s a quick breakdown:
Bulbasaur (Grass Type): Ideal if you haven't already chosen a Grass starter.
Charmander (Fire Type): Great for players who need a Fire type for better balance against Water and Grass types.
Squirtle (Water Type): A solid option if you’re looking for a Water type, especially early on in the game.
Strategic Considerations
The Kanto starters can be a real asset in battle, but the decision on which one to choose might depend on what your starter Pokémon already is. For example, if you started with a Grass-type Pokémon, adding Venusaur might not be the best choice due to type redundancy. Instead, you might prefer Charmander or Squirtle to round out your team’s strengths.
Mega Evolutions and Stones
As you progress through the game, you'll gain access to the Stone Emporium after reaching Rank V. Here, you can purchase Mega Stones for Charizard and Blastoise, allowing you to evolve these Kanto starters into their powerful Mega Evolutions. However, there's a catch: Venusaurite is not available at this stage. You’ll need to progress much further in the game to obtain it, after battling a rogue Mega Venusaur.
This limitation may not be an issue if you plan to evolve your Charmander or Squirtle into their Mega forms, but it’s worth noting that Venusaurite will only be unlocked late in the story.
Post-Game Options
If you’re keen on completing the full set of Kanto starters, don’t worry — all three starters can be found in the post-game. Once you’ve unlocked the facilities in Lumio City, you’ll be able to catch all the Kanto starters to complete your team.
A Word of Advice
If you’re eager to maximize your gameplay efficiency, you might consider buying Pokémon for Legends ZA or buying shiny Pokémon to strengthen your team. U4GM is a great resource for acquiring in-game items, but remember, it’s important to make wise decisions about the Pokémon you want to invest in, especially with the upcoming availability of more Mega Stones and other powerful items as your progress continues.
In Summary
Getting the Kanto starters early in your Pokémon Legends: ZA playthrough is a great opportunity for fans of the original series. Whether you’re after Mega Evolutions, looking for a balanced team, or simply want to relive some nostalgic moments, this mission is one you shouldn’t skip. Keep in mind the limitations on Venusaurite availability, and plan accordingly based on your preferred strategy.
