Top 10 Early-Game Pokémon to Catch in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2025 8:48 am
Starting your journey in Pokémon Legends: Z-A can be overwhelming with all the different Pokémon scattered across the world. However, selecting the right early-game Pokémon is crucial to ensuring you have a strong foundation for tackling the challenges ahead. In this guide, we’ll explore the Top 10 Early-Game Pokémon to Catch in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, each chosen for their utility, strength, and ease of capture in the early stages of the game.
1. Chikorita
Chikorita is a fantastic choice for players starting in the game. As a Grass-type Pokémon, it has a solid defensive nature and a good set of supportive moves. Its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, will provide reliable coverage for many early-game opponents, making it a great choice for your starter Pokémon.
2. Tepig
Tepig, the Fire-type starter, is an excellent choice for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle. With its high attack stats and the eventual evolution into Emboar, Tepig is perfect for taking down early-game Wild Pokémon and Trainers who rely on Grass- or Bug-types.
3. Pancham
Pancham offers a unique Fighting-type advantage early in the game, making it a valuable team member when facing down Normal- or Rock-types. Its evolution into Pangoro also gives you access to both Fighting- and Dark-type moves, enhancing its versatility in battle.
4. Espurr
Espurr is a great Psychic-type Pokémon to add to your roster. Its early access to powerful Psychic-type moves like Confusion will give you an edge in combat. Espurr also evolves into Meowstic, which remains a solid choice throughout the mid-game due to its high speed and special attack.
5. Pidgey
Pidgey, a reliable Flying-type Pokémon, is a classic early-game pick in many Pokémon games, and Legends: Z-A is no exception. With access to moves like Gust early on, it can quickly sweep many of the wild Pokémon encountered in the first few areas. Plus, Pidgey’s final evolution into Pidgeot offers fantastic speed and offensive stats.
6. Emolga
Emolga, an Electric/Flying-type, is an underrated gem in early-game play. With access to moves like Thunderbolt and Acrobatics, it can quickly deal with Flying- and Water-type enemies while providing fast mobility on the field. Emolga's dual typing makes it versatile enough to adapt to many situations.
7. Machop
If you need a strong Fighting-type early on, look no further than Machop. With its high attack stat and easy evolution into Machoke (and later Machamp), it becomes a powerhouse in combat. Machop is ideal for tackling Rock- and Normal-types, which are prevalent in the early game.
8. Zubat
Zubat is often overlooked, but its Poison/Flying typing and early access to useful moves like Leech Life can make it a strong early-game Pokémon. As it evolves into Golbat, it becomes faster and more durable, capable of taking on a variety of opponents, especially in caves and darker environments.
9. Bidoof
Bidoof’s Normal typing may not sound like much, but don’t let that fool you. With access to a wide array of moves, including Water- and Fighting-type attacks, Bidoof can fill multiple roles in your team. When it evolves into Bibarel, it gains access to powerful Water-type moves, making it an excellent choice for both offense and utility.
10. Caterpie
Caterpie is an iconic early-game Pokémon with great utility in the form of status moves like String Shot and Tackle. While it may seem weak at first, its evolution into Metapod and later Butterfree grants access to powerful Bug-type moves, making it invaluable against Psychic- and Grass-type opponents in the later stages.
Wrap-Up
The Top 10 Early-Game Pokémon to Catch in Pokémon Legends: Z-A offer a diverse set of abilities and strengths, giving you the best chances to build a well-rounded team early on. Whether you prefer physical offense, defensive strategy, or support roles, these Pokémon are great choices to help you get ahead in your journey through the world of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. With the right Pokémon at your side, you’ll be prepared to face whatever challenges come your way in this exciting adventure.
1. Chikorita
Chikorita is a fantastic choice for players starting in the game. As a Grass-type Pokémon, it has a solid defensive nature and a good set of supportive moves. Its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, will provide reliable coverage for many early-game opponents, making it a great choice for your starter Pokémon.
2. Tepig
Tepig, the Fire-type starter, is an excellent choice for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle. With its high attack stats and the eventual evolution into Emboar, Tepig is perfect for taking down early-game Wild Pokémon and Trainers who rely on Grass- or Bug-types.
3. Pancham
Pancham offers a unique Fighting-type advantage early in the game, making it a valuable team member when facing down Normal- or Rock-types. Its evolution into Pangoro also gives you access to both Fighting- and Dark-type moves, enhancing its versatility in battle.
4. Espurr
Espurr is a great Psychic-type Pokémon to add to your roster. Its early access to powerful Psychic-type moves like Confusion will give you an edge in combat. Espurr also evolves into Meowstic, which remains a solid choice throughout the mid-game due to its high speed and special attack.
5. Pidgey
Pidgey, a reliable Flying-type Pokémon, is a classic early-game pick in many Pokémon games, and Legends: Z-A is no exception. With access to moves like Gust early on, it can quickly sweep many of the wild Pokémon encountered in the first few areas. Plus, Pidgey’s final evolution into Pidgeot offers fantastic speed and offensive stats.
6. Emolga
Emolga, an Electric/Flying-type, is an underrated gem in early-game play. With access to moves like Thunderbolt and Acrobatics, it can quickly deal with Flying- and Water-type enemies while providing fast mobility on the field. Emolga's dual typing makes it versatile enough to adapt to many situations.
7. Machop
If you need a strong Fighting-type early on, look no further than Machop. With its high attack stat and easy evolution into Machoke (and later Machamp), it becomes a powerhouse in combat. Machop is ideal for tackling Rock- and Normal-types, which are prevalent in the early game.
8. Zubat
Zubat is often overlooked, but its Poison/Flying typing and early access to useful moves like Leech Life can make it a strong early-game Pokémon. As it evolves into Golbat, it becomes faster and more durable, capable of taking on a variety of opponents, especially in caves and darker environments.
9. Bidoof
Bidoof’s Normal typing may not sound like much, but don’t let that fool you. With access to a wide array of moves, including Water- and Fighting-type attacks, Bidoof can fill multiple roles in your team. When it evolves into Bibarel, it gains access to powerful Water-type moves, making it an excellent choice for both offense and utility.
10. Caterpie
Caterpie is an iconic early-game Pokémon with great utility in the form of status moves like String Shot and Tackle. While it may seem weak at first, its evolution into Metapod and later Butterfree grants access to powerful Bug-type moves, making it invaluable against Psychic- and Grass-type opponents in the later stages.
Wrap-Up
The Top 10 Early-Game Pokémon to Catch in Pokémon Legends: Z-A offer a diverse set of abilities and strengths, giving you the best chances to build a well-rounded team early on. Whether you prefer physical offense, defensive strategy, or support roles, these Pokémon are great choices to help you get ahead in your journey through the world of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. With the right Pokémon at your side, you’ll be prepared to face whatever challenges come your way in this exciting adventure.