Top 10 Early-Game Pokémon to Catch in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2025 7:14 am
When diving into Pokémon Legends: Z-A, one of the first decisions players will face is which Pokémon to catch early on. Your initial team can greatly influence your journey, and knowing which Pokémon to add to your roster early on can make a significant difference in your gameplay experience. Here are the Top 10 Early-Game Pokémon to Catch in Pokémon Legends: Z-A that every player should consider when starting their adventure.
1. Chikorita – A Reliable Grass-Type Companion
As one of the first starters you can encounter, Chikorita provides a solid foundation for your early battles. With its decent stats and ability to learn powerful moves like Razor Leaf, it becomes a reliable choice against Water and Rock-type foes. Plus, Chikorita’s evolution line, especially its final form Meganium, offers support and defensive options for your team.
2. Pancham – The Fighting Type You Need
Pancham is a unique Fighting-type Pokémon that can be found early in the game. Its high Attack and decent Speed make it an excellent choice for physical attacks. Pancham’s evolution into Pangoro gives you a powerful dual Fighting/Dark-type Pokémon, which will be invaluable against Psychic and Normal-types, especially early in the game when such types are common.
3. Espurr – A Psychic-Type Game-Changer
If you’re looking to bring some mental power to your team, Espurr should definitely be on your radar. This cute Psychic-type Pokémon evolves into Meowstic, which is one of the best early-game Psychic-types with access to moves like Confusion and Psybeam. Its impressive Special Attack will come in handy as you progress through tougher battles.
4. Emolga – A Fast and Flexible Electric-Type
Emolga is a speedy Electric/Flying-type Pokémon with access to fast-moving moves like Volt Switch and Thunderbolt. It’s an excellent early-game pick, providing you with a quick attacker that can deal with Water- and Flying-type opponents. Its Flying typing also grants resistance to Ground-type moves, making it an excellent defensive asset in many battles.
5. Abomasnow – For Ice-Type Lovers
Though it’s not a traditional early-game catch, Abomasnow can be a game-changer if you find it early. As an Ice/Grass-type Pokémon, it provides coverage against Dragons and Flying-types. Its evolution into Snover also gives you access to powerful Ice-type moves like Blizzard, which will serve you well in later stages of the game.
6. Bidoof – A Simple, Yet Effective Utility Pokémon
While Bidoof may seem like a basic option at first, it evolves into Bibarel, a Water/Normal-type that brings both offensive and defensive support to your team. With access to powerful moves like Water Gun and Hyper Fang, Bidoof becomes more useful as it levels up and offers strong utility with abilities like Pickup.
7. Caterpie – The Bug That Can Lead to Victory
Early in the game, Caterpie might seem weak, but it’s an excellent choice for those who want to maximize experience gain. Evolving into Metapod and then Butterfree, this Pokémon provides access to strong Bug-type moves like Bug Buzz and Stun Spore. Having a Butterfree in your early lineup helps deal with Psychic-types that could otherwise overwhelm your team.
8. Zubat – The Flying-Type to Watch
Zubat may be one of the more common Pokémon you’ll encounter early on, but it’s worth catching due to its Flying/Poison typing. Zubat evolves into Crobat, a speedy and reliable Pokémon that can handle many opponents with its fast attacks. Its versatility makes it an essential member of your early team, especially for dealing with Bug and Grass-types.
9. Ralts – The Psychic Type with a Twist
Ralts is another Psychic-type Pokémon that offers excellent early-game potential. As it evolves into Kirlia and then into Gardevoir, it gains access to strong moves like Psychic and Future Sight. Not only does Ralts provide offensive power, but its evolution also grants access to Fairy-type moves that will be useful against Dragon, Dark, and Fighting-types.
10. Turtwig – The Grass-Type Powerhouse
As one of the more straightforward choices for players looking for an early Grass-type, Turtwig is an excellent Pokémon to catch. It evolves into Grotle and then Torterra, a powerful Grass/Ground-type. Torterra is a heavy hitter with access to powerful moves like Earthquake and Wood Hammer, making it an essential part of your team as you progress through more challenging battles.
The Top 10 Early-Game Pokémon to Catch in Pokémon Legends: Z-A provide players with a variety of options, from speedsters to powerhouses, ensuring that every trainer can build a team that fits their preferred playstyle. Whether you're looking for a sturdy defensive wall, a powerful offensive force, or versatile utility, these Pokémon offer the foundation for success in your journey across the game world. Happy hunting!
1. Chikorita – A Reliable Grass-Type Companion
As one of the first starters you can encounter, Chikorita provides a solid foundation for your early battles. With its decent stats and ability to learn powerful moves like Razor Leaf, it becomes a reliable choice against Water and Rock-type foes. Plus, Chikorita’s evolution line, especially its final form Meganium, offers support and defensive options for your team.
2. Pancham – The Fighting Type You Need
Pancham is a unique Fighting-type Pokémon that can be found early in the game. Its high Attack and decent Speed make it an excellent choice for physical attacks. Pancham’s evolution into Pangoro gives you a powerful dual Fighting/Dark-type Pokémon, which will be invaluable against Psychic and Normal-types, especially early in the game when such types are common.
3. Espurr – A Psychic-Type Game-Changer
If you’re looking to bring some mental power to your team, Espurr should definitely be on your radar. This cute Psychic-type Pokémon evolves into Meowstic, which is one of the best early-game Psychic-types with access to moves like Confusion and Psybeam. Its impressive Special Attack will come in handy as you progress through tougher battles.
4. Emolga – A Fast and Flexible Electric-Type
Emolga is a speedy Electric/Flying-type Pokémon with access to fast-moving moves like Volt Switch and Thunderbolt. It’s an excellent early-game pick, providing you with a quick attacker that can deal with Water- and Flying-type opponents. Its Flying typing also grants resistance to Ground-type moves, making it an excellent defensive asset in many battles.
5. Abomasnow – For Ice-Type Lovers
Though it’s not a traditional early-game catch, Abomasnow can be a game-changer if you find it early. As an Ice/Grass-type Pokémon, it provides coverage against Dragons and Flying-types. Its evolution into Snover also gives you access to powerful Ice-type moves like Blizzard, which will serve you well in later stages of the game.
6. Bidoof – A Simple, Yet Effective Utility Pokémon
While Bidoof may seem like a basic option at first, it evolves into Bibarel, a Water/Normal-type that brings both offensive and defensive support to your team. With access to powerful moves like Water Gun and Hyper Fang, Bidoof becomes more useful as it levels up and offers strong utility with abilities like Pickup.
7. Caterpie – The Bug That Can Lead to Victory
Early in the game, Caterpie might seem weak, but it’s an excellent choice for those who want to maximize experience gain. Evolving into Metapod and then Butterfree, this Pokémon provides access to strong Bug-type moves like Bug Buzz and Stun Spore. Having a Butterfree in your early lineup helps deal with Psychic-types that could otherwise overwhelm your team.
8. Zubat – The Flying-Type to Watch
Zubat may be one of the more common Pokémon you’ll encounter early on, but it’s worth catching due to its Flying/Poison typing. Zubat evolves into Crobat, a speedy and reliable Pokémon that can handle many opponents with its fast attacks. Its versatility makes it an essential member of your early team, especially for dealing with Bug and Grass-types.
9. Ralts – The Psychic Type with a Twist
Ralts is another Psychic-type Pokémon that offers excellent early-game potential. As it evolves into Kirlia and then into Gardevoir, it gains access to strong moves like Psychic and Future Sight. Not only does Ralts provide offensive power, but its evolution also grants access to Fairy-type moves that will be useful against Dragon, Dark, and Fighting-types.
10. Turtwig – The Grass-Type Powerhouse
As one of the more straightforward choices for players looking for an early Grass-type, Turtwig is an excellent Pokémon to catch. It evolves into Grotle and then Torterra, a powerful Grass/Ground-type. Torterra is a heavy hitter with access to powerful moves like Earthquake and Wood Hammer, making it an essential part of your team as you progress through more challenging battles.
The Top 10 Early-Game Pokémon to Catch in Pokémon Legends: Z-A provide players with a variety of options, from speedsters to powerhouses, ensuring that every trainer can build a team that fits their preferred playstyle. Whether you're looking for a sturdy defensive wall, a powerful offensive force, or versatile utility, these Pokémon offer the foundation for success in your journey across the game world. Happy hunting!