10 battle tips and tricks for Pokémon Legends: Z-A

1. Variety is the spice of battle!

The best way to be prepared for any challenge is to have a varied team consisting of many different types of Pokémon! Plus, in a bustling city like Lumiose, you can expand your team easily. Explore your surroundings, climb up on rooftops, check out a variety of Wild zones and have Poké Balls at the ready!

2. Get rewards for your research

Stop by the Pokémon Research Lab and talk to Mable to join her research efforts. As a reward for completing research tasks, you’ll earn TMs which can be used to teach your Pokémon new moves. TMs can be used as many times as you like, so be sure to utilise them before jumping into the Z-A Royale.

3. Being sneaky pays off

When entering a battle zone at night, Trainers will challenge you to a Pokémon battle on sight. However, if you want to surprise them instead and gain a tactical advantage, you can be a bit sneaky! Press the Left Stick to crouch and hide behind objects, then launch your attack when their back is turned to gain the upper hand by being able to strike twice in a row.

4. Get moving

Pokémon battles in Lumiose City are dynamic and action-packed, so stay on your toes during battle. Move away to help your Pokémon avoid incoming attacks, get closer if your Pokémon’s moves have a short range, and be sure to focus on your opponent’s Pokémon by holding down the ZL Button before launching an attack.

5. Be patient

Pokémon moves recharge at different speeds. This means that sometimes an effective move which recharges faster will take you further than a super effective move which takes a long time to recharge. Find the right balance and use your Pokémon’s moves efficiently!

6. Make use of all your moves

Every Pokémon has a variety of moves, and they all have their uses! Don’t just go all out on the offensive – use moves which will shield your Pokémon, moves which will make your opponent’s Pokémon sleepy, lower their defences and more! You never know what will turn the tide of battle.

7. Get out of the way

Moves don’t just vary in terms of recharge time, but also area of effect! While some like Waterfall are narrow and far-reaching, others like Bite are short ranged but wide. So, stay aware of the distance between you and your opponent, and don’t forget tip four – keep moving and find those optimal positions!

8. Be strategic

Is your opponent’s Pokémon charging up a move with a wide area of effect and you can’t move away in time? You might be able to dodge it with certain moves instead! Moves like Dig which take your Pokémon underground, moves like Sandstorm which shroud your Pokémon temporarily, and more are the perfect fit! Experiment and see what works.

9. Swap Pokémon

Is your Pokémon about to faint? Are their moves not effective against the Pokémon you’re facing? You can swap them out for another Pokémon on your team at any time. If you do so in the nick of time, you can even dodge incoming attacks and avoid damage altogether!

10. Go Mega!

Unleash the full potential of certain Pokémon with Mega Evolution! Once your Key Stone resonates with the Mega Stone held by your Pokémon, Mega Evolve! Your Pokémon will not only be more powerful, but might also change their type, giving you the upper hand in battle!

With these tips and tricks, you’re sure to reach Rank A in the Z-A Royale in no time! And if you want to find out even more about Lumiose City and its inhabitants, you can do so here.