If you’re diving into Pokémon Legends: Z-A and looking for the strongest team to breeze through the story, choosing the right Pokémon early on can make a huge difference. While Z-A’s open-world design gives you plenty of freedom, certain Pokémon stand out for their versatility, typing, and early availability. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best Pokémon to use throughout the main story.
1. Lucario – The Reliable All-Rounder
Lucario has been a fan favorite for good reason. Its dual Fighting/Steel typing provides great offensive coverage and solid resistances, making it extremely dependable against most Gym Leaders and late-game opponents. With access to moves like Aura Sphere and Flash Cannon, Lucario can handle both physical and special attacks effectively. It’s easy to train and stays relevant from mid-game all the way to the credits.
2. Gardevoir – The Psychic Powerhouse
Gardevoir is one of the strongest options for players who want both power and utility. Its Psychic/Fairy typing lets it counter many common threats, including Dragons and Fighters. With access to Calm Mind and Moonblast, Gardevoir excels in long battles and remains a reliable team member throughout the story. For players who like to experiment with team synergy, pairing Gardevoir with a sturdy physical attacker like Lucario or Garchomp works beautifully.
3. Arcanine (Hisuian Form)
The Hisuian Arcanine variant is a beast in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Its Fire/Rock typing gives it a unique balance of offense and defense, and it’s capable of wiping out opponents quickly with powerful moves like Raging Fury and Rock Slide. It’s also quite bulky, making it an excellent tank during story battles. If you’re looking to build a strong early team, catching a Growlithe and evolving it into Hisuian Arcanine is definitely worth the effort.
4. Garchomp – The Late-Game Monster
No story mode team feels complete without a pseudo-legendary, and Garchomp fills that role perfectly. Its Dragon/Ground typing and high attack stats make it one of the best sweepers in the game. Once it learns Earthquake and Dragon Claw, very few enemies can stand in its way. Gible might take some effort to train at first, but the reward is absolutely worth it.
5. Togekiss – The Versatile Support
Togekiss is more than just a Fairy-type flier—it’s a utility powerhouse. With moves like Air Slash and Aura Sphere, it can flinch opponents while covering multiple types. Its high Special Attack and decent bulk make it a reliable companion for both casual players and competitive-minded trainers.
6. Infernape – The Balanced Starter
Among the available starters in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Infernape shines as the most balanced choice. Its Fire/Fighting typing gives it wide offensive options and solid speed. Close Combat and Flamethrower remain staple moves for most of the story, and its adaptability helps you through both boss battles and random encounters.
Final Tips for Building Your Team
When building your story team, balance is key. Try to include at least one Water-type for coverage against Fire and Ground Pokémon, as well as an Electric or Grass-type for dealing with Flying and Water foes. Training a mix of physical and special attackers ensures you can handle different types of defenses.
If you’re looking to strengthen your roster further, many players choose to buy Shiny Pokemon ZA or buy pokemon for legends za from reliable community marketplaces to expand their collection quickly. It’s an efficient way to test different builds and strategies once you’ve completed the main story.
Whether you prefer brute force, tactical plays, or stylish shinies, Pokémon Legends: Z-A offers plenty of ways to make your adventure unforgettable. With the right team, you’ll find yourself enjoying every battle, from the first wild encounter to the final showdown.
