Top 10 Early-Game Pokémon to Catch in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

[BloodPhoenix]

When starting your adventure in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, one of the first crucial steps is choosing the right Pokémon to help you navigate the early challenges. Early-game Pokémon are key to setting up a strong foundation for the rest of your journey, as they’ll assist in battles and help you level up faster. In this guide, we’ll look at the Top 10 Early-Game Pokémon to Catch in Pokémon Legends: Z-A—Pokémon that are not only easy to find but also provide great utility for newcomers.

1. Chikorita

For trainers starting their journey with a Grass-type Pokémon, Chikorita is a solid choice. This Pokémon offers a strong defensive presence with its supportive moves, making it perfect for beginners. As it evolves into Bayleef and then Meganium, it becomes a reliable tank in the early stages, with access to moves like Reflect and Synthesis that can outlast opponents.

2. Tepig

A Fire-type starter, Tepig is a must-have for those looking to dominate early Fire-type gym battles or areas filled with Grass and Bug Pokémon. As it evolves into Pignite and ultimately Emboar, Tepig offers strong offensive firepower with moves like Flamethrower and Heat Crash, making it a fearsome ally early in your journey.

3. Pancham

One of the most charming early-game Pokémon, Pancham is a Fighting-type that offers a balanced mix of offense and defense. Its later evolutions bring even more power, and its diverse moveset, including Parting Shot and Foul Play, provides excellent flexibility in battles.

4. Espurr

If you’re looking for a Psychic-type to deal with tricky Dark-type foes early in the game, Espurr is the perfect Pokémon to catch. This adorable kitten evolves into Meowstic, which brings a slew of useful Psychic-type moves, such as Confusion and Psychic, capable of taking down enemies with precision.

5. Talonflame

Found early in the game, Talonflame is a quick and strong Flying/Fire-type Pokémon that can help you breeze through tough battles. With moves like Flame Charge and Aerial Ace, it brings fast, powerful strikes to any encounter and is a fantastic pick for speed-focused teams.

6. Machop

Machop is a classic Fighting-type that evolves into Machoke and later Machamp, boasting a wide array of physical attacks. If you’re facing Steel or Ice-types, Machop’s powerful Fighting-type moves, like Low Sweep and Cross Chop, can knock out foes in no time.

7. Clefairy

For trainers seeking a reliable Fairy-type, Clefairy is a great early pick. With its ability to learn healing moves like Moonlight and status-inflicting moves like Thunder Wave, Clefairy can serve as both a defensive wall and a support Pokémon as you explore the region.

8. Abomasnow

Though a bit rare in early-game areas, Abomasnow offers an excellent Ice/Grass-type combination. Its access to powerful Ice-type moves, including Blizzard, helps you counter Flying, Dragon, and Ground-type Pokémon with ease. With its ability to Mega-evolve, Abomasnow becomes a monstrous threat in later stages of the game.

9. Inkay

For a unique Psychic/Dark-type combo, Inkay is an intriguing Pokémon to catch. As it evolves into Malamar, it gains access to moves like Foul Play and Superpower, providing it with a strong offensive presence against many common early-game opponents.

10. Bayleef

If you opted for Chikorita as your starter Pokémon, then Bayleef is already well within reach. As the evolved form of Chikorita, Bayleef's defensive stats are boosted significantly, making it ideal for tanking hits and using status moves like Leech Seed to wear down enemies over time.

These Top 10 Early-Game Pokémon to Catch in Pokémon Legends: Z-A offer a wide variety of types and moves, making them indispensable to your team early on. Each Pokémon brings something unique to the table, whether it’s high offensive stats or a supportive role in battle. Depending on your playstyle, these Pokémon can ensure your success in both casual and challenging encounters throughout your adventure.