Pokémon Legends ZA offers a unique twist on the traditional Pokémon adventure, allowing players to capture and evolve Ash's iconic roster while navigating complex battles and story-driven challenges. Having spent hours exploring Lumio City and beyond, I wanted to share my experience, strategies, and some tips for building a team that can handle even the toughest opponents.

Evolving Ash’s Key Pokémon

One of the highlights of this adventure is evolving Ash’s beloved Pokémon to unlock their full potential. Early on, I caught Snow Run, a cute Hoenn ice type, and thanks to the updated level cap, I could immediately evolve it into Galilee. Galilee’s move set is surprisingly versatile, making it a great addition for handling a variety of opponents.

Another standout is Crocarok, which evolves into Crocodile—one of Ash’s most powerful Pokémon, boasting one of the highest win rates in the series. Having both Galilee and Crocodile on my bench dramatically boosted my team’s effectiveness, especially in the early promotion matches.

Battling Tough Promotion Fights

Promotion battles in Lumio City are no joke, and one of the most challenging early fights was against Eyeball from the Fist of Justice. With my strongest Pokémon weak to fighting types, I had to rely on strategic switches and supporting Pokémon like Heracross. A carefully timed Mega Horn allowed Heracross to dodge key attacks and secure the clutch victory—a reminder that even less flashy Pokémon can shine with the right strategy.

Following that, advancing to rank D required taking on the Rust Syndicate. Crocodile, Lucario, and Charizard made quick work of the steel-type enemies, but these battles reminded me that preparation and knowing your opponents’ weaknesses are crucial. One misstep, and your flying or fire types could be wiped out before you know it.

Expanding the Team in Lumio City

To fully complete Ash’s roster, I explored the sewers underneath Lumio City. Scraggy, Noybat, and Paul Lucha were waiting to be caught. While Scraggy may not shine in battle, having it helps complete the collection. Meanwhile, Paul Lucha is a true powerhouse, especially after obtaining its Mega Stone from a rogue mega fight.

I also evolved my Callos dragons into Noburn and Goodra, rounding out Ash’s Callos team. With these additions, my team was nearly at full strength, ready to tackle higher ranks and more difficult foes.

Strategic Highlights: Promotion Matches to Rank A

As I progressed, facing Corbo and later Gisham tested my tactical skills. These fights were intense, with mega evolutions and a variety of types challenging my roster. For example, in the Gisham fight, I used a combination of Heracross, Greninja, Gengar, and Lucario to systematically dismantle his team. Ice Beam from Galilee was key against Salamaments, while Gengar’s speed and move pool allowed for critical late-game damage.

By Rank A, every battle demanded careful planning and understanding type matchups. Whether it was handling Mega Charizard X or surviving simultaneous attacks from multiple opponents, the key was preparation and flexible strategies.

Endgame Strategy and Final Captures

Once Ash’s roster was complete, including Dragon Air evolving into Dragonite, the focus shifted to final battles and rogue mega threats in Lumio City. Glalee and Goodra handled much of the rogue damage, while Mega Stones acquired throughout the game maximized the team’s power. With these tools, I could confidently face final rivals like Tory and emerge as Lumio City’s strongest trainer.

For players looking to strengthen their teams quickly, you can also buy shiny Pokémon from trusted sources like U4GM. While I personally enjoy catching my Pokémon, having access to specific shiny variants can save a lot of grinding and let you focus on strategy rather than pure hunting.

Additionally, for those who want to expand their roster efficiently, platforms like Pokemon ZA buy Pokémon are worth considering to complete missing Ash Pokémon in your collection, particularly when aiming for full roster coverage in Lumio City.

Tips and Takeaways

Leverage evolutions early: Snow Run → Galilee and Crocarok → Crocodile made a huge difference in early battles.

Understand type advantages: Flying and ice types proved essential against fighting-heavy opponents.

Mega Stones matter: Using Mega Evolutions at the right time can turn the tide in close battles.

Don’t underestimate minor Pokémon: Heracross and Scraggy may not seem strong, but strategic use can secure critical victories.

Plan for late-game fights: Rank A and beyond require a balanced team with coverage against a variety of types and mega evolutions.

With careful planning and smart use of Ash’s roster, players can climb the ranks, defeat tough rivals, and ultimately become the strongest trainer in Lumio City.