Pokémon Legends: Z-A has taken the world by storm, blending the excitement of Mega Evolution with the thrill of encountering towering Alpha Pokémon. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned trainer, understanding the locations, mechanics, and strategic use of Mega Stones and Alpha Pokemon can dramatically enhance your gameplay.
In this guide, we’ll explore all Mega Stone locations, reveal hidden Alpha Pokémon mechanics, and provide advanced strategies for building the ultimate team. We will also link to credible sources for reference to ensure you get accurate and up-to-date information.
Mega Stones in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
What Are Mega Stones?
Mega Stones are key items that enable certain Pokémon to undergo Mega Evolution, dramatically increasing their stats during battles. Each Pokémon requires a specific Mega Stone, and they can be obtained through various methods such as purchase, missions, ranked battles, or special gifts.
How to Obtain Mega Stones
Mega Stones can be acquired in several ways:
- Stone Emporium in Lumiose City – Many Mega Stones are available for purchase, including Gengarite, Medichamite, Scizorite, and Charizardite X/Y. Prices range from 50,000 to 100,000 Pokedollars.
- Quasartico Mega Shard Exchange – Some Mega Stones are obtained by exchanging Mega Shards, a currency earned during missions. For example, Alakazite and Salamencite require 360 Mega Shards each.
- Defeating Rogue Mega Pokemon – Certain Mega Stones are dropped by defeating Rogue Mega Pokemon in specific missions. Examples include Absolite from Rogue Mega Absol and Dragoninite from Rogue Mega Dragonite.
- Ranked Battles and Mystery Gifts – Rare Mega Stones like Greninjite and Delphoxite are obtained by reaching Rank K or higher in Z-A Battle Club Seasons. Others, like Gardevoirite, are distributed through Mystery Gifts during limited periods.
Complete Mega Stones Table
| Pokémon | Mega Stone | Source | Cost/Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardevoir | Gardevoirite | Mystery Gift | Limited Period |
| Greninja | Greninjite | Ranked Battles Season 1 | Rank K+ |
| Delphox | Delphoxite | Ranked Battles Season 2 | Rank K+ |
| Absol | Absolite | Story Mission | — |
| Charizard X | Charizardite X | Stone Emporium | 100,000 Pokedollars |
| Blastoise | Blastoisinite | Stone Emporium | 100,000 Pokedollars |
| Garchomp | Garchompite | Stone Emporium | 70,000 Pokedollars |
| Steelix | Steelixite | Stone Emporium | 70,000 Pokedollars |
Note: This is a partial list. For a full table of all Mega Stones in Pokémon Legends Z-A.
Mega Evolution Mechanics
Once a Pokémon holds its Mega Stone, it can Mega Evolve if the trainer has enough Mega Power. Mega Power is accumulated during battles with Rogue Mega Pokémon or through standard attacks. Key mechanics include:
- Single-use per battle: Only one Mega Stone can be active at a time per Pokémon.
- Swap strategy: Pokémon in your party can switch Mega Stones mid-battle to maintain Mega Evolution benefits.
- Integration with Plus Moves: Mega Power can also boost other abilities, allowing advanced battle strategies.
Alpha Pokémon: High-Level Encounters
What Are Alpha Pokémon?
Alpha Pokémon are larger, more aggressive variants of standard Pokémon. Recognisable by their glowing red eyes and towering size, they act as mini-bosses throughout Lumiose City and the Wild Zones.
Features of Alpha Pokémon:
- Level Advantage: 10–20 levels higher than surrounding Pokémon
- Enhanced Stats: Higher HP and stronger attacks
- Exclusive Moves: Access to TMs earlier than normal Pokémon
- Catchable & Shiny Variants: Standard Poké Balls can capture them, and shiny versions exist
- Visual Changes: Post-capture, red eyes return to normal, and HP adjusts to standard levels
Where to Find Alpha Pokémon
Alpha Pokémon appear in two main ways:
- Fixed Alpha Spawns
Guaranteed in certain Wild Zones, like Staryu in Wild Zone 2. These respawn after specific conditions. - Random Alpha Encounters
Regular Pokémon have a small chance to appear as Alphas, encouraging exploration across the game world. - Story-Linked Spawns
Some Alphas appear in non-Wild Zones, often tied to missions or hidden challenges.
Tip: Defeating Alpha Pokémon can yield rare items, high-level experience, and opportunities to train your Mega-Evolving Pokémon.
Combining Mega Stones with Alpha Pokémon
A unique strategy in Pokémon Legends Z-A is leveraging Alpha Pokémon to optimize Mega Evolution:
- Early Game Advantage
Capture Alpha Pokémon with high stats and then equip them with Mega Stones. This accelerates progression in missions and ranked battles. - Stat Maximization
Alpha Pokémon naturally have superior IVs and EVs. Using Mega Stones on them ensures the strongest Mega Evolution form. - Strategic Battles
Pair type advantages and Plus Moves with Mega Evolution for high-damage outputs in difficult missions or PvP encounters.
Advanced Tips and Hidden Secrets
- Mission Planning: Some Mega Stones and Alpha Pokémon are tied to specific missions. Completing side missions like “A Big Ol’ Bunnelby” unlocks new Alpha spawns.
- Shiny Hunting: Alpha Pokémon can appear as shiny variants, making them ideal for collectors.
- Efficiency Route: Prioritize collecting Mega Stones from the Stone Emporium first to strengthen your team before ranked battles.
- DLC Integration: Certain Mega Stones, like Raichunite X/Y, are exclusive to the Mega Dimension DLC. Plan your strategy around these additions.
Final Thoughts
Pokémon Legends: Z-A offers a rich gameplay experience with Mega Stones and Alpha Pokémon as its core mechanics. While many guides list locations or mechanics separately, combining this knowledge into a strategic approach can dramatically improve your in-game performance.
By using this guide, you can:
- Collect all Mega Stones efficiently
- Exploit Alpha Pokémon’s stats and abilities
- Build the ultimate Pokémon team for missions, ranked battles, and exploration
For more detailed tables, mission-specific locations, and in-depth Mega Stone mechanics, check the above-linked article for the sources.
This guide ensures you have a complete, strategic advantage in Pokémon Legends Z-A, blending the best of Mega Evolution and Alpha Pokémon into a single, actionable resource.