For players diving into Pokémon Legends ZA, building a strong team early can make a huge difference in your playthrough. Fortunately, the game offers access to some of the rarest and most popular Pokémon right from the start, including Eevee, Dratini, Riolu, Ralz, Larvitar, and Goome. As someone who has explored the early areas extensively, I want to share a practical guide on how to secure these Pokémon efficiently.

Eevee – The Versatile Starter Companion
Eevee can be found in the grassy area of Vert Sector 9, just north of Wild Zone 1. You will need access to Water Gun to enter certain paths, but there’s also an open route you can use. Keep in mind that Eevee has a low catch rate, so patience and precision are key. Capturing Eevee early is particularly beneficial if you plan to evolve it into Sylveon, as you can quickly increase its friendship level through in-game methods.

Dratini – Early Dragon Power
For Dratini, head over to Restaurant Lena in the eastern part of the map. It can be found on the rooftop, accessible via a ladder once you’ve unlocked the teleport point. Timing and careful jumping are necessary, but capturing Dratini early can provide a powerful boost to your team. This Pokémon is also a great candidate for shiny hunting, offering an added challenge for dedicated collectors.

Riolu – Fast and Strategic Fighter
Riolu spawns in the northwest section of the map, on top of a shopping mall. The area is accessible from the beginning via a nearby ladder. This Pokémon can appear as an alpha variant, making it even more desirable for players who enjoy hunting for rare or shiny versions. Riolu’s early availability allows you to integrate it into your team quickly, giving you a solid advantage in early battles.

Ralz – Mystery Gift and Early Exploration
Ralz can be obtained through a mystery gift, along with its Mega Stone if you purchased the game early. However, it’s also possible to find wild Ralz in the west-northwest of the map in a small grassy area. You will need to clear brambles with moves like Ember, Razor Leaf, or Aerial Ace to access the location. Shiny and alpha variants are possible, making Ralz both a strategic and collectible choice.

Larvitar – Early Game Powerhouse
Larvitar is slightly later to obtain but still accessible early. Near the Pokémon Research Lab, complete a small side quest to activate a yellow escalator. From there, follow the rooftop path to reach Larvitar. While not available immediately, it becomes obtainable after a few main missions and can significantly strengthen your team.

Goome – Weather-Dependent Catch
Goome requires rainy weather to appear. Spend time on in-game benches to pass time until it rains, then head to the same area where Eevee was captured. This Pokémon is blocked by rocks, so make sure you have the means to clear them or access the area from the rooftop. Goome adds a unique addition to your team, especially for those targeting rare Pokémon collections.

Practical Tips and Final Thoughts
All of these Pokémon have low catch rates, so patience and preparation are essential. For players who want to maximize their collection, it’s worth considering options to buy Shiny Pokemon ZA or buy pokemon za shiny pokemon through reputable sources like U4GM. This can save time for collectors or competitive players who want immediate access to rare Pokémon.

Overall, securing these rare Pokémon early not only strengthens your team for the start of Pokémon Legends ZA but also provides excellent opportunities for shiny hunting and alpha variants. By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for both casual playthroughs and competitive strategies.