Let me tell you something straight up – finding Beldum in Pokémon Legends Z-A was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I’ve had in this game. When I first heard about this steel/psychic type being available, I knew I had to add it to my team. But man, the journey to get there? Let’s just say it tested my patience and made me appreciate the hunt even more.
Why Beldum is Worth the Hunt?
Before I dive into the nitty-gritty of where to find this elusive Pokémon, let me share why I believe Beldum is absolutely worth your time. This little iron ball Pokémon evolves into Metang and eventually the powerhouse Metagross – one of the most reliable steel/psychic types in the game. When I finally got my Beldum to evolve into Metagross, it became an absolute beast in battles, especially with access to Mega Evolution later on.
What makes Beldum special in Legends Z-A is its rarity and the challenge involved in catching it. Unlike many other Pokémon you can stumble upon during your journey, Beldum requires specific story progression and has a catch rate that’ll make you want to pull your hair out. But trust me, that feeling when you finally catch one? Pure satisfaction.
When You Can Access Beldum’s Location?
Here’s the deal – you can’t just waltz into Beldum’s location whenever you want. I learned this the hard way when I first started playing and kept hearing rumors about Beldum being available early in the game. Nope, not happening.
Beldum becomes accessible during Main Mission 35, which is part of the “Reaching Rank A” storyline. You’ll typically encounter this mission when you’re trying to uncover who Grisham is in preparation for the Z-A Royale. This puts Beldum firmly in the late-game category, so don’t stress about missing it early on.
I remember getting frustrated because I kept hearing different theories about when Beldum becomes available. Some players claimed they found it earlier, others said it was post-game only. Let me set the record straight – you need to progress through the main story until you get the mission that sends you to Lysandre Labs. That’s your golden ticket.
The Exact Location: Lysandre Labs
Alright, let’s get to the meat of it. Beldum is located in Lysandre Labs, which is hidden beneath Lysandre Café in Lumiose City. When I first heard this, I was like, “Wait, there’s a lab under the café?” Yeah, the game does a great job of hiding this location until the right moment in the story.
The labs are situated northeast of Wild Zone 7 in the Magenta Sector. But here’s the thing – you can’t just walk in there. You need to have progressed far enough in the story to receive the “Reaching Rank A” mission. Once you have that, you’ll gain access to Lysandre Café and, subsequently, the labs beneath it.
What I found fascinating about this location is how well-integrated it is into the story. When you first enter the café, you’ll go through some dialogue with Grisham and Griselle, and then you’ll be able to head downstairs to the labs. It’s not just some random location – it’s tied directly to the main narrative, which I really appreciate.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reaching Beldum’s Room
Okay, so you’ve made it to Lysandre Labs. Now what? Let me walk you through exactly how to get to Beldum’s room, because I got lost in here more times than I’d like to admit.
First, You Need the Key Cards
Before you can even think about reaching Beldum, you need to collect two key cards:
- Level A Key Card
- Level B Key Card
These are scattered throughout the labs, typically found on tables as shiny objects. I recommend exploring the labs thoroughly, as you’ll need both cards to access different sections. While you’re exploring, you’ll also need to activate power generators to get the Warp Machines working – these teleporters are crucial for navigating the labs efficiently.
The Path to Beldum
Once you have both key cards, here’s the exact path I took to reach Beldum’s room:
- Start in the main entrance room of Lysandre Labs
- Head through the Level A door on your right side
- Continue south through the green door you’ll see
- Take a sharp right and look for the Level B door
- Go through the Level B door and take your first left
- You should now be in the Beldum room – it’s the westernmost room in the purple section of the labs
When I first followed this path, I was so excited to finally see those Beldum spawns. The room is pretty distinctive – it’s a square, purple-colored room on your map, and you’ll typically see two Beldum spawns in there.
Alternative Navigation Method
If you’re more of a visual person like me, here’s another way to think about it:
- Enter the building and go left through the first door
- Keep going left in the green-colored room until you find an exit heading south
- Go left again and head through the north door into a corridor
- Take the first door on your left in that corridor, and boom – you’re in the Beldum room
I found this method a bit easier to follow, especially since the labs can be confusing with all the similar-looking corridors and rooms.
What to Expect in the Beldum Room?
When you finally make it to the Beldum room, here’s what you’ll encounter:
Standard Spawns
Typically, you’ll find two Beldum spawns in the room. These are regular Beldum at around level 49-50. What’s cool is that these are wild spawns, meaning you can reset them by leaving and re-entering the area – perfect for shiny hunting, which I’ll get to later.
Rare Spawns
Now, this is where it gets interesting. In my experience, and according to other players I’ve talked to, there are some rare spawns you might encounter:
- Metang: There’s a low chance that Metang (Beldum’s evolved form) will spawn instead of Beldum. I’ve only seen this happen a couple of times, but it’s definitely possible.
- Alpha Beldum: Occasionally, you might find an Alpha Beldum in the room. These are larger, more powerful versions that are even more challenging to catch but totally worth it if you manage to snag one.
I remember the first time I saw an Alpha Beldum – my heart started racing because I knew how rare it was. Unfortunately, I wasn’t prepared and ended up losing it. Lesson learned: always save before entering the Beldum room!
The Catching Challenge: Why Beldum is So Difficult
Let me be real with you – catching Beldum is no walk in the park. In fact, it’s one of the most challenging catches in the entire game, and here’s why:
Legendary Catch Rate
Beldum has the same catch rate as Legendary Pokémon in Legends Z-A. When I first learned this, I couldn’t believe it. I mean, Beldum isn’t even a Legendary! But this makes sense when you consider how powerful its evolution line is.
Low HP and High Escape Tendency
What makes Beldum particularly tricky is that it has relatively low HP, but it’s still hard to catch. You can’t whittle its health down too much without risking knocking it out, but if you don’t weaken it enough, it’ll break out of Poké Balls like they’re made of paper.
My Personal Catching Strategy
After failing to catch Beldum more times than I’d like to admit, I finally developed a strategy that worked consistently. Here’s what I do:
- Save before entering the room – This is crucial. If you fail, you can just reload and try again.
- Bring a Pokémon with Sleep Powder or Hypnosis – This is the game-changer. Putting Beldum to sleep dramatically increases your catch rate.
- Use a Pokémon that can tank hits – Beldum knows Take Down, which can deal decent damage and cause recoil.
- Throw a Dusk Ball – While Ultra Balls work, I’ve had better success with Dusk Balls, especially since you’re in a dungeon-like area.
The method that finally worked for me was using my Breloom with Spore to put Beldum to sleep at full health, then throwing Dusk Balls. It still took about 5-6 tries, but that’s way better than the hundreds of Ultra Balls I wasted before figuring this out.
Alternative Methods
If you don’t have access to sleep-inducing moves, you can try:
- Paralysis – Using moves like Thunder Wave can help, though it’s not as effective as sleep
- False Swipe – Get Beldum down to 1 HP, then start throwing balls
- Brute force – This is what I tried first – just keep throwing Ultra Balls. It might take hundreds, but eventually, one will work
I don’t recommend the brute force method unless you have tons of resources to spare. It’s frustrating and inefficient.
Beldum’s Evolution Line and Stats
Now that you know how to find and catch Beldum, let’s talk about why it’s worth all this trouble. Beldum’s evolution line is one of the best in the game, and I’ve had amazing success using it in both story and post-game content.
Evolution Stages
- Beldum → Level 20 → Metang → Level 45 → Metagross
I remember being so excited when my Beldum finally evolved into Metang. The design is awesome, and the power jump is significant. Then, when it evolved into Metagross? That’s when the real fun began.
Base Stats Breakdown
Here’s why I love this evolution line so much:
| Stat | Beldum | Metang | Metagross |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | 40 | 60 | 80 |
| Attack | 55 | 75 | 135 |
| Defense | 80 | 100 | 130 |
| Sp. Atk | 35 | 55 | 95 |
| Sp. Def | 60 | 80 | 90 |
| Speed | 30 | 50 | 70 |
| Total | 300 | 420 | 600 |
When I look at these stats, I see why Metagross is such a powerhouse. That 135 Attack stat is nothing to sneeze at, and with 130 Defense and 90 Special Defense, it can take hits like a champ. The Speed isn’t amazing, but who needs speed when you can tank hits and hit back harder?
Best Nature for Beldum
Through my experience and testing, I’ve found that the best natures for Beldum are:
- Adamant (+Attack, -Sp. Atk) – This is my top recommendation
- Brave (+Attack, -Speed) – Great if you don’t mind being slower
- Lonely (+Attack, -Defense) – Good for story content
- Naughty (+Attack, -Sp. Def) – Also decent for story playthroughs
I personally prefer Adamant because that Special Attack stat isn’t doing much anyway, and the extra Attack really makes a difference in battles.
Shiny Hunting Beldum
If you’re anything like me, you love shiny Pokémon. Shiny Beldum is particularly cool – instead of the usual blue, it’s a golden color that looks amazing. Here’s how I’ve been shiny hunting Beldum:
The Teleporter Method
This is the most efficient method I’ve found for shiny hunting Beldum:
- Enter Lysandre Labs and ignore the first teleporters you see
- Head to the right side of the area, navigating around the server racks
- Look for a lone Houndoom near a yellow teleporter
- Spam the action button to use the teleporter repeatedly
- Check the Beldum spawns each time you teleport
What’s great about this method is that the teleporter causes the game to reload the area, effectively resetting the spawns. It’s much faster than leaving and re-entering the entire lab.
Patience is Key
I won’t lie to you – shiny hunting Beldum takes time. The shiny rate in Legends Z-A is about 1 in 4096 without any boosts. I’ve spent hours doing this method and still haven’t found my shiny Beldum, but I’m not giving up!
Tips for Efficient Shiny Hunting
Here are some tips I’ve picked up during my shiny hunting adventures:
- Use the Shiny Charm if you have it – it increases your odds
- Save your game periodically in case you accidentally knock out a shiny
- Take breaks – shiny hunting can be mentally draining
- Listen for the shiny sound – sometimes you can hear it before you see it
Mega Evolution and Post-Game Content
Once you’ve evolved your Beldum into Metagross, the fun doesn’t stop there. In Legends Z-A, you can Mega Evolve your Metagross, and let me tell you – it’s absolutely incredible.
Getting the Metagrossite
To Mega Evolve your Metagross, you’ll need the Metagrossite. You can purchase this for 360 Mega Shards from specific vendors in the game. I remember saving up for what felt like forever to get enough shards, but it was totally worth it.
Mega Metagross Stats
Mega Metagross is an absolute monster. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Increased Attack: Goes from 135 to 145
- Increased Defense: Goes from 130 to 150
- Increased Speed: Goes from 70 to 110
- Ability: Changes to Tough Claws, which increases the power of contact moves by 30%
When I first used Mega Metagross in battle, I was blown away by how powerful it was. That Speed increase is huge – it goes from being somewhat slow to outspeeding most opponents. And with Tough Claws boosting its already powerful moves, it becomes an absolute wrecking ball.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
Based on my experience helping other players and answering questions in various Pokémon communities, here are some common issues people run into when trying to find Beldum:
Why Can’t I Find Beldum?
This is probably the most common question I get. If you can’t find Beldum, it’s likely because:
- You haven’t reached Main Mission 35 yet
- You haven’t unlocked the “Reaching Rank A” mission
- You’re in the wrong room – double-check you’re in the westernmost purple room
- You haven’t collected the necessary key cards
Why Won’t Beldum Stay in the Poké Ball?
I feel your frustration here. Beldum breaks out of balls like it’s its job. Remember:
- It has a Legendary catch rate – it’s supposed to be difficult
- Use status conditions – sleep is the most effective
- Try different balls – Dusk Balls worked best for me
- Be patient – it might take many attempts
Can I Get Beldum Earlier Through Trading?
Technically, yes, but there are some things to consider:
- You need a friend who has already unlocked Lysandre Labs
- The Beldum must be low enough level to obey you
- You miss out on the experience of finding it yourself
I personally recommend going through the process yourself – it’s more rewarding and you’ll appreciate your Beldum more.
FAQ
How early can I find Beldum in Pokémon Legends Z-A?
You can only find Beldum after reaching Main Mission 35 during the “Reaching Rank A” storyline. This puts it firmly in the late-game content, so don’t worry about missing it early in your playthrough.
What’s the best way to catch Beldum?
The most effective method I’ve found is using a Pokémon with sleep-inducing moves like Spore or Hypnosis, putting Beldum to sleep at full health, then throwing Dusk Balls. This method has the highest success rate compared to using Ultra Balls alone.
Can Beldum be found anywhere else besides Lysandre Labs?
No, Beldum can only be found in Lysandre Labs, specifically in the westernmost room of the purple section. This is the only location in the entire game where Beldum spawns.
How do I shiny hunt Beldum efficiently?
The best method for shiny hunting Beldum is using the teleporter in Lysandre Labs near the Houndoom spawn. Repeatedly using this teleporter resets the Beldum spawns, allowing you to check for shinies much faster than leaving and re-entering the area.
What level does Beldum evolve at?
Beldum evolves into Metang at level 20, and Metang evolves into Metagross at level 45. Make sure to keep Beldum in your party to gain experience and evolve it through its stages.
Is Beldum worth the effort to catch and train?
Absolutely! Beldum evolves into Metagross, which is one of the most powerful steel/psychic types in the game. With access to Mega Evolution and excellent stats, it’s a valuable addition to any team for both story and post-game content.
Why is Beldum so hard to catch?
Beldum has the same catch rate as Legendary Pokémon in Legends Z-A, making it extremely difficult to catch. This is likely due to how powerful its evolution line is, balancing its accessibility with its strength in battle.
Can I get Alpha Beldum?
Yes, Alpha Beldum can occasionally spawn in the same room as regular Beldum in Lysandre Labs. These are larger, more powerful versions that are even more challenging to catch but offer higher base stats when caught.
Final Thoughts and Personal Experience
After spending countless hours hunting, catching, and training Beldum in Pokémon Legends Z-A, I can confidently say it’s one of the most rewarding Pokémon to obtain in the game. The journey from finding it in Lysandre Labs to evolving it into a powerhouse Metagross has been one of my favorite experiences in this game.
What I love most about Beldum’s inclusion in Legends Z-A is how it’s integrated into the story and world. It’s not just handed to you – you have to work for it, and that makes the payoff so much sweeter. When I finally caught my first Beldum and watched it evolve through its stages, I felt a real sense of accomplishment.
If you’re on the fence about whether to go through the trouble of finding Beldum, let me give you my honest opinion: do it. The power and utility of Metagross in both story and post-game content make it more than worth the effort. Plus, there’s something special about having such a rare and sought-after Pokémon on your team.
Remember to save before attempting to catch Beldum, bring Pokémon with sleep-inducing moves, and be patient. The hunt might be challenging, but trust me, when you finally add that Beldum to your team and watch it evolve into the mighty Metagross, you’ll be glad you put in the effort.
Happy hunting, trainers! May your Poké Balls be true and your shiny luck be strong!
Looking for more Pokémon Legends Z-A guides? Check out our other articles on rare Pokémon locations, evolution strategies, and shiny hunting methods to become the ultimate trainer!