Let me tell you something – finding Dratini in Pokémon Legends Z-A has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I’ve had in recent Pokémon games. When I first heard that Dragonite was getting a Mega Evolution in this game, I knew I had to get my hands on one, but I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
After spending countless hours exploring Lumiose City’s rooftops and learning the hard way what works and what doesn’t, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about finding and catching this elusive dragon-type Pokémon. Trust me, by the end of this guide, you’ll be well on your way to adding Dratini to your team and eventually evolving it into the mighty Mega Dragonite.
Why Dratini is Worth the Hunt?
Before we dive into the locations, let me explain why I think Dratini is absolutely worth the effort in Pokémon Legends Z-A. When I finally caught my first Dratini and evolved it into Dragonite, I was blown away by how powerful it became – especially with the new Mega Evolution feature.
Dratini evolves into Dragonair at level 30, and then into Dragonite at level 55. That’s quite a journey, but let me tell you, it’s worth every single battle. The Mega Evolution turns Dragonite into an absolute monster in battles, and I’ve found it to be one of the most versatile Pokémon in my team.
Here are Dratini’s base stats to give you an idea of what you’re working with:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 41 |
| Attack | 64 |
| Defense | 45 |
| Special Attack | 50 |
| Special Defense | 50 |
| Speed | 50 |
Not the most impressive stats at first, I know, but once it evolves into Dragonite? That’s when the real magic happens.
The Challenge of Finding Dratini
I want to be completely honest with you – Dratini is not easy to find in Pokémon Legends Z-A. Unlike most Pokémon that you can stumble upon in Wild Zones, Dratini has very specific spawn locations, and I learned this the hard way after hours of searching in all the wrong places.
What makes Dratini particularly challenging is:
- It only spawns on specific rooftops in Lumiose City
- It has a very low spawn rate
- It tends to flee immediately if you don’t catch it on the first try
- You often need special abilities like Roto-Glide to reach certain locations
But don’t let this discourage you! I’m going to share exactly where to look and how to increase your chances of success.
All Dratini Locations in Lumiose City
Based on my extensive exploration (and many failed attempts), I’ve identified four main locations where Dratini can spawn. Let me walk you through each one in detail.
Location 1: Restaurant Le Nah (Vert Sector 6)
This is probably the easiest and most reliable location to find Dratini early in the game. I remember the first time I discovered this spot – I was so excited I almost fell off the roof!
How to get there:
- Fast travel to Restaurant Le Nah in Vert Sector 6
- Turn around and look for a ladder on the building directly south of the restaurant
- Climb the ladder to reach the rooftop
- Walk along the ledge and perform a dodge roll forward to launch yourself onto Restaurant Le Nah’s roof
- Look for Dratini waiting on the rooftop
Pro tip: When I first tried this, I kept missing the jump. The key is to get as much momentum as possible before the dodge roll. Also, be careful not to startle the Dratini – approach slowly and quietly.
Location 2: Bleu Sector 9
This location is a bit more complex, but I’ve found it to be quite reliable once you know the route. It took me three tries to perfect the path, but now I can get there without any issues.
How to get there:
- Head to the small triangle patch of grass between Bleu Sector 6, 9, and 10
- Look for a construction platform attached to Bleu Sector 6
- Climb up to reach the roof of Bleu Sector 6
- Cross over to the roof of Bleu Sector 8 using the connected portion in the middle
- Head to the northwest corner of Sector 8’s roof
- Cross the bridge leading to Bleu Sector 9
- Go to the northwestern corner of Bleu Sector 9’s roof to find Dratini
Personal experience: I actually found a Dragonair here on my second visit, which was a pleasant surprise! There’s a chance you might find Dragonair instead of Dratini at any of these locations.
Location 3: Magenta Sector 8
This location requires some parkour skills, but I’ve found it to be one of the most consistent spawn points. The first time I attempted this, I was terrified of falling, but now it’s second nature.
How to get there:
- Go to the building with the Magenta Pokemon Center
- Find the Holovator on the south side of the building
- Take the Holovator to the roof
- Cross the bridge to the next building’s roof
- Position yourself at the edge and perform a dodge roll to cross the gap to the next roof
- Take the ladder and continue upward
- Look for a roof with many Bellsprouts – Dratini will be among them
Warning: This route can be tricky, and I’ve fallen more times than I’d like to admit. Take your time and save before attempting the jumps!
Location 4: Jaune Sector 3
This is the most challenging location to reach, but I’ve included it because it’s where I found my first Alpha Dratini! You’ll need the Roto-Glide ability for this one, which you unlock through story progression.
How to get there:
- Make sure you have the Roto-Glide ability (unlocked later in the story)
- Ascend the building next to where Dratini spawns
- Use Roto-Glide to reach the building where Dratini appears
- Land carefully and approach the Dratini
My success story: I found an Alpha Dratini here at level 45, and while it was tough to catch, it was totally worth the effort. Alpha Pokémon have better stats, and this one has been a star on my team ever since.
Dratini Catching Strategies That Actually Work
Now that you know where to find Dratini, let me share the catching strategies I’ve developed through trial and error. I can’t tell you how many Dratini I lost before figuring these out!
Understanding Dratini’s Behavior
The first thing I learned is that Dratini is incredibly skittish. Unlike most Pokémon that give you multiple chances to catch them, Dratini tends to flee immediately if you fail on your first attempt. Here’s what I’ve observed:
- Dratini has a very low catch rate compared to other Pokémon
- It will flee if you don’t catch it on the first try
- It’s easily startled by sudden movements or loud noises
- Alpha Dratini won’t flee even if you battle it (this is a game-changer!)
The Best Catching Method
After many failed attempts, I’ve developed a strategy that works about 70% of the time for me. Here’s exactly what I do:
- Approach stealthily: I always sneak up on Dratini, using whatever cover is available on the rooftop
- Use a strong Pokémon: I bring a Pokémon that can knock out Dratini in one or two hits
- Quick attack strategy: I strike first with a move that will stun Dratini
- Immediate ball throw: While Dratini is stunned, I throw my best Poké Ball
- Have backup ready: I always keep Ultra Balls handy in case the first attempt fails
Ball recommendations: Based on my experience, Ultra Balls work best, but if you’re feeling lucky, Great Balls can work too. I’ve never had success with regular Poké Balls on Dratini.
Dealing with Alpha Dratini
If you’re lucky enough to encounter an Alpha Dratini, the strategy is a bit different. I caught my first Alpha Dratini using this method:
- Don’t worry about it fleeing: Alpha Dratini won’t run away, so you can take your time
- Lower its health carefully: I use moves that won’t knock it out immediately
- Status effects help: I’ve found that sleep or paralysis increases catch rates significantly
- Use better balls: For Alpha Dratini, I always use Ultra Balls or better
- Be patient: It might take several attempts, but don’t give up!
Shiny Hunting for Dratini
I’ll be honest – I haven’t found a Shiny Dratini yet, but I’ve been researching and testing methods, and I think I’ve found the most efficient way to shiny hunt.
The Fast Travel Method
This is the method I’m currently using, and while I haven’t succeeded yet, I’ve heard from others that it works well:
- Fast travel to Restaurant Le Nah: This is the most accessible location
- Check for Shiny Dratini: Each time you fast travel, you have a chance to spawn a Shiny
- Listen for the Shiny noise: You should be able to hear it if you’re close enough
- Climb and check: If you hear the noise, climb up and look for the pink Dratini
- Repeat if necessary: If no Shiny appears, simply fast travel again and repeat
Time commitment: I’ve been doing this for about a week now, spending 1-2 hours each day. While I haven’t found one yet, I know the odds are about 1 in 4096, so I’m staying hopeful!
Best Time for Shiny Hunting
From what I’ve observed and read, Dratini spawns seem to be more consistent during certain times:
- Early morning (6-9 AM): I’ve had the most success finding regular Dratini during this time
- Late evening (7-10 PM): Good spawn rates, and the atmosphere is perfect for hunting
- Weather conditions: I’ve noticed more spawns during clear weather
Evolution and Mega Evolution Guide
Once you finally catch your Dratini, the journey isn’t over – it’s just beginning! Let me walk you through the evolution process based on my experience.
Leveling Up Dratini
Dratini evolves into Dragonair at level 30, and then into Dragonite at level 55. I know that sounds like a lot of grinding, but I’ve found some efficient ways to level up:
- Battle wild Pokémon: I focus on areas with higher-level wild Pokémon
- Use EXP Share: This is a game-changer for leveling multiple Pokémon
- Battle trainers: I revisit trainers I’ve already defeated for rematches
- Participate in raids: These give great EXP and valuable items
Getting Mega Dragonite
This is where things get really exciting! I recently unlocked Mega Evolution for my Dragonite, and it’s absolutely incredible. Here’s how you can do it:
- Progress through the story: You need to advance quite far in the main story
- Face the Rogue Mega Dragonite: This is a tough battle, so be prepared
- Defeat it to receive Dragoninite: This is the Mega Stone for Dragonite
- Give Dragoninite to your Dragonite: Have it hold the stone
- Mega Evolve during battle: You can now Mega Evolve in battle!
My experience with Mega Dragonite: I was absolutely blown away by the power increase. Mega Dragonite has become my go-to Pokémon for tough battles, and I’ve even started using it in competitive battles.
Common Problems and Solutions
I’ve encountered quite a few issues while hunting for Dratini, and I want to share some solutions that worked for me.
Problem: Dratini Keeps Fleeing
This was my biggest frustration when I started. Here’s what I learned:
- Approach from behind: I always try to sneak up behind Dratini
- Use stealth items: If you have any items that increase stealth, use them
- Save before attempting: I save my game right before I try to catch Dratini, so I can reload if it flees
Problem: Can’t Reach the Rooftops
Some of these rooftops are tricky to access. Here are my tips:
- Practice the jumps: I spent about 30 minutes just practicing the dodge roll jumps
- Unlock Roto-Glide as soon as possible: This makes accessing rooftops much easier
- Look for alternative routes: Sometimes there’s more than one way to reach a rooftop
Problem: Low Spawn Rates
Dratini doesn’t spawn every time you visit a location. Here’s how I handle this:
- Visit at different times: I check locations both day and night
- Be patient: Sometimes I’ll wait 5-10 minutes at a location to see if it spawns
- Try different locations: If one spot isn’t working, I move to another
My Personal Tips and Tricks
After spending so much time hunting Dratini, I’ve developed some personal strategies that I think will help you:
Timing is Everything
I’ve found that Dratini spawns more frequently during certain times:
- Early morning: 6 AM to 9 AM seems to be prime time
- Late evening: 7 PM to 10 PM also yields good results
- Weather matters: I’ve noticed more spawns during clear weather
Team Composition
When I’m specifically hunting Dratini, I bring a specific team:
- A strong attacker: To quickly stun Dratini
- A Pokémon with status moves: For Alpha Dratini encounters
- A flier: To quickly move between locations
Save Management
I can’t stress this enough – save often! I save:
- Before attempting any rooftop jumps
- Right before I approach a Dratini spawn location
- After successful catches
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on my experience and questions I’ve seen from other players, here are some common queries about finding Dratini:
How long does it take to find Dratini?
From my experience, it varies wildly. Sometimes I find one within 10 minutes, other times it takes hours. On average, I’d say plan for at least 1-2 hours of hunting time.
Can Dratini spawn as Dragonair?
Yes! I’ve actually found Dragonair at the Bleu Sector 9 location. It’s rare, but possible at any of the spawn points.
What’s the best ball to use for Dratini?
I’ve had the most success with Ultra Balls. Great Balls can work if you’re on a budget, but I wouldn’t recommend regular Poké Balls for Dratini.
Do Alpha Dratini have better stats?
Absolutely! My Alpha Dratini has noticeably better stats than regular ones I’ve caught. They’re definitely worth the extra effort.
How do I know if I have Roto-Glide unlocked?
You’ll unlock Roto-Glide through story progression. I got it around rank E, but it might vary depending on how quickly you progress through the main story.
Can I breed Dratini in Pokémon Legends Z-A?
Unfortunately, breeding mechanics in this game are different from previous titles. I haven’t found a way to breed Pokémon yet, but I’m still exploring all the features.
Final Thoughts
Hunting for Dratini in Pokémon Legends Z-A has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in a Pokémon game. There’s something incredibly satisfying about finally catching that elusive dragon after hours of searching and failed attempts.
I remember the moment I finally caught my first Dratini – I was on the roof of Restaurant Le Nah, it was raining, and I almost gave up after my fifth Ultra Ball failed. But then, on the sixth try, it stayed in the ball. I literally jumped up and down in my living room!
Now, seeing that Dratini evolve into Dragonair and eventually into the mighty Mega Dragonite makes all that effort worthwhile. The power and versatility of Mega Dragonite in battles is incredible, and I’m confident it will become a cornerstone of your team too.
Remember to be patient, save often, and don’t get discouraged if it takes a while. The journey to finding Dratini is part of the adventure, and trust me, the destination is absolutely worth it.
If you found this guide helpful, make sure to bookmark it for future reference, and feel free to share your own Dratini hunting experiences in the comments below. Happy hunting, trainers!
Looking for more Pokémon Legends Z-A guides? Check out our other articles on webcomicsweekend.com for tips on catching rare Pokémon, evolution strategies, and much more!