Hey there, fellow Pokémon trainer! If you’re anything like me, you’ve been absolutely obsessed with Pokémon Legends Z-A since it dropped. I mean, who wouldn’t be? Lumiose City is absolutely stunning, and the new mechanics they’ve introduced are just mind-blowing. But let me tell you something – when I first heard about fossil Pokémon being in the game, I was ecstatic! I’ve always loved these prehistoric powerhouses, and I couldn’t wait to add them to my team.
But here’s the thing – getting fossil Pokémon in Legends Z-A isn’t as straightforward as you might think. I spent hours running around Lumiose City like a headless Pokémon, trying to figure out where to even start. Trust me, I made all the mistakes so you don’t have to! In this complete guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about getting and restoring all three fossil Pokémon in Legends Z-A.
What Are Fossil Pokémon in Legends Z-A?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me give you a quick rundown of what fossil Pokémon actually are in this game. Unlike regular Pokémon that you can catch in the wild zones or around Lumiose City, fossil Pokémon are special prehistoric creatures that you can only obtain by restoring their ancient fossils. That’s right – you won’t find these guys roaming around anywhere!
In Legends Z-A, there are three fossil Pokémon you can get:
- Tyrunt (Rock/Dragon type) – evolves into Tyrantrum
- Amaura (Rock/Ice type) – evolves into Aurorus
- Aerodactyl (Rock/Flying type) – doesn’t evolve but has a Mega Evolution
Each of these Pokémon comes from a specific fossil that you need to purchase and then restore at the Pokémon Research Lab. And let me tell you, having these guys on your team is totally worth the effort!
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting?
Okay, so you can’t just waltz into the game and immediately start restoring fossil Pokémon. I learned this the hard way when I tried to rush through it early on. There are some specific requirements you need to meet first:
Rank F Requirement
The first thing you need to do is reach Rank F by defeating Vinnie. I remember when I first started playing, I had no idea this was even a thing! I was running around trying to find the fossil quest, but nothing was popping up. Turns out, you need to prove yourself as a trainer first by taking down Vinnie in battle.
Complete Main Mission 10
You’ll also need to progress through the main story until you complete Main Mission 10: The Secrets of Mega Evolution. This unlocks several other main missions and side missions, including our precious fossil restoration quest.
Complete Other Side Missions
From my experience, it helps to complete some other side missions first, especially Mabel’s request with the Kanto starters. I found that the more side missions I completed, the more likely the fossil mission was to appear. Plus, you’ll get some great rewards and experience along the way!
Return to Hotel Z
Make sure you’ve returned to Hotel Z and started the main missions involving calming the Rogue Mega Pokémon. This seems to be another trigger that helps unlock the fossil restoration side mission.
Side Mission 27: Restored from a Fossil
Alright, now we’re getting to the good stuff! Once you’ve met all the prerequisites, you’ll finally see Side Mission 27: Restored from a Fossil pop up. You’ll recognize it by the exclamation mark hovering over the Pokémon Research Lab.
Finding the Pokémon Research Lab
The Pokémon Research Lab is located west of Wild Zone 1. If you’re having trouble finding it (I know I did at first), just remember that it’s actually the exact location where you started your Pokémon journey in the game. You can’t miss it!
Meeting Reg
Once you’re inside the lab, head up to the second floor. You’ll find a scientist named Reg standing near a big blue tube. This is your guy! When I first met him, I was so excited I could barely contain myself. Reg is the key to unlocking all the fossil Pokémon goodness.
The Mission Briefing
Reg will explain that he can restore fossils into living Pokémon (how cool is that?!). Even better, he’ll give you 20,000 Poke Dollars to purchase your first fossil. I remember thinking this was incredibly generous of him, and it definitely helps ease the financial burden of getting started with fossil restoration.
Where to Buy Fossils: Stone Emporium Guide?
Now that you’ve got your mission and some cash, it’s time to go fossil shopping! The place you need to visit is the Stone Emporium in Lumiose City.
Location of Stone Emporium
The Stone Emporium is located on Vernal Avenue in the southern portion of Lumiose City. If you’re having trouble finding it, here’s what I do: I enter and exit Wild Zone 1, then turn right and head straight on the main path. You’ll see the Stone Emporium with its bright, purple-painted stone facade – trust me, you can’t miss it!
Pro tip: You can also fast travel to the Vernal Pokémon Center which is just above the Stone Emporium. This saves a ton of time, especially if you’re like me and make multiple trips back and forth!
What the Stone Emporium Sells
The Stone Emporium is actually a pretty awesome shop. They sell all sorts of evolutionary items like Evolution Stones and certain Mega Stones. But for our purposes, we’re interested in their fossil selection:
| Fossil Type | Cost | Pokémon You Get | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaw Fossil | 20,000 Poke Dollars | Tyrunt | Rock/Dragon |
| Sail Fossil | 20,000 Poke Dollars | Amaura | Rock/Ice |
| Old Amber | 30,000 Poke Dollars | Aerodactyl | Rock/Flying |
Important Purchase Strategy
Here’s something I wish I knew when I first started: wait to purchase fossils until you can actually take on the restoration quest. I made the mistake of buying fossils early, thinking I could just restore them whenever, but you can’t actually restore them until you’ve triggered Side Mission 27. Save your money until you’re ready!
Complete Fossil Restoration Process
Alright, let’s walk through the entire process step by step. I’m going to break it down exactly how I do it, because trust me, having a clear system makes this so much easier.
Step 1: Trigger the Mission
First, make sure you’ve completed all the prerequisites I mentioned earlier. Once you have, head to the Pokémon Research Lab and look for the exclamation mark indicating Side Mission 27 is available.
Step 2: Talk to Reg
Go up to the second floor and talk to Reg. He’ll give you the 20,000 Poke Dollars and explain the restoration process. I always get a little giddy at this part because I know I’m about to get some awesome Pokémon!
Step 3: Choose Your First Fossil
Now here’s where you need to make a decision. For the mission itself, you need to purchase either the Jaw Fossil or the Sail Fossil. Here’s a crucial tip I learned the hard way: Old Amber will NOT complete Side Mission 27. You need to get either Tyrunt or Amaura to complete the mission.
Step 4: Purchase the Fossil
Head over to the Stone Emporium and buy your chosen fossil using the money Reg gave you. If you want to buy additional fossils (including Old Amber), you can use your own money, but remember that they’re pretty expensive!
Step 5: Return to Reg
Take your fossil back to Reg at the Pokémon Research Lab. He’ll restore it into a living Pokémon right before your eyes. I still get chills watching this process – it’s like bringing ancient history back to life!
Step 6: Collect Your Rewards
Once you’ve restored your fossil and completed the mission, you’ll receive some nice rewards:
- 2,500 Poke Dollars
- 1 Hard Stone
- 10 Kelpsy Berries
These rewards are pretty helpful, especially early in the game when you’re trying to build up your resources.
All Fossil Pokémon Detailed Guide
Now let’s dive deep into each of the three fossil Pokémon. I’ll share everything I’ve learned about them, including their strengths, weaknesses, and how to evolve them.
Tyrunt (Jaw Fossil)
Basic Info:
- Type: Rock/Dragon
- Fossil Cost: 20,000 Poke Dollars
- Starting Level: 20
- Evolution: Evolves into Tyrantrum at level 39 during the DAY
My Experience with Tyrunt: I absolutely love Tyrunt! When I first got mine, I was blown away by how powerful it was even at level 20. The Rock/Dragon typing is fantastic, giving it some really useful resistances. Plus, let’s be honest – it’s adorable!
Evolution Requirements: Here’s something super important: Tyrunt only evolves into Tyrantrum when you level it up to 39 or higher during the day. I learned this the hard way when I was trying to evolve mine at night and nothing happened! Make sure you’re playing during daytime hours if you want that awesome Tyrantrum.
Competitive Value: Tyrantrum is actually one of the better fossil Pokémon competitively. It has a great balance of Attack and Defense stats, and its Rock/Dragon typing gives it a 4x resistance to Fire types, which is incredibly useful. Plus, you’ll actually need a Tyrantrum for Side Mission 115, so it’s worth getting even if you’re not planning to use it competitively.
Amaura (Sail Fossil)
Basic Info:
- Type: Rock/Ice
- Fossil Cost: 20,000 Poke Dollars
- Starting Level: 20
- Evolution: Evolves into Aurorus at level 39 during the NIGHT
My Experience with Amaura: Amaura is such a beautiful Pokémon! I remember when I first restored mine, I was amazed by its elegant design. The Rock/Ice typing is really unique, and Aurorus has one of the most stunning Mega Evolutions in the game.
Evolution Requirements: Unlike Tyrunt, Amaura evolves into Aurorus when you level it up to 39 or higher during the night. This is the complete opposite of Tyrunt, so make sure you’re playing during nighttime hours if you want to evolve your Amaura.
Competitive Value: I have to be honest with you – Aurorus isn’t as strong competitively as Tyrantrum. The Rock/Ice typing gives it 4x weaknesses to both Fighting and Steel types, which can be really problematic. Plus, Aurorus has comparatively lower defensive stats. However, you’ll need an Aurorus for Side Mission 116, so it’s still worth getting even if you don’t plan to use it in battles.
Aerodactyl (Old Amber)
Basic Info:
- Type: Rock/Flying
- Fossil Cost: 30,000 Poke Dollars
- Starting Level: 20
- Evolution: Does not evolve, but has a Mega Evolution
My Experience with Aerodactyl: Aerodactyl is my personal favorite of the three fossil Pokémon! There’s just something so cool about having a prehistoric flying dinosaur on your team. When I first got mine, I was blown away by its speed and power.
Mega Evolution: While Aerodactyl doesn’t evolve, it does have an awesome Mega Evolution. You can get its Mega Stone, Aerodactylite, at Quasartico Inc. Mega Aerodactyl is an absolute beast in battles, with increased Attack and Speed stats that make it a formidable opponent.
Competitive Value: In my opinion, Aerodactyl is the best fossil Pokémon to prioritize in Legends Z-A. The game really encourages trainers to use Mega Evolutions, especially with the strength of Plus Moves and battling against Rogue Mega Pokémon or other Mega Evolved Pokémon. Aerodactyl is the only fossil with a current Mega Evolution, making it incredibly valuable for both the main story and competitive play.
Fossil Pokémon Ranking and Priority
Based on my extensive experience playing Legends Z-A and testing all three fossil Pokémon, here’s how I would rank them in terms of priority:
1st Place: Old Amber (Aerodactyl)
Why it’s #1: Mega Evolution potential, excellent speed, great typing for the game’s mechanics, and incredibly useful throughout the entire game.
2nd Place: Jaw Fossil (Tyrunt/Tyrantrum)
Why it’s #2: Great Attack/Defense balance, useful 4x Fire resistance, needed for Side Mission 115, and Tyrantrum is a solid physical attacker.
3rd Place: Sail Fossil (Amaura/Aurorus)
Why it’s #3: Beautiful design, unique typing, but suffers from 4x weaknesses and lower defensive stats. Still needed for Side Mission 116, so not completely skippable.
Advanced Tips and Strategies
Now that you know the basics, let me share some advanced tips I’ve learned through hours of gameplay:
Farming Fossils for Perfect IVs
Here’s a pro tip: there’s no limit to the amount of fossils you can revive after completing Side Mission 27. This means you can actually farm fossils if you’re looking for a specific nature or IV set on your Pokémon. I’ve done this myself when I wanted a competitive Tyrantrum with perfect Attack IVs.
However, I should warn you – this is an expensive process. At 20,000-30,000 Poke Dollars per fossil, it can really drain your funds quickly. Honestly, using Mints might be a cheaper alternative if you just want to change the nature of your Pokémon.
Money-Making Strategies
Since fossils are so expensive, you’ll want to have a good money-making strategy. Here are some methods I’ve found effective:
- Complete Side Missions – Many side missions offer generous monetary rewards
- Sell Extra Items – Don’t hoard items you’re not using
- Battle Trainers – Rematch trainers for additional prize money
- Participate in Z-A Royale – The battle royale mode can be quite lucrative
Team Building with Fossil Pokémon
I’ve experimented with various team compositions using fossil Pokémon, and here are some synergies that work really well:
- Aerodactyl + Mega Evolution: This is a no-brainer. Mega Aerodactyl is fast and hits hard.
- Tyrantrum + Special Attacker: Tyrantrum handles physical threats while your special attacker handles the rest.
- Aurorus + Trick Room: Aurorus is slow, so it actually works well in Trick Room teams where speed is inverted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me save you some frustration by sharing some common mistakes I see players make (and yes, I made most of these myself):
Mistake #1: Buying Fossils Too Early
I mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating. Don’t buy fossils until you can actually restore them. I wasted so much money early on buying fossils I couldn’t use yet.
Mistake #2: Not Checking Evolution Requirements
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen players confused about why their Tyrunt or Amaura won’t evolve. Remember the day/night requirements!
Mistake #3: Ignoring the Mission Requirements
Remember that Old Amber doesn’t complete Side Mission 27. You need to get either Jaw or Sail fossil first to complete the mission.
Mistake #4: Forgetting About Mega Stones
Don’t forget to get Aerodactyl’s Mega Stone from Quasartico Inc. Mega Aerodactyl is too good to pass up!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unlock fossil restoration in Legends Z-A?
You need to complete Side Mission 27: “Restored from a Fossil.” To unlock this mission, you need to reach Rank F by defeating Vinnie, complete Main Mission 10, and finish several other side missions.
Can I get multiple fossil Pokémon?
Absolutely! There’s no limit to how many fossils you can restore after completing the initial mission. I personally have multiple of each fossil Pokémon with different natures and IVs.
What’s the best fossil Pokémon in Legends Z-A?
In my experience, Aerodactyl is the best due to its Mega Evolution potential. The game really emphasizes Mega Evolutions, and Aerodactyl is the only fossil Pokémon that has one.
Do fossil Pokémon evolve differently?
Yes! Tyrunt evolves during the day at level 39, while Amaura evolves during the night at level 39. Aerodactyl doesn’t evolve but has a Mega Evolution instead.
Where do I find the Stone Emporium?
The Stone Emporium is located on Vernal Avenue in southern Lumiose City. It’s easy to spot with its bright purple stone facade.
Can I find fossil Pokémon in the wild?
No, fossil Pokémon cannot be found in the wild in Legends Z-A. The only way to obtain them is by restoring their respective fossils at the Pokémon Research Lab.
Final Thoughts
Getting and restoring fossil Pokémon in Legends Z-A is one of the most rewarding experiences in the game. I remember the first time I restored my Aerodactyl and took it into battle – the feeling of accomplishment was incredible! These prehistoric powerhouses add so much depth to your team and can really help you tackle some of the tougher challenges in the game.
Whether you’re a competitive player looking for the best team composition or just a casual trainer who loves collecting all the Pokémon, fossil Pokémon are definitely worth your time and effort. Just remember to be patient, save your money, and follow the steps I’ve outlined in this guide.
Happy fossil hunting, trainers! And don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference – you never know when you might need to come back for some fossil restoration tips!
Have questions about fossil Pokémon or want to share your own experiences? Drop a comment below! I love hearing from fellow trainers and learning new strategies.