Hey there, fellow Pokémon trainer! If you’re anything like me, you’ve been absolutely hyped about Pokémon Legends: Z-A and can’t wait to get your hands on those classic Kanto starters we all know and love. I mean, who doesn’t want a Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle on their team? These guys are basically Pokémon royalty!
When I first jumped into Legends: Z-A, I was super excited about the new starters (Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile are awesome, don’t get me wrong), but I kept wondering – where are my OG Kanto babies at? Well, after hours of gameplay and some serious research, I’ve figured out exactly how to get all three of them, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned with you.
Two Ways to Get Your Kanto Starters
Let me break this down for you – there are actually two main ways to get the Kanto starters in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. One method lets you pick your favorite early on, while the other requires some patience but lets you catch ’em all. I’ll walk you through both methods because, let’s be real, we want ALL of them, right?
Method 1: The Early Bird Special – Side Mission “A Call from Mable”
This is probably the method you’re most excited about because it lets you get your hands on a Kanto starter relatively early in the game. I remember when I first got the call from Mable – I was literally jumping up and down on my couch!
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlock “A Call from Mable”
Here’s exactly what you need to do to unlock this awesome side mission:
- Progress through the main story until you reach Main Mission 08: “Reaching Rank V”
- Defeat Lida in the story battle (she’s tough, but you got this!)
- Heal your Pokémon at ANY Pokémon Center – this is crucial!
- Wait for Mable’s call – it should come automatically after you heal
I made the mistake of not healing right away after beating Lida, and I was wandering around for like 30 minutes wondering why Mable wasn’t calling me. Don’t be like me – heal up immediately!
Completing the Mission
Once you get that call from Mable, here’s what you need to do:
- Head to the Pokémon Research Lab in the south part of Lumiose City
- Take the elevator up to the Director’s Office (third floor)
- Look to your left when you enter Mable’s office
- Choose your starter! Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle will be waiting for you
The moment I saw all three of them there, I literally had to take a deep breath. It’s like choosing your starter all over again, but this time with the classics!
Mission Rewards
Besides getting an awesome Kanto starter, you’ll also get:
- ₽1,000 (always helpful!)
- Exp. Candy XS x3
- Exp. Candy S x2
I recommend using those Exp. Candies on your new starter right away to help them catch up with your main team. Trust me, they’ll need the boost!
Method 2: The Post-Game Paradise – Wild Zone 20
So what if you want ALL THREE Kanto starters? Or what if you regret your choice from Mable’s mission? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with the post-game method!
Unlocking Wild Zone 20
Here’s the deal with Wild Zone 20:
- Complete the entire main story – yeah, I know, it takes time
- Watch the credits roll (get those tissues ready, it’s emotional!)
- Wild Zone 20 unlocks automatically in the center of Lumiose City, right where the Prism Tower is
When I first unlocked Wild Zone 20, I was blown away. This area is absolutely beautiful, and it’s basically a paradise for Pokémon hunters!
Catching All Three Kanto Starters
Once Wild Zone 20 is unlocked, here’s what you can do:
- Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle all spawn as wild Pokémon
- You can catch all three – no choosing necessary!
- They can be shiny – unlike the gift Pokémon from Mable
- Stock up on Poké Balls because you’ll need them!
I spent hours in Wild Zone 20 just hunting for that perfect shiny Charmander (still haven’t found it, but I’m not giving up!). The spawn rates are pretty decent, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding all three.
Which Kanto Starter Should You Choose?
Okay, so you’ve got the choice – which one should you pick? I’ve tested all three extensively, and I’ve got some strong opinions about this. Let me break it down for you.
Charmander: The Mega Evolution King
If you ask me, Charmander is the best choice for most players, and here’s why:
Mega Evolution Flexibility:
- Charizard has TWO Mega forms (Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y)
- You can switch between them based on what you need
- Mega Charizard X becomes Dragon/Fire (awesome!)
- Mega Charizard Y stays Fire/Flying but gets Drought ability
Type Advantages:
- Great against Grass, Bug, Steel, Ice, and Fairy types
- Mega Charizard X is immune to Ground moves
- Excellent special attacker with Solar Power when Mega Evolved to Y
I personally chose Charmander first, and I have zero regrets. Having two Mega Evolution options is just too good to pass up!
Bulbasaur: The Strategic Choice
Bulbasaur is fantastic if you’re looking for something different:
Strengths:
- Grass/Poison typing gives you some unique advantages
- Great status moves like Sleep Powder and Leech Seed
- Mega Venusaur has Thick Fat ability, reducing Fire and Ice damage
Things to Consider:
- Venusaurite is harder to get – you need to defeat Rogue Mega Venusaur
- Not as versatile as Charizard in terms of Mega Evolution options
- Still an absolute beast in battle though!
I tried Bulbasaur on my second playthrough, and while it took longer to get the Mega Stone, it was totally worth it. That thing tanks hits like a champion!
Squirtle: The Reliable Tank
Squirtle might seem basic, but don’t sleep on this little guy:
Strengths:
- Water typing is always useful
- Blastoise has fantastic defensive stats
- Mega Blastoise gets the Mega Launcher ability, boosting pulse moves
- Great for countering Fire, Ground, and Rock types
Considerations:
- Only one Mega Evolution form (but it’s really good!)
- Mega Stone is available at Stone Emporium (easy to get)
- Solid choice if you need a Water type on your team
My little brother chose Squirtle, and I have to admit, that Mega Blastoise saved his butt so many times during tough battles. Sometimes the simple choice is the best choice!
Type Compatibility with Your Main Starter
One thing I always consider when choosing a Kanto starter is how it pairs with my main starter from the game. Here’s my quick compatibility guide:
| If your main starter is… | Great Kanto choices are… | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Chikorita (Grass) | Charmander, Squirtle | Gives you Fire and Water coverage |
| Tepig (Fire) | Bulbasaur, Squirtle | Gives you Grass and Water coverage |
| Totodile (Water) | Bulbasaur, Charmander | Gives you Grass and Fire coverage |
I started with Chikorita (because I’m a Grass-type stan), so I went with Charmander to give me some offensive firepower. The combination has been absolutely devastating in battles!
Mega Evolution Guide for Kanto Starters
Let’s talk about what really matters – getting those awesome Mega Evolutions! I’ve spent a ton of time figuring out the best ways to get all the Mega Stones, and I’m sharing all my secrets with you.
Where to Find Mega Stones
For Charizard and Blastoise:
- Stone Emporium in Lumiose City
- Cost: 100,000 Poké Dollars each (start saving!)
- Available after Main Mission 10 when you unlock Mega Evolutions
For Venusaur:
- Defeat Rogue Mega Venusaur in the post-game
- Location: Wild Zone 19 (unlocked after main story)
- Tough battle – bring your A-game!
I learned this the hard way – I picked Bulbasaur first and then had to wait forever to get the Mega Stone because I wasn’t strong enough to beat Rogue Mega Venusaur. If you want that Mega Evolution early, go with Charmander or Squirtle!
Mega Evolution Strategies
Each Mega form has its own strengths, and I’ve tested them all extensively:
Mega Charizard X:
- Type: Dragon/Fire
- Ability: Tough Claws (boosts contact moves)
- Best moves: Dragon Claw, Flare Blitz, Earthquake, Dragon Dance
- My take: Absolutely devastating physical attacker
Mega Charizard Y:
- Type: Fire/Flying
- Ability: Drought (summons sun)
- Best moves: Fire Blast, Solar Beam, Air Slash, Focus Blast
- My take: Special attacking monster with weather control
Mega Venusaur:
- Type: Grass/Poison
- Ability: Thick Fat (reduces Fire/Ice damage)
- Best moves: Giga Drain, Sludge Bomb, Synthesis, Leech Seed
- My take: Tanky status machine that never dies
Mega Blastoise:
- Type: Water
- Ability: Mega Launcher (boosts pulse moves)
- Best moves: Water Pulse, Dark Pulse, Aura Sphere, Ice Beam
- My take: Defensive powerhouse with surprising offensive punch
Advanced Tips and Tricks
I’ve picked up some pro-level strategies while playing through Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and I want to share them with you to make your journey easier.
Shiny Hunting in Wild Zone 20
If you’re like me and you absolutely NEED that shiny Kanto starter, here are some tips:
- Save before entering Wild Zone 20 – soft reset if you don’t see what you want
- Use lures to increase spawn rates
- Hunt during different weather conditions – some Pokémon spawn more in certain weather
- Be patient – shiny hunting takes time, but it’s so worth it!
I’ve spent probably 20+ hours shiny hunting in Wild Zone 20, and while I haven’t gotten that shiny Charmander yet, I did find a shiny Bulbasaur! The feeling when you see that sparkle is absolutely incredible.
Leveling Up Your New Starters
Your Kanto starters will join you at level 5, which is pretty low compared to your main team. Here’s how I quickly level them up:
- Use the Exp. Candies from the mission reward immediately
- Give them the Lucky Egg if you have it
- Battle wild Pokémon that are higher level
- Use them in story battles when they’re strong enough
- Raid battles give tons of experience
I managed to get my Charmander from level 5 to level 50 in just a couple of hours using these methods. It’s all about being strategic!
Competitive Movesets
If you’re planning to use these guys in online battles (like I do), here are my recommended movesets:
Charizard:
- Flare Blitz / Fire Blast
- Dragon Claw / Dragon Pulse
- Earthquake
- Roost / Swords Dance
Venusaur:
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Leech Seed
- Synthesis
Blastoise:
- Surf / Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Dark Pulse
- Rapid Spin
These movesets have served me well in both the story and online battles. Feel free to tweak them based on your playstyle!
My Personal Journey with Kanto Starters
I want to share a bit about my personal experience with these amazing Pokémon because, let’s be real, that’s why we’re all here, right?
When I first started Pokémon Legends: Z-A, I chose Chikorita as my main starter (I have a thing for Grass types, okay?). I was having a great time, but I kept wondering where my Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle were. I mean, it’s not a true Pokémon game without them, right?
When I finally unlocked “A Call from Mable,” I was so excited I could barely contain myself. I stood in front of those three Poké Balls for what felt like an hour, just staring at them. Part of me wanted to choose Bulbasaur because I love Grass types, but another part wanted Charmander for that sweet Mega Evolution flexibility.
In the end, I went with Charmander, and I have zero regrets. That little guy (now a huge Charizard) has been an absolute powerhouse on my team. Having two Mega Evolution options has saved my butt so many times during tough battles.
But my favorite moment came when I finally unlocked Wild Zone 20. Seeing all three Kanto starters just roaming around in the wild was incredible. I spent hours there, catching multiples of each, training them up, and even shiny hunting (still working on that shiny Charmander, but I’m determined!).
There’s something special about having these classic Pokémon in a modern game like Legends: Z-A. It’s like reconnecting with old friends while making new memories. I hope you all have as much fun with them as I have!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of questions about Kanto starters in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, so I’ve compiled the most common ones here for you.
Can I get all three Kanto starters without trading?
Absolutely! That’s what makes Wild Zone 20 so amazing. Once you complete the main story, you can catch all three Kanto starters there. No trading required! I was so happy when I discovered this because I don’t have many friends who play Pokémon.
Are the Kanto starters shiny-locked?
It depends on how you get them:
- From Mable’s mission: Yes, they’re shiny-locked
- From Wild Zone 20: No, you can find shiny versions there!
This is why I recommend choosing your favorite from Mable and then hunting for shinies in the post-game. Best of both worlds!
What level do the Kanto starters evolve at?
Good news! They evolve at the same levels as in the original games:
- First evolution: Level 16
- Final evolution: Level 36
I always get excited when my Pokémon hit those evolution levels. There’s nothing quite like seeing your Charmander evolve into Charmeleon, then Charizard!
Can I breed Kanto starters in this game?
Unfortunately, no. Pokémon Legends: Z-A doesn’t have breeding mechanics like the main series games. This means you can’t breed for perfect IVs or specific natures. You’ll have to rely on catching good ones in Wild Zone 20 or using items to modify their stats.
Do the Kanto starters have hidden abilities?
Yes, they do! When you catch them in Wild Zone 20, they have a chance to have their hidden abilities:
- Bulbasaur: Chlorophyll
- Charmander: Solar Power
- Squirtle: Rain Dish
The one from Mable’s mission will have their regular ability, though. I caught a Charmander with Solar Power in Wild Zone 20, and it’s absolutely beastly in sunny weather!
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
After spending countless hours with Pokémon Legends: Z-A and testing all the Kanto starters extensively, here are my final recommendations:
For New Players:
Go with Charmander from Mable’s mission. The Mega Evolution flexibility is just too good to pass up, and it’ll serve you well throughout the entire game.
For Competitive Players:
Get all three from Wild Zone 20 in the post-game. Hunt for ones with good natures and hidden abilities. The variety will give you more options for competitive teams.
For Casual Players:
Choose whichever one you like the most! At the end of the day, Pokémon is about having fun and using the Pokémon you love. Don’t worry too much about optimization if you’re just playing for fun.
For Shiny Hunters:
Choose your favorite from Mable and then hunt for shinies of the other two in Wild Zone 20. This way you get your guaranteed non-shiny favorite plus the chance to hunt for those rare shinies!
What’s Next?
Now that you know how to get all the Kanto starters, what should you do next? Here are some suggestions:
- Complete the Pokédex – there are over 200 Pokémon to catch in Legends: Z-A
- Try out the Kalos starters – Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie are also available through side missions
- Challenge the Battle Agency – test your team against tough opponents
- Explore all Wild Zones – each one has unique Pokémon and resources
- Master Mega Evolution – experiment with different Mega stones and strategies
I’m still discovering new things about Pokémon Legends: Z-A every day, and that’s what I love about it. There’s always something new to do or some new Pokémon to catch.
Share Your Journey!
I’d love to hear about your experiences with the Kanto starters in Pokémon Legends: Z-A! Which one did you choose? Have you found any shinies? What’s your favorite Mega Evolution?
Drop a comment below and let me know. The Pokémon community is amazing, and I love hearing about everyone’s adventures. Maybe we can even trade tips and strategies!
Remember to bookmark this guide so you can come back to it whenever you need help with your Kanto starters. I’ll be updating it regularly with new information and strategies as I discover them.
Happy hunting, trainers! May your Poké Balls never miss, and may you find that perfect shiny Charmander (I’m still looking for mine!).
Want more Pokémon Legends: Z-A content? Check out our other guides and articles for everything you need to know about this amazing game!