You can get one of the three Kanto starters from Mable after reaching Research Rank 15. To catch Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, finish the main story and visit Wild Zone 20, which opens after Main Mission 38, “The Future of Lumiose City.”
How to get one Kanto starter from Mable
- Reach Research Rank 15.
- Go to the Pokémon Research Lab and speak with Mable on the third floor.
- Choose Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. The choice does not affect the quest outcome, but this route gives you only one of the three. Nintendo Life’s guide describes this Rank 15 encounter.
Where to catch all three after the credits
To obtain the full trio, complete the main story and enter Wild Zone 20. Nintendo Life identifies the zone as the postgame wild-catch route, while PowerPyx’s Bulbasaur location guide says it becomes available after Main Mission 38, “The Future of Lumiose City.”
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![Pokémon Legends: Z-A Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IOdpg0EfL._SL160_.jpg)
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Pokémon Legends: Z-A Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | $65.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The available location guides name Wild Zone 20 but do not provide verified coordinates, a species-by-species sub-area, or encounter rates. Use the zone as your search area rather than relying on more precise directions that have not been established.
Do you need a particular game version or DLC?
Nintendo lists Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch, including a physical Game Card edition, and a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition with improved resolution and frame rates. The cited guides do not say that the Switch 2 Edition changes the starter routes or is required to access them. Nintendo’s product page describes the editions.
#1 Best Overall
- Your journey will take you to all manner of sights in the streets arrayed around Prism Tower, including shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free.
- As you catch, train, and battle Pokémon, there will be plenty of people to meet too—like AZ, the enigmatic owner of Hotel Z.
Mega Dimension is not indicated as necessary for either route. Nintendo Support says the expansion is compatible with the standard game and Switch 2 Edition, but requires ownership of Pokémon Legends: Z-A; Nintendo’s UK product page describes its additional story content as taking place after the main story. See Nintendo Support’s Mega Dimension compatibility information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Mega Stones for their evolutions
If you plan to Mega Evolve your starter, Nintendo Life reports that Charizard and Blastoise Mega Stones are sold at the Stone Emporium on Vernal Avenue for 100,000 Poké Dollars each. The guide says Venusaur’s Mega Stone is story-gated and not initially available for purchase, but does not give the later acquisition steps.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- [4K ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE] Protect the peace in Lumiose City in this enhanced edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, featuring native 4K resolution and a stable 60FPS frame rate. Experience the urban re-development plan with high-fidelity textures and advanced lighting effects centered around the iconic Prism Tower.
- [REAL-TIME BATTLE ENGINE] For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in seamless real-time battles. Engage over 100+ unique species with zero loading transitions, utilizing an upgraded combat AI that leverages the increased processing power of the Switch 2 hardware.
- [MEGA EVOLUTION MECHANICS] Master the power of Mega Evolution to suppress rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon appearing across the Kalos region. This edition introduces 15+ newly discovered Mega-Evolved forms, each rendered with dynamic particle effects and exclusive Z-A signature moves for tactical depth.
- [MULTIPLAYER Z-A ROYALE] Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills against global Trainers. Supported by Nintendo Switch 2's improved low-latency wireless architecture, these competitive events allow you to climb leaderboards and unlock rare evolution stones in 20-player lobbies.
- [EXPANSIVE WILD ZONES] Explore vibrant Wild Zones where Pokémon roam free in their natural habitats, from bustling city shops to hidden restaurants. This Hong Kong physical edition is region-free and supports English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese, featuring the enigmatic AZ and the peacekeeping Team MZ.
Rank #2
- Venture into Hyperspace Lumiose in this additional story content that can be accessed after completing the main game
- Work with the mysterious baker, Ansha, to make donuts that awaken the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa’s power and grant you and your Pokémon a variety of useful effects
- Join Team MZ and the Mega Evolution Successor, Korrina, to investigate Hyperspace Lumiose, the otherworldly home to rare and hyper-strong Pokémon
- Discover new Mega Evolutions such as Mega Raichu X, Mega Raichu Y, Mega Chimecho and Mega Baxcalibur
- Claim Holo-X and Holo-Y in-game apparel items, which you can wear as soon as you are able to customize your character’s look and outfit in the main game
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