Pokémon Legends: Z-A does not have a verified, source-backed “first 10” wild Pokémon list here, so naming ten species or ranking their encounter order would risk misleading new players. What is established is the separate first-partner choice—Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile—and that wild Pokémon are caught in Lumiose City’s Wild Zones. Here’s how to make that first decision and approach early catches without relying on invented locations or rankings.
First partner or first wild catch: know which choice you’re making
The game asks you to choose a first partner from Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile. That is a starter decision, not a list of the first wild Pokémon you can catch. Wild Pokémon are found in designated Wild Zones within Lumiose City, a city undergoing redevelopment to create a place for people and Pokémon.
Nintendo’s launch article describes the battle system as a first for the RPG series: “For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, Trainers and their Pokémon can both move around in real-time battles.” Your Trainer and Pokémon can move, and you command Pokémon to use moves. Positioning, move timing, area of effect, and switching therefore matter as you learn the battles; that supports building a flexible party, but does not establish a best ten-species catch list.
Which first partner should you choose?
There is no source-backed universal winner among the three options. A Meristation guide published October 20, 2025, calls Totodile the most complete choice, pointing to its offensive potential and Mega Feraligatr. The guide also considers Chikorita and Tepig valid choices for different styles or personal preference. Treat that as one guide’s judgment, not a verified ranking of early-game performance.
#1 Best Overall
![Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51r8yUj+syL._SL160_.jpg)
- 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
| First partner | What the available guidance supports | How to decide |
|---|---|---|
| Totodile | Meristation’s October 20, 2025 guide favors it for offensive potential and Mega Feraligatr. | Choose it if that offensive emphasis and the Pokémon itself appeal to you. |
| Chikorita | The guide regards it as a valid option for a different style or personal preference; detailed early-game comparisons are not established. | Choose it if you like Chikorita or simply prefer this partner. |
| Tepig | The guide regards it as a valid option for a different style or personal preference; detailed early-game comparisons are not established. | Choose it if you like Tepig or simply prefer this partner. |
Meristation also reports that the two starters you do not select can eventually be obtained in one copy of the game, but only after substantial playtime. That is secondary reporting, not an official guarantee in the cited Nintendo material.
How to approach your first wild catches
Wild Zone catches are the right place to build out your party, but the available official information does not identify the earliest species, their exact locations, or a verified order in which you encounter them. Without those specifics, a “10 best to catch first” ranking would be guesswork.
Rank #2
![Pokémon Legends: Z-A Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IOdpg0EfL._SL160_.jpg)
- 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.
- Explore the Wild Zones you can access and catch Pokémon you encounter rather than pursuing an unverified species checklist.
- As you learn real-time battles, pay attention to positioning, when moves land, their areas of effect, and when switching helps.
- Favor a party that gives you options as you learn the battle rhythm; the available sources do not support naming particular species as the best early-game choices.
Which version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A do you need?
Pokémon Legends: Z-A launched October 16, 2025. Nintendo lists a standard Nintendo Switch version and a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Its Switch 2 upgrade pack is an upgrade route for people who own the Switch game, not a standalone copy of the game. Nintendo’s Canada listing should not be treated as a statement of prices or availability in every region.
The official game site announced on September 30, 2026, that a bundle combining the Switch 2 Edition and Mega Dimension DLC is scheduled for October 29, 2026. That is a dated announcement, not confirmation that the bundle is available now; check the official listing for your region and date before buying.
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Rank #4
- Live the life of a Pokémon Trainer in the streets of Lumiose City!
- For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in real-time battles
- Use the power of Mega Evolution in battle and take on rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon
- Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills and try to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer
- Visit shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free—all centered around Prism Tower
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.
Sources
- Official Pokémon Legends: Z-A site — setting, current status, and the September 30, 2026 bundle announcement.
- Nintendo of Canada launch page — starters, Wild Zones, battle mechanics, and platform editions.
- The Pokémon Company International release-date page — launch date and Switch 2 upgrade details.
- Meristation starter guide by Rubén Martínez, updated October 20, 2025 — the guide’s starter recommendation and its report on later starter access.
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