12-06-2025, 02:32 PM
Pokemon Legends ZA has quickly become a standout title in the Pokemon franchise, especially for players who prefer a more laid-back, casual gaming experience. While its fast-paced battle mechanics might not appeal to every Pokemon fan, the game shines in many other areas, making it a great option for those who enjoy a more relaxed, exploration-focused journey. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the key features that make Pokemon Legends ZA unique, focusing on the game's customization, shiny hunting, and overall casual-friendly experience.
The Joy of Character Customization
One of the most exciting aspects of Pokemon Legends ZA is the character customization. For years, the Pokemon series has lagged behind other games in terms of customization options, but this installment changes that. Players can customize their trainers with a wide range of outfits, accessories, and even tweak the appearance of their character's eyes and hair.
While I initially struggled to find a haircut I truly liked, the addition of a color gradient system for hair was a game-changer. This feature allows players to experiment with dual colors and create a truly unique look. Even if the hairstyles are limited, the color options make up for it, offering a personal touch that’s been sorely missing in previous titles.
However, if you're someone like me who doesn’t spend much time adjusting their trainer's look, you might end up sporting a beanie and sticking with the default hair. Still, it’s a great step forward in Pokemon customization, and it sets a high bar for future titles.
Battle Mechanics: A Mixed Bag
While Pokemon Legends ZA gets a lot of things right, the battle system is a bit of a letdown for traditional Pokemon fans. The game's fast-paced, action-oriented battles, where you’re dodging attacks and waiting for cooldowns, feel more like a MOBA than a true Pokemon experience. It’s certainly a shift from the turn-based system that has defined the series for decades.
For casual players, this change is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the battles are quick, meaning there’s less grinding and a faster pace to progress through the game. On the other hand, they can lack the strategy and depth that many Pokemon fans cherish. For those like me who enjoy theory crafting and team-building, the absence of the traditional turn-based combat can feel unsatisfying.
To make matters worse, Pokemon Legends ZA locks certain mega stones behind online play. As someone who doesn’t always invest in an online subscription, this decision felt like a missed opportunity to make the game more inclusive for all players. Ultimately, the battle system may not be the main draw of the game, but for casual players who just want to breeze through the story, it works well enough.
Shiny Hunting: A Casual Gamer's Paradise
If there’s one aspect of Pokemon Legends ZA that stands out above the rest, it’s the shiny hunting system. In this game, catching shiny Pokemon is not only possible but also significantly more accessible than in previous entries. The most notable feature is that the game saves shiny spawns in the world. If you encounter a shiny and walk away or don’t notice it right away, it will still be there when you return, making the process much less stressful.
Even without the shiny charm, the odds of finding a shiny are 1 in 4,096, which is standard for the franchise. However, the game’s design makes it easier for casual players to fill up their Pokemon boxes with shinies. I was able to fill four boxes just by doing simple hunts, letting my game run overnight, and consistently coming back to see what I’d caught. This change was a game-changer for casual gamers like myself who don’t have the time or patience for lengthy grind sessions.
If you’re the type of player who enjoys the thrill of shiny hunting but doesn’t want to spend hours grinding, Pokemon Legends ZA is definitely the game for you. Plus, if you're looking to expand your collection, you can even buy shiny Pokemon from third-party sellers, which can help you skip some of the grind if you prefer to jump straight into the fun.
Filling Your Pokedex: An Easy Grind
Unlike some previous titles, Pokemon Legends ZA doesn't force players to trade or rely on version exclusives to complete their Pokedex. Every Pokemon is available in the game’s world, which is a huge plus for solo players. This means no more chasing after rare Pokemon that can only be obtained through online trades or limited events.
The game’s wild areas are teeming with Pokemon like Gengar, Machamp, and Alakazam, which you can catch and add to your team without needing to trade. For casual players who enjoy filling out their Pokedex without the hassle of coordinating trades, this feature is incredibly rewarding.
Additionally, the Canari plushes, which can be bought with colorful screws, add an extra layer of fun. These plushes provide buffs that make catching Pokemon easier and more rewarding. Even regular Poké Balls remain useful well into the late game, allowing for a more relaxed, enjoyable catching experience.
The World of Pokemon Legends ZA: A Casual Exploration
While the game's battle mechanics and storyline may not be its strongest features, the world-building and exploration aspects are top-notch. The cities, though somewhat repetitive, are fun to explore, and the wild zones are well-designed, offering plenty of areas to discover and Pokemon to catch. However, the game feels somewhat small, especially when compared to the vast open-world experience seen in Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
With the upcoming DLC, I was hoping for more expansive areas to explore, but it seems that everything will still take place within the city. This could make the game feel a bit repetitive for some players. Hopefully, future updates will expand the world and add new locations to explore, as the foundation is solid.
In summary, Pokemon Legends ZA is a great game for casual players who enjoy catching Pokemon, customizing their trainer, and embarking on a laid-back journey. While the battle system might not appeal to everyone, the game offers a lot of fun for players who are more interested in exploration and shiny hunting than competitive battles. If you’re looking for a stress-free Pokemon experience, this game is definitely worth checking out.
As for shiny hunting, if you’re wondering how to fill your Pokedex quickly, consider exploring options like buy shiny Pokemon to speed up your collection process. It's not cheating, just another option for those who want to enjoy the thrill of shiny hunting without spending hours grinding.
Read Next: How to Catch or Buy Whirlipede in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
The Joy of Character Customization
One of the most exciting aspects of Pokemon Legends ZA is the character customization. For years, the Pokemon series has lagged behind other games in terms of customization options, but this installment changes that. Players can customize their trainers with a wide range of outfits, accessories, and even tweak the appearance of their character's eyes and hair.
While I initially struggled to find a haircut I truly liked, the addition of a color gradient system for hair was a game-changer. This feature allows players to experiment with dual colors and create a truly unique look. Even if the hairstyles are limited, the color options make up for it, offering a personal touch that’s been sorely missing in previous titles.
However, if you're someone like me who doesn’t spend much time adjusting their trainer's look, you might end up sporting a beanie and sticking with the default hair. Still, it’s a great step forward in Pokemon customization, and it sets a high bar for future titles.
Battle Mechanics: A Mixed Bag
While Pokemon Legends ZA gets a lot of things right, the battle system is a bit of a letdown for traditional Pokemon fans. The game's fast-paced, action-oriented battles, where you’re dodging attacks and waiting for cooldowns, feel more like a MOBA than a true Pokemon experience. It’s certainly a shift from the turn-based system that has defined the series for decades.
For casual players, this change is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the battles are quick, meaning there’s less grinding and a faster pace to progress through the game. On the other hand, they can lack the strategy and depth that many Pokemon fans cherish. For those like me who enjoy theory crafting and team-building, the absence of the traditional turn-based combat can feel unsatisfying.
To make matters worse, Pokemon Legends ZA locks certain mega stones behind online play. As someone who doesn’t always invest in an online subscription, this decision felt like a missed opportunity to make the game more inclusive for all players. Ultimately, the battle system may not be the main draw of the game, but for casual players who just want to breeze through the story, it works well enough.
Shiny Hunting: A Casual Gamer's Paradise
If there’s one aspect of Pokemon Legends ZA that stands out above the rest, it’s the shiny hunting system. In this game, catching shiny Pokemon is not only possible but also significantly more accessible than in previous entries. The most notable feature is that the game saves shiny spawns in the world. If you encounter a shiny and walk away or don’t notice it right away, it will still be there when you return, making the process much less stressful.
Even without the shiny charm, the odds of finding a shiny are 1 in 4,096, which is standard for the franchise. However, the game’s design makes it easier for casual players to fill up their Pokemon boxes with shinies. I was able to fill four boxes just by doing simple hunts, letting my game run overnight, and consistently coming back to see what I’d caught. This change was a game-changer for casual gamers like myself who don’t have the time or patience for lengthy grind sessions.
If you’re the type of player who enjoys the thrill of shiny hunting but doesn’t want to spend hours grinding, Pokemon Legends ZA is definitely the game for you. Plus, if you're looking to expand your collection, you can even buy shiny Pokemon from third-party sellers, which can help you skip some of the grind if you prefer to jump straight into the fun.
Filling Your Pokedex: An Easy Grind
Unlike some previous titles, Pokemon Legends ZA doesn't force players to trade or rely on version exclusives to complete their Pokedex. Every Pokemon is available in the game’s world, which is a huge plus for solo players. This means no more chasing after rare Pokemon that can only be obtained through online trades or limited events.
The game’s wild areas are teeming with Pokemon like Gengar, Machamp, and Alakazam, which you can catch and add to your team without needing to trade. For casual players who enjoy filling out their Pokedex without the hassle of coordinating trades, this feature is incredibly rewarding.
Additionally, the Canari plushes, which can be bought with colorful screws, add an extra layer of fun. These plushes provide buffs that make catching Pokemon easier and more rewarding. Even regular Poké Balls remain useful well into the late game, allowing for a more relaxed, enjoyable catching experience.
The World of Pokemon Legends ZA: A Casual Exploration
While the game's battle mechanics and storyline may not be its strongest features, the world-building and exploration aspects are top-notch. The cities, though somewhat repetitive, are fun to explore, and the wild zones are well-designed, offering plenty of areas to discover and Pokemon to catch. However, the game feels somewhat small, especially when compared to the vast open-world experience seen in Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
With the upcoming DLC, I was hoping for more expansive areas to explore, but it seems that everything will still take place within the city. This could make the game feel a bit repetitive for some players. Hopefully, future updates will expand the world and add new locations to explore, as the foundation is solid.
In summary, Pokemon Legends ZA is a great game for casual players who enjoy catching Pokemon, customizing their trainer, and embarking on a laid-back journey. While the battle system might not appeal to everyone, the game offers a lot of fun for players who are more interested in exploration and shiny hunting than competitive battles. If you’re looking for a stress-free Pokemon experience, this game is definitely worth checking out.
As for shiny hunting, if you’re wondering how to fill your Pokedex quickly, consider exploring options like buy shiny Pokemon to speed up your collection process. It's not cheating, just another option for those who want to enjoy the thrill of shiny hunting without spending hours grinding.
Read Next: How to Catch or Buy Whirlipede in Pokemon Legends: Z-A