The Best Early Side Quests in Pokémon Legends ZA: Unlocking Key Rewards and Pokémon

In Pokémon Legends ZA, side quests are not only fun distractions but also essential to unlocking rare items, powerful Pokémon, and helpful gameplay mechanics. As you progress through the game, these quests will give you access to areas that would otherwise be off-limits, as well as rewarding you with shiny Pokémon, starter Pokémon, and valuable resources.

In this guide, we'll walk you through some of the best early and mid-game side quests to prioritize. These quests provide substantial benefits like unlocking hard-to-find Pokémon, gaining extra currency, and even getting shiny Pokémon. If you're looking to maximize your rewards and boost your team early on, this guide has you covered!

Key Early Side Quests You Shouldn't Miss

1. A Breaktime Battle (Side Quest 4)
   This side quest unlocks the Holivator, an essential tool for getting to previously inaccessible rooftops in the game. You’ll also earn currency, small XP candies, and water-type items. The location is southwest of Wild Zone 3, where you’ll need to defeat a construction worker trainer. Completing this quest is a great way to get started on your journey to powerful Pokémon like Lucha.

2. A Feisty Chespin (Side Quest 7)
   Chespin, a popular Grass-type starter Pokémon, can be unlocked through this side quest. Located southeast of Wild Area 3, you'll find a Chespin causing trouble with a taxi. After defeating it three times, you’ll be rewarded with Chespin itself. A simple but rewarding quest!

3. Get Well, Fennekin (Side Quest 8)
   Unlock Fennekin, another starter Pokémon, by completing this quest. You’ll find it southwest of Wild Zone 3 in the Magenta Sector 2. Help a lady with a sick Fennekin, which leads you to solve a puzzle in Wild Zone 5 involving water attacks to break through sludge barriers. Once the puzzle is solved, Fennekin is yours.

4. A Challenge from Froakie (Side Quest 9)
   Froakie, the Water-type starter, can be unlocked through this quest by completing a timed challenge. Located near a café in the northeastern part of the city, you’ll need to beat three courses to get Froakie. The challenge gets progressively harder, but it’s a fun way to earn this Water-type powerhouse.

5. The Many Flowers of Flebe (Side Quest 12)
   This side quest allows you to unlock new hair colors for your character. While primarily cosmetic, it’s a neat addition to personalize your in-game appearance. Collect five different Flebe flowers from various locations to unlock a range of colors, and completing the full set gives you extra rewards like a rare candy.

Mid-Game Side Quests for Valuable Rewards

1. Shiny Collector's Dream (Side Quest 17)
   Arguably one of the most exciting quests in Pokémon Legends ZA, this quest guarantees a shiny Mareep. To unlock this rare shiny Pokémon, head to Wild Zone 1 and break a boulder blocking a ladder. Once you’ve made your way up the ladder, a shiny Mareep will be waiting. Don’t forget, this shiny Mareep will spawn permanently until you capture it, giving you plenty of time to catch it.

2. Restored from a Fossil (Side Quest 27)
   If you’ve made it past the main missions up to level 11 and unlocked the Pokémon research lab, you’ll be able to access this quest. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to restore a fossil Pokémon like Tyrant or Aora. It’s an easy and free way to add a powerful Pokémon to your team. On top of that, you’ll earn currency and a Hard Stone, which boosts the power of Rock-type moves.

3. Spuper in the Museum (Side Quest 21)
   For those who love collecting Pokémon, this quest rewards you with a Spuper Pokémon, which could be beneficial for your Evolution Pavilion. Head to the museum located above Wild Zone 4 to find 12 Spuper scattered around. This side quest will also earn you currency and gems as additional rewards.

4. An Abra Playmate (Side Quest 24)
   This side quest is perfect for fans of Lucario, as completing it will reward you with a Riolu, which can evolve into the formidable Lucario. To start this quest, head to Wild Zone 3 and interact with a child NPC named Bond. You’ll need to find an Abra and hand it in to receive your Riolu. A quick and easy quest that gives a strong addition to your team.

Collecting Shiny Pokémon and Rare Items

Side quests also provide a unique opportunity to buy Pokémon for Legends ZA or even find Legends ZA Shiny Pokémon for sale through third-party sources. Players can find reliable sellers like U4GM, which offers a variety of shiny and rare Pokémon available for purchase. This can be especially useful if you want to enhance your team without spending too much time hunting for specific Pokémon.

In Pokémon Legends ZA, early and mid-game side quests provide some of the most rewarding and useful experiences in the game. From unlocking rare and shiny Pokémon to gaining useful items and currency, these side quests are essential to progressing quickly in the game. Make sure to prioritize quests that unlock starter Pokémon like Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie, as well as quests that provide shiny Pokémon like Mareep. Completing these quests will not only help you strengthen your team but also provide a fun and engaging way to explore the world of Pokémon Legends ZA.