Starting out in Pokémon Legends: Z-A can feel both exciting and overwhelming, especially with the number of new systems introduced in the early stages. Whether you’re aiming to build your ideal team or simply want to progress efficiently through Lumiose City and beyond, leveling up your Pokémon early can make a huge difference. This guide covers the most reliable ways to gain experience quickly during the early game and prepare your team for tougher battles ahead.

1. Focus on Early Route Battles

In the beginning, it’s tempting to rush through the first few routes to reach the city’s main storyline. However, taking time to battle every Trainer you encounter can give your Pokémon a significant early advantage. Trainers typically have stronger Pokémon than wild encounters, providing better XP per battle. Keep an eye out for routes with repeatable Trainer challenges—some will reset daily, allowing you to grind experience consistently.

2. Catch and Rotate Pokémon for Shared XP

One of the best new mechanics in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is how experience is distributed among your party. Even if a Pokémon doesn’t directly participate in battle, it still earns XP when you catch or defeat wild Pokémon. Use this to your advantage by catching multiple Pokémon of different types. Not only will this fill out your Pokédex, but it also levels up your entire team faster. If you’re trying to evolve certain Pokémon early, this approach helps immensely.

3. Utilize the Lumiose City Training Center

Early in the story, you’ll unlock the Lumiose City Training Center—a perfect spot for consistent, repeatable XP gains. Training dummies, mock battles, and special move practice all yield experience and improve friendship levels. Pairing this with EXP-boosting held items can help you speed through the early game curve.

4. Hunt for Alpha Encounters (Carefully)

While Alpha Pokémon are far stronger than your early team, they’re also one of the best sources of experience if you manage to defeat or catch them. Use status effects like Sleep or Paralysis to weaken them safely, and avoid overextending in dangerous areas. Taking down even one Alpha encounter early can skyrocket your levels. If you need stronger equipment or battle items, you can always buy Pokémon ZA items to improve your preparations before facing these tougher challenges.

5. Complete Side Missions and Exploration Tasks

Side quests in Pokémon Legends: Z-A often reward generous XP boosts or rare candies. Many of these tasks involve catching specific Pokémon or exploring hidden areas around Lumiose. Completing them not only improves your character’s rank but also gives consistent rewards for your party. Make it a habit to check the mission board frequently as new ones unlock with story progression.

6. Take Advantage of Shiny Hunts and Trading

Players who enjoy collecting rare Pokémon can combine that passion with effective leveling. Participating in Shiny hunts means you’ll battle or catch numerous Pokémon of the same species, resulting in substantial experience gains. For collectors or players who prefer to start strong, it’s also common to buy Shiny Pokémon ZA at U4GM, giving you access to powerful and visually unique partners right from the start.

7. Use Battle Items Wisely

Don’t overlook the value of items like XP Charms or Power Bracelets early on. These items can multiply your experience gain per battle, especially when used strategically against groups of wild Pokémon. Keeping a small inventory of these items ensures that your team continues to progress efficiently even during casual exploration.


The early game in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is all about setting the foundation for your journey. By battling frequently, managing your team rotations, and making smart use of items and training facilities, you can stay ahead of the difficulty curve. Whether you’re grinding XP through wild encounters or experimenting with different Pokémon builds, remember that efficient early-game leveling will make the rest of your adventure far smoother and more rewarding.