How to Build a No-Catch Team in Pokémon Legends ZA: A Player’s Perspective

Pokémon Legends ZA continues the series’ tradition of blending exploration, story, and strategic battles. However, one question many players have been curious about is whether it’s possible to complete the game without catching any Pokémon. As someone who recently attempted this unconventional challenge, I’d like to share my insights, strategies, and key takeaways for players looking to try something similar—or simply optimize their early-game team.

Starting Out Without Catching Pokémon

The game allows players to choose a starter without throwing a Pokéball. I opted for Toadile, naming it Jack, primarily due to its usefulness later in the story for handling ice-based challenges. While Chikorita might have been a more optimal choice, starting with Toadile gave me the flexibility to experiment with strategy during the early game. A second starter, Rouse, could be obtained via limited-time Wi-Fi events, which is a handy workaround if you want to avoid catching wild Pokémon.

Interestingly, the tutorial phase presents unavoidable catches. For example, early on you are forced to capture a Fletchling. While this technically breaks the no-catch challenge, it’s a minor compromise given the tutorial constraints. After this stage, it becomes more feasible to progress with only gift Pokémon or story-provided team members.

Forming a Competitive Team

Gift Pokémon and mission rewards are crucial for building a functional team without relying on traditional catches. Chespin (later evolving into Kaddin) and Fenkin are excellent additions obtained through side missions, allowing you to diversify typing and coverage. Later, Kanto starters such as Bulbasaur, Charizard, and Squirtle can be added through storyline events or missions, which is particularly valuable for obtaining Mega Evolutions.

Mega Evolutions play a significant role in combat efficiency. They allow multiple transformations per battle and can dramatically shift the tide of difficult encounters. In my playthrough, prioritizing Mega Pokémon like Mega Feraligator, Mega Absol, and Mega Aerodactyl helped manage the later rogue Mega battles with fewer party members. This highlights the importance of carefully planning which Pokémon to include based on their mega potential.

Strategic Tips for No-Catch Playthroughs

1. Prioritize Mega Pokémon: Maximizing your roster with Megas improves battle flexibility. In Pokémon Legends ZA, multiple Megas per battle is a game-changer.

2. Use Gift Pokémon Wisely: Many side missions offer Pokémon without the need to catch them. Chespin, Fenkin, and Kanto starters are excellent examples.

3. Manage Forced Captures: Accept that certain tutorial captures are unavoidable and release them afterward to maintain the spirit of a no-catch run.

4. Leveling and Grinding: Limited party size can reduce EXP gain, so frequent use of rank-up battles and the ZA Royale helps level your team efficiently.

5. Strategic Item Use: For difficult rogue Mega encounters, don’t underestimate healing items, buffs, and area-of-effect moves like Fire Spin.

Considerations for Players Seeking Custom Pokémon

For those who want to experiment further or bypass limitations, some players explore options to buy custom pokemon or buy custom pokemon for za. This allows for tailoring a team to specific challenges or to include Pokémon you might not otherwise obtain through standard gameplay, especially for advanced runs or unique challenges.

Completing Pokémon Legends ZA without catching Pokémon is technically impossible if you include tutorial captures, but it is feasible to progress through most of the game using only story-provided and gift Pokémon. Building a team around Mega Evolutions and carefully selected gift Pokémon makes the challenge both engaging and strategically rewarding. Players looking to experiment with team composition may also consider options to buy custom pokemon or buy custom pokemon for za to streamline unique setups.