Starting your journey in Pokémon Legends: Z-A can feel overwhelming, especially with the sheer number of Pokémon available. Choosing the right Pokémon for early game progression is crucial if you want a smooth experience and an advantage in battles and quests. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best Pokémon to focus on during the early stages and share tips on how to maximize their potential.

1. Prioritize Versatile Starters
The starter Pokémon you choose can set the tone for your early game. Opt for a Pokémon that balances both offense and defense, allowing you to handle a variety of wild Pokémon encounters. For instance, fire or water types often have an advantage against many early-game wild encounters. Building a strong starter early reduces the need for frequent switching and keeps battles manageable.

2. Include Utility Pokémon
Beyond combat strength, Pokémon with utility moves like status inflictions, healing abilities, or terrain control are invaluable. These Pokémon make grinding easier and help in completing early quests more efficiently. For example, having a Pokémon that can inflict paralysis or sleep on opponents gives you more control over difficult encounters.

3. Consider Evolution Potential
Catching Pokémon that evolve quickly in the early game is a smart strategy. Evolved forms usually have higher stats, making them more capable of handling mid-game challenges. Investing in Pokémon that evolve into strong forms gives you a longer-lasting team with minimal resource investment.

4. Early Game Powerhouses
Some Pokémon are particularly strong in the early stages due to their typing, move sets, or availability. Look for Pokémon that can be caught in the first few zones yet offer high versatility. These Pokémon often give you a solid foundation to build a balanced team before mid-game challenges arise.

5. Supplementing Your Team
While you can naturally catch many strong Pokémon, some players prefer to buy Pokémon for Legends ZA or even buy Shiny Pokémon ZA for unique aesthetics and potential competitive advantages. Whether you choose to purchase or catch, always focus on creating a balanced team that covers different types and roles.

In conclusion, early game progression in Pokémon Legends: Z-A relies on a mix of strong starters, utility Pokémon, and strategic evolution choices. By carefully selecting and developing your team, you’ll navigate the first zones efficiently and set yourself up for mid- and late-game success. Using resources like U4GM can also provide guidance on optimal Pokémon choices and progression strategies.