When revisiting Kalos in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, players won’t be given a choice between the region’s standard trio of Chespin, Fenniken and Froakie, but instead Chikarita, Tepig, and Totodile — but some players may want to use one or all of the original trio for their adventure in Lumiose City. Luckily, it is possible to pick up all three of the Pokémon and in this guide, we will be exploring the various methods to get these Pokémon, including a trio of Side Missions that will gift you the Kalos starters.
Guide by Robbie for PokéJungle.
Receive Chespin, Fenniken and Froakie as Side Mission rewards
Once you first encounter Emma in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, you’ll soon be given access to Side Missions. Around the city, you’ll find blue “!” across the map. These are the markers for the side missions and completing them will give you rewards like money and items. There is a trio of missions players can complete early in Pokémon Legends: Z-A to get each of the Kalos starters.
Unlike an in-game trade, these Pokémon will have you listed as the Original Trainer (OT) and have your ID.
Complete Side Mission 007 to get Chespin
You can complete Side Mission 007 ‘A Feisty Chespin’ found in the Rouge District to receive a Chespin. You’ll see a Chespin in front of a taxi next to a woman. The woman explains that Chespin is attempting to battle the taxi and encourages you to battle instead in hopes of calming it down.
What follows is three battles against a level 14 Chespin that must be won before you can complete the quest, earning the trust of the Pokémon and having it join your team.
It is level 14 when received and has the moves Growl, Growth, Rollout and Bite.
Complete Side Mission 008 to get Fennekin
You can complete Side Mission 008 ‘Get Well Fennekin’ in Magenta Sector 2 to receive a Fennekin. This quest will see you encounter a woman overlooking a sick Fennekin. To help it recover, you must locate the herbalist Branche and acquire a Revitalizing Twig.
The Herbalist can be found at Cafe Classe on Vernal Avenue and will mark all available locations for the item on your map. Bring a Pokémon with a Water-type move to Wild Zone 5 and follow a path to the right past until you find some sludge. Once you clear it out with a Water-type attack, you’ll follow a path that leads to a secret garden, filled with Venipedes and an Alpha Whirlipede.
You’ll need to navigate the area and locate the real Revitalizing Twig. Once found, you can return to the Fennekin and give it the twig, healing it and having it join your team.
It is level 14 when received and has the moves Tackle, Tail Whip, Ember and Charm.
Complete Side Mission 009 to get Froakie
You can complete Side Mission 009 ‘A Challenge from Froakie’ on North Boulevard in the Jaune District to receive a Froakie. Here you’ll find a trio of parkour courses that needs to be conquered before Froakie will join you. The first two are rather simple and can be completed by following the path to the best of your abilities.
The last one is the most complex, requiring the player to roll onto the next portion of the course. You’ll then climb a ladder on your right before jumping and following the narrow beam bridge below. Complete this and Froakie will agree to join your team.
It is level 14 when received and has the moves Water Gun, Quick Attack, Lick and Bubble Beam.
Where to catch the Kalos Starters in Wild Zones
Players can also obtain Chespin, Fennekin and Froakie by catching them in Wild Zones through Lumiose City, although you’ll have to play further into the game to unlock the required areas.
While we are still investigating exact behavior, the Starters may only spawn once per day and will flee when they see you. Try to sneak up on them and, if they aren’t spawned, try flying out to a different area and then flying back in.
Chespin
Can be found in Wild Zone 17, unlocked after completing Main Mission 24. It will spawn on the ground near the ice cream cart.
Fennekin
Can be found in Wild Zone 18. You’ll unlock Wild Zone 18 after completing Main Mission 30. You’ll find it on the rooftops and the best way to catch it is by sneaking up behind it using the chimneys as cover.
Froakie
Can be found in Wild Zone 16, unlocked after completing Main Mission 24. It will spawn on the tall monument.
