When Ash Ketchum steps off the train into Lumio City in Pokémon Legend ZA, fans of the series immediately recognize that this is no ordinary adventure. In this challenge run, I decided to play strictly as Ash, using only the Pokémon he has owned in the anime, and only moves they’ve used on-screen. To spice things up, the game’s new battling system and additional rules make the challenge a true test of strategy and patience. Could Ash climb to Rank A and become Lumio City’s strongest trainer? Here’s a breakdown of the journey so far.

Choosing the Starter: A Grass-Type Dilemma

One of the first challenges in this run is selecting Ash’s starter. Among the three options, none are fully evolved, and each has its own pros and cons. After careful consideration, Chikorita was the natural choice. Not only is it adorable, but it also provides Ash with a rare grass-type option early in the game. With only Tackle available until level 12, Chikorita’s early battles—especially the first showdown against Panchcham—require careful timing and strategy. Despite the limited moveset, Chikorita manages to carry the team through initial skirmishes, proving its worth in classic Ash-style determination.

Expanding the Team: Catching Fletchling and Pichu

As the journey continues, Ash quickly realizes that relying solely on Chikorita won’t be enough. Enter Fletchling, the agile bird Pokémon capable of learning flying moves that add versatility to the team. Shortly after, a major early-game roadblock appears in the form of Zach, a rank Z trainer whose Slowpoke and Pidgey completely overwhelm Ash’s small squad. Here, the game’s mechanics challenge players to balance friendship, evolution, and careful move selection. Raising Pichu’s happiness to evolve it into Pikachu becomes a tedious but necessary grind, as it’s the key to finally overcoming Zach.

At this stage, I also learned that sometimes it’s worth using online resources to supplement your efforts—especially if you want to efficiently catch rare Pokémon or optimize team composition. For instance, some players choose to buy shiny Pokémon to secure certain advantages, though in this playthrough, I stuck to what Ash could realistically access in-game.

Mid-Game Strategy: Evolution and Mega Battles

Once Pikachu joins the team, Ash’s squad begins to truly gain momentum. Evolutions such as Frogadier and Fletchinder increase both damage output and survivability, allowing for smoother progression through promotion matches. Notably, challenges like the 4v4 battles against rank W trainers emphasize coordination, type advantages, and timing. Bubble Beam, Aerial Ace, and Razor Leaf become crucial in dismantling opponents systematically.

By the time Ash reaches rank B, Mega Evolutions become essential. While I initially limited Mega Evolutions to match Ash’s anime appearances, the need to combat rogue mega Pokémon forced a more flexible approach. Mega Lucario, Mega Heracross, and even Mega Charizard Y prove to be game-changers during high-stakes fights, particularly against formidable foes like Vinnie’s Mega Dramper. Here, preparation is key: grinding shards, earning money, and leveling up Pokémon all factor into achieving success.

Advanced Play: Tactically Leveraging Team Composition

In the higher ranks, careful team composition and understanding each Pokémon’s strengths become critical. For example, Crocarok’s debut against Canary’s Mega Electros highlights the importance of type matchups and tactical play. While water and flying types struggle against electric opponents, Crocarok’s ground typing allows it to dodge critical attacks and finish the fight with precision. Similarly, Lucario and Greninja shine when used with their Mega Evolutions, showing that strategic planning, rather than brute force, often determines victory in Legend ZA.

At this point, experienced players may consider supplementing their progression by using reliable online resources like pokemon za buy Pokémon from trusted sources such as U4GM. This approach can help fill in team gaps and optimize battle potential without breaking immersion in the game’s narrative.

Personal Takeaways and Tips

Playing through Pokémon Legend ZA as Ash Ketchum is both nostalgic and challenging. The strict adherence to anime movesets and Pokémon makes every battle feel like a puzzle, while evolutions and Mega Battles provide a satisfying sense of progression. A few tips for players attempting a similar run:

1. Focus on friendship and evolution early—it pays off in later promotion matches.

2. Pay attention to type advantages and matchups; even a strong Pokémon can be taken down if used incorrectly.

3. Explore the Wild Zones thoroughly—berries, shards, and hidden Pokémon make a huge difference in team development.

4. Don’t underestimate the grind: leveling, evolving, and collecting shards or money is crucial to access Mega Evolutions.

5. Mix patience with tactical aggression; timing Protect, Aerial Ace, or Bubble Beam can turn the tide of battle.

The Lumio City challenge in Pokémon Legend ZA highlights both the thrill and difficulty of playing as Ash Ketchum with realistic constraints. From choosing the starter to managing evolutions, friendship, and Mega Battles, each step requires thoughtful planning and persistence. While the grind can be intense, the satisfaction of seeing Ash’s full team dominate high-level opponents is worth every minute. Whether you’re a fan of the anime or a competitive trainer, this run provides valuable insights into strategic Pokémon play.