If you’ve seen Zygarde appearing throughout Pokémon Legends: Z-A and wondered when you can finally add it to your team, the answer is simple: you have to reach the end of the game, and then go a bit further. Catching Zygarde is tied entirely to the post-game and to one of the final main missions. Below, you’ll find a complete walkthrough written for players who just want clear, usable information.
⚠️ This guide contains late-game and post-game spoilers.
When can you catch Zygarde?
You cannot catch Zygarde during the main story, even though it appears several times before. It only becomes obtainable once the credits have rolled.
After finishing the main campaign, new content unlocks, most notably the Infinite Z-A Royale. You must complete at least the first round of this mode to move forward. This step is mandatory and cannot be skipped.
Once that’s done, head back to Hotel Z.
Post-game requirements you must complete
At Hotel Z, you’ll speak with L, who unlocks two additional main missions:
- The One That Gives (linked to Xerneas)
- The One That Takes (linked to Yveltal)
Both missions must be completed, and both Xerneas and Yveltal must be caught, before anything involving Zygarde progresses. Once they are in your team, no new quests appear immediately.
To continue, return to Hotel Z once again and interact with the entrance.
Main Mission: To Keep the World in Balance
At the hotel entrance, L will stop you and challenge you to a battle. This starts the final required quest:
“To Keep the World in Balance.”
You’re free to delay this fight if needed, and that’s usually a good idea. L’s team sits in the high level range, with his Mega Gyarados reaching level 80. Even with a similarly leveled team, this battle can be tough.
Fairy-type Pokémon perform especially well here and help manage several threats on his team. Make sure you bring strong healing items and prepare for a long fight.
Once L is defeated, Zygarde appears briefly, then escapes. L explains that it’s drawing you toward the center of Lumiose City.
Where to find Zygarde
Zygarde is located in Wild Zone 20, the final zone to unlock. You’ll find it directly beneath the ruins of the central tower.
Approach Zygarde and interact with it. You’ll be given the option to prepare before starting the fight. Take it seriously—this is one of the longest battles in the game.
Zygarde is a Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon, meaning it is weak to:
- Ice-type moves
- Fairy-type moves
- Dragon-type moves
Its starting level is 84, and the fight is split into three consecutive phases with no checkpoints.
Zygarde battle – Phase 1 (10% Forme)
The first phase is the easiest. Zygarde is fast but fragile and mainly targets your Pokémon rather than your character.
Keep moving, avoid incoming attacks, and punish openings with Ice or Fairy damage. Once its HP reaches zero, it immediately transforms.
Zygarde battle – Phase 2 (50% Forme)
In its 50% Forme, Zygarde becomes far more dangerous. It gains stronger attacks and starts putting pressure on both your Pokémon and your character.
Certain attacks require you to recall your Pokémon and focus on dodging instead. This phase is about patience: deal damage safely, Mega Evolve when possible, and don’t rush.
When its HP hits zero again, Zygarde transforms one last time.
Zygarde battle – Phase 3 (Complete Forme)
The final phase is the hardest part of the encounter. In its Complete Forme, Zygarde focuses heavily on your character rather than your Pokémon.
The arena fills with wide-area attacks, shockwaves, and large beam patterns. Positioning and timing matter more than raw damage here. Constant movement is key, and knowing when not to attack is just as important as knowing when to commit.
If you faint at any point during this fight, you must restart all three phases, so staying alive always comes first.
Catching Zygarde
After defeating Zygarde in its Complete Forme, the fight ends and you’re prompted to throw a Poké Ball.
Any Poké Ball works. Use whatever you’re comfortable with. Once caught, Zygarde officially joins your team.
You’ll also receive the Zygarde Cube, a Key Item that allows you to switch Zygarde between its 10% and 50% Formesoutside of battle. The Complete Forme only activates during combat when its HP drops low enough.
If you obtained Zygarde’s Mega Stone earlier in the story, it can also Mega Evolve, giving you even more options going forward.
Catching Zygarde is one of the final milestones in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Take your time, prepare properly, and don’t rush the fight—it’s designed to test everything you’ve learned up to this point.
FAQ – Getting Zygarde in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Can you catch Zygarde during the main story?
No. Zygarde cannot be caught during the main campaign. It only becomes available after finishing the story and entering the post-game.
What do you need to do before unlocking Zygarde?
You must finish the main story, complete at least the first round of the Infinite Z-A Royale, and catch both Xerneas and Yveltal through their respective post-game missions.
Where does the Zygarde mission start?
After catching Xerneas and Yveltal, return to Hotel Z and interact with the entrance. L will stop you and start the mission “To Keep the World in Balance.”
Where is Zygarde located?
Zygarde is found in Wild Zone 20, directly beneath the ruins of the central tower in Lumiose City.
What level should your team be to fight Zygarde?
It’s strongly recommended to have Pokémon around level 85 or higher. The fight is long and unforgiving, with three phases and no checkpoints.
What type is Zygarde weak to?
Zygarde is a Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon. It is weak to Ice-, Fairy-, and Dragon-type moves, which are the safest options for the fight.
How many phases does the Zygarde battle have?
The fight against Zygarde has three phases: 10% Forme, 50% Forme, and Complete Forme. If you lose at any point, you must restart the entire fight.
Can you save between phases?
No. There are no checkpoints between phases. If you faint or lose, you must redo all three phases from the beginning.
What happens after you defeat Zygarde?
Once Zygarde’s Complete Forme is defeated, you can throw any Poké Ball to catch it. Zygarde will then be added to your team.
How do Zygarde’s forms work after catching it?
After the fight, you receive the Zygarde Cube. This item lets you switch Zygarde between its 10% and 50% Formes outside of battle. The Complete Forme only activates automatically during combat when its HP drops low enough.
Can Zygarde Mega Evolve?
Yes. If you already obtained Zygarde’s Mega Stone earlier in the game, it can Mega Evolve once it joins your team.
