10-27-2025, 01:16 AM
If you’ve been exploring the Kalos region in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, you’ve probably noticed how much rarer certain evolution stones, held items, and crafting materials feel compared to previous Pokémon titles. While the new open-world structure makes exploration rewarding, tracking down rare items can still be a challenge. After spending dozens of hours in the game, here are the most reliable places and methods I’ve found to collect those hard-to-find treasures.
1. Hidden Caves Around Lumiose Outskirts
One of the best early-game spots for rare items is the series of hidden caves on the outskirts of Lumiose City. These caves often contain random spawns for evolutionary stones such as Fire, Water, and Thunder Stones. You’ll also find rare materials needed for certain held items, like King’s Rock and Metal Coat. If you check back after each in-game day, new items may respawn, making this area a consistent farming zone.
2. The Shimmering Groves
The Shimmering Groves, located northwest of Route 14, is a dense forest filled with glimmering item spots. Pay attention to the light reflections on the ground—they often mark hidden treasures. Moon Stones and Shiny Stones appear here more frequently than in any other area. Be sure to bring Pokémon with the ability Pickup; they’ll occasionally find bonus items after battle.
3. Battle Trainers for Rare Drops
Unlike older Pokémon games, Legends: Z-A rewards players for rematching certain NPC trainers. Elite trainers found in the Lumiose Underground have a small chance of dropping rare held items like Choice Band or Assault Vest. It’s not a guaranteed drop, but battling them consistently is a fun way to grind for rewards while earning extra experience.
4. Mystery Gift and Limited Events
Keep an eye on official announcements for Mystery Gift distributions. These often include exclusive or limited-time items that can’t be obtained elsewhere. While not everyone wants to rely on event timing, it’s one of the few ways to secure items like Ability Capsules and Bottle Caps early in the game.
5. Trading and Custom Pokémon Options
If you’re having trouble finding certain items or just want to streamline your gameplay, you can trade with other players who specialize in collecting rare items. Some players even use platforms where you can buy custom Pokémon that already hold rare or event-exclusive items. It’s also possible to buy custom Pokémon for Legends ZA from experienced sellers on trusted marketplaces like U4GM, which can save time for those focusing more on battling and team building rather than item grinding.
Final Tips
Always keep a few Pokémon with Pickup in your party, rotate exploration zones frequently, and revisit item-dense areas after major story events—some spawns are tied to your progress. If you’re aiming to complete your Pokédex or optimize competitive builds, investing time into rare item collection is well worth it.
Exploring the hidden corners of Pokémon Legends: Z-A is part of what makes the game so engaging. Whether you prefer the satisfaction of finding every rare item yourself or rely on the convenience of trading and customization, there’s no shortage of ways to power up your adventure.
1. Hidden Caves Around Lumiose Outskirts
One of the best early-game spots for rare items is the series of hidden caves on the outskirts of Lumiose City. These caves often contain random spawns for evolutionary stones such as Fire, Water, and Thunder Stones. You’ll also find rare materials needed for certain held items, like King’s Rock and Metal Coat. If you check back after each in-game day, new items may respawn, making this area a consistent farming zone.
2. The Shimmering Groves
The Shimmering Groves, located northwest of Route 14, is a dense forest filled with glimmering item spots. Pay attention to the light reflections on the ground—they often mark hidden treasures. Moon Stones and Shiny Stones appear here more frequently than in any other area. Be sure to bring Pokémon with the ability Pickup; they’ll occasionally find bonus items after battle.
3. Battle Trainers for Rare Drops
Unlike older Pokémon games, Legends: Z-A rewards players for rematching certain NPC trainers. Elite trainers found in the Lumiose Underground have a small chance of dropping rare held items like Choice Band or Assault Vest. It’s not a guaranteed drop, but battling them consistently is a fun way to grind for rewards while earning extra experience.
4. Mystery Gift and Limited Events
Keep an eye on official announcements for Mystery Gift distributions. These often include exclusive or limited-time items that can’t be obtained elsewhere. While not everyone wants to rely on event timing, it’s one of the few ways to secure items like Ability Capsules and Bottle Caps early in the game.
5. Trading and Custom Pokémon Options
If you’re having trouble finding certain items or just want to streamline your gameplay, you can trade with other players who specialize in collecting rare items. Some players even use platforms where you can buy custom Pokémon that already hold rare or event-exclusive items. It’s also possible to buy custom Pokémon for Legends ZA from experienced sellers on trusted marketplaces like U4GM, which can save time for those focusing more on battling and team building rather than item grinding.
Final Tips
Always keep a few Pokémon with Pickup in your party, rotate exploration zones frequently, and revisit item-dense areas after major story events—some spawns are tied to your progress. If you’re aiming to complete your Pokédex or optimize competitive builds, investing time into rare item collection is well worth it.
Exploring the hidden corners of Pokémon Legends: Z-A is part of what makes the game so engaging. Whether you prefer the satisfaction of finding every rare item yourself or rely on the convenience of trading and customization, there’s no shortage of ways to power up your adventure.

