Zygarde is the central Legendary Pokémon tied to the endgame of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. While it appears throughout the story, you cannot catch it until very late in the game. Unlocking Zygarde requires completing a specific chain of post-story missions, followed by one of the most demanding boss encounters in the game.
When You Can Catch Zygarde in Pokémon Legends Z-A
Zygarde cannot be captured during the main campaign. Even though it plays an important role earlier, the game locks its capture behind post-game progression.
You will know Zygarde is finally obtainable once all of the following conditions are met:
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- The main story is fully completed and credits have rolled
- Post-game missions are unlocked in Lumiose City
- The Infinite Z-A Royale becomes available
At this point, new main missions tied directly to Zygarde’s role in the world will begin to appear.
Post-Game Requirements You Must Complete
Before the game allows you to challenge Zygarde, several mandatory objectives must be cleared in sequence.
Required Progression Checklist
- Complete your first Reward Match in the Infinite Z-A Royale
- Return to Hotel Z after receiving the post-game call
- Finish the main missions:
- The One That Gives
- The One That Takes
- Interact with Hotel Z’s entrance to trigger a final confrontation
- Defeat the trainer waiting for you inside Hotel Z
Once these steps are finished, the game unlocks Main Mission 42: “To Keep the World in Balance”, which directly leads to Zygarde.
Where to Find Zygarde
During Main Mission 42, you are sent to Wild Zone 20, located at the ruined tower in the center of the area.
Zygarde appears in the open and does not ambush you. When you approach it, the game gives you a chance to prepare before starting the battle, which you should absolutely take advantage of.
See also: All New Pokémon Legends Z-A Mega Evolution Tier List – Every Mega Ranked
Zygarde Typing and Weaknesses
Zygarde is a Dragon-type and Ground-type Pokémon, which heavily influences how you should build your team.
Type Matchups
- Weak to: Ice, Fairy, Dragon
- Resists: Fire, Poison, Rock
- Immune to: Electric
Ice-type moves are especially powerful here, dealing four-times damage, making them the safest and fastest way to break through its health.
Recommended Level Before the Fight
You will fight Zygarde multiple times across the game, but the final battle is the only one that ends with a capture.
Suggested Levels for the Final Encounter
- Zygarde’s final form: Level 84
- Recommended player team level: 86–90
Being slightly overleveled makes a major difference, as Zygarde’s later phases punish mistakes quickly.
Zygarde Boss Fight Overview
The final encounter is split into three consecutive phases, each representing a different Zygarde Forme. Health does not carry over between phases, meaning each one starts at full strength.
This fight behaves more like a Rogue Mega Evolution battle than a standard Pokémon encounter.
Phase One: Zygarde 10% Forme
This opening phase is the most straightforward.
- Focuses on fast movement and direct attacks
- Uses Thousand Arrows, Crunch, and Extreme Speed
- Moves frequently along the edges of the battlefield
Ice-type attacks can briefly stun Zygarde here, giving you free damage windows.
Phase Two: Zygarde 50% Forme
Zygarde shifts to the center of the arena and becomes far more aggressive.
Key threats include:
- Land’s Wrath, a wide-area ground attack aimed at the player
- Dragon Pulse, which can hit multiple times
- Rock Slide, targeting large sections of the field
At this stage, hit-and-run tactics work best. Attack once, reposition, and avoid staying still.
Phase Three: Zygarde Complete Forme (100%)
This is the most dangerous phase of the fight.
Zygarde gains:
- Increased durability
- Attacks that directly target the player more than Pokémon
- Temporary effects that prevent recalling your Pokémon
Major Attacks to Watch For
- Land’s Wrath (Final Version): Requires constant rolling to survive
- Core Enforcer: A massive beam attack with only two safe zones
- Thousand Waves: Expanding shockwaves from Zygarde’s position
Ice-type damage remains effective here, and Zygarde can still be stunned briefly if you land clean hits.
How to Catch Zygarde After the Final Battle
After defeating Zygarde’s Complete Forme, the battle ends immediately and transitions into a capture sequence.
- Zygarde does not resist the capture
- Any Poké Ball works
- The catch is effectively guaranteed
There is no advantage to using a Master Ball.
What You Receive After Catching Zygarde
Once Zygarde is captured, you are rewarded with the Zygarde Cube, a Key Item that allows you to switch between its forms outside of battle.
Zygarde Forms Explained
- 10% Forme and 50% Forme: Can be swapped freely using the Zygarde Cube
- 100% Forme: Activates automatically in battle when HP drops below half
Zygarde can also Mega Evolve, as its Mega Stone was given to you earlier during the main story.
How Should You Prepare for the Zygarde Fight?
Before starting the final mission:
- Stock up on Max Potions and Full Restores
- Ensure at least one Pokémon knows a strong Ice-type move
- Practice dodging and rolling if Rogue Mega fights were difficult
If you lose during the final phase, the fight restarts from the first form, so preparation saves time and frustration.
Catching Zygarde in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is meant to feel like a true endgame achievement. The game tests your positioning, timing, and team preparation more than raw damage output.More Gaming Guides
If you follow the post-game steps carefully, bring strong Ice-type coverage, and stay mobile during the final phase, Zygarde becomes a challenging but fair victory—and one of the most memorable battles in the game. Play Now!
