Bottle Caps are one of the most valuable late-game items in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. They are directly tied to Hyper Training, a system designed for players who want to push their Pokémon to peak competitive performance. Because of their power, Bottle Caps are intentionally rare and mostly reserved for post-game progression.
What Are Bottle Caps Used For?
Bottle Caps are exclusively used for Hyper Training, a stat-optimization feature that allows you to improve a Pokémon’s Individual Values (IVs).
IVs affect a Pokémon’s core stats:
- HP
- Attack
- Defense
- Special Attack
- Special Defense
- Speed
These values normally vary from Pokémon to Pokémon and are fixed when a Pokémon is obtained. Hyper Training lets you correct imperfect IVs, making Bottle Caps essential for ranked battles, late-game challenges, and optimized builds.
There are two types of Bottle Caps, and they function very differently.
Regular Bottle Caps vs Gold Bottle Caps
Understanding the difference between these items is crucial before using them.
Regular Bottle Cap
- Improves one selected IV
- Used when you want to fix a single weak stat
- Best for fine-tuning already strong Pokémon
Gold Bottle Cap
- Improves all six IVs at once
- Instantly maximizes a Pokémon’s stat potential
- Extremely rare and best saved for long-term or competitive Pokémon
Because Gold Bottle Caps affect every stat, they should never be used casually.
How to Use Bottle Caps (Hyper Training Explained)
To use Bottle Caps, you must visit the Justice Dojo and speak with the Hyper Trainer.
Justice Dojo Location
- Located in Lumiose City
- The Hyper Trainer stands to the right side of the main area, near Josée
When you interact with the Hyper Trainer, you can:
- Select a Pokémon from your party or storage
- Choose which IVs to improve (or all six with a Gold Bottle Cap)
- Spend the required Bottle Cap
Important Hyper Training Requirements
- Pokémon must be Level 50 or higher
- Hyper Training does not change a Pokémon’s nature
- Hyper-trained IVs function as maxed stats in battle but remain visually distinct
To see IV values clearly, you need the Judge feature, which unlocks after completing the main story.
All Ways to Get Bottle Caps in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Bottle Caps are not farmable early on. Most sources unlock during or after post-game progression.
1. Mable’s Research Rewards
One of the most reliable guaranteed sources.
- Research Level 36: 10 Bottle Caps
- Research Level 48: 3 Gold Bottle Caps
These are milestone rewards and can only be claimed once
2. Side Missions (Limited Supply)
Only two side missions award Bottle Caps:
- Side Mission 96 – “Let Us Battle… Artistically”
- Rewards: 2 Bottle Caps
- Side Mission 103 – “Facing the Furfrou League”
- Rewards: 1 Gold Bottle Cap
Because these missions are one-time rewards, they should not be relied on for long-term farming
3. Wild Zone 20 (Random Pickup)
In Wild Zone 20, Bottle Caps can occasionally appear as:
- Ground item pickups
- Completely random spawns
This method is unreliable but can supplement other sources if you explore frequently.
4. Infinite Z-A Royale (Primary Farming Method)
The Infinite Z-A Royale is the main repeatable way to earn Bottle Caps.
- Available in the post-game
- Requires redeeming a Challenger’s Ticket
- Bottle Caps and Gold Bottle Caps are possible rewards
- Drop rates are low, but battles are repeatable
If you plan to Hyper Train multiple Pokémon, this mode becomes essential
5. Mega Dimensions DLC (If Installed)
With the Mega Dimensions DLC, additional Bottle Cap opportunities appear:
- Defeat trainers using Alpha Pokémon
- Found in Hyperspace Zones
- Trainers appear as red holograms
This provides another late-game path for skilled players to earn high-value rewards.
When Should You Actually Use Bottle Caps?
Because Bottle Caps are limited, using them wisely matters more than collecting them.
Recommended Uses
- Competitive or ranked battle Pokémon
- Rare Pokémon with strong natures
- Alpha Pokémon you plan to keep long-term
- Shinies with imperfect IVs
Not Recommended
- Early-game team members
- Pokémon you plan to replace
- Low-level Pokémon without finalized movesets
A good rule: only Hyper Train Pokémon you are confident you will continue using.
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Bottle Caps represent the final step in Pokémon optimization in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. They are not meant to be common or easy to use, but when spent correctly, they turn good Pokémon into elite ones. Focus on guaranteed sources first, then rely on the Infinite Z-A Royale for long-term farming, and always plan your Hyper Training carefully.
Used properly, Bottle Caps are one of the most impactful resources in the game’s post-game ecosystem. Play Now!
