Catching starter Pokémon from previous generations has always been one of the most exciting parts of any new Pokémon title. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, that feeling returns as players can track down classic starters like Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile—each hidden across the Kalos region with unique conditions to unlock them. If you’re looking to expand your Pokédex with these fan favorites, here’s a detailed guide on how to find and obtain all three.

Finding Chikorita – The Grass Starter from Johto

Chikorita can be found in the Verdant Highlands, a lush and fog-covered area located northeast of Lumiose City. However, this Pokémon won’t appear right away. Players first need to complete the “Verdant Research” side quest, which becomes available after earning your second gym badge. Once the quest is active, you’ll receive hints about a mysterious green Pokémon seen near a glowing grove.

To increase your chances of encountering Chikorita, explore during early morning hours in-game and bring a Pokémon that can use Sweet Scent—this helps trigger rare encounters. Chikorita has a low catch rate, so bringing Ultra Balls or specialized items can make the process easier. Some players also report higher success when using nature-themed held items, so it’s worth checking your inventory or even taking time to buy Pokémon ZA items to boost your capture efficiency.

Catching Tepig – The Fire Starter from Unova

Tepig makes its home in the Scorched Quarry, a volcanic subzone found beyond Route 13. The area becomes accessible after progressing through the main story and defeating the third gym leader. Tepig usually spawns near molten rock fields during the daytime, and you can spot its trail by looking for small patches of ash and ember footprints.

The key challenge here is surviving the heat. Equip Pokémon with Fire-resistant abilities or bring Water-types to deal with wild Numel and Slugma that roam nearby. When you find Tepig, it may charge at you, so make sure to use a stealth approach. Sneaking from behind with a Great Ball or a heavy variant can significantly improve your odds.

If you’re hunting for special variants, this area also offers a slight chance to find a Shiny Tepig. Players who want to expand their collection more efficiently sometimes buy Legends ZA Shiny Pokémon to save time, though tracking down one in the wild remains an exciting challenge for many collectors.

Catching Totodile – The Water Starter from Johto

Totodile appears in the Azure Grotto, a hidden cave system connected to the Lumiose River. To unlock the grotto, you must first complete the “Waters of Memory” request from a local researcher in Lumiose. This questline involves investigating mysterious water currents and battling several aquatic Pokémon before Totodile finally makes its debut.

Once inside the grotto, look for bubbling water spots—these often indicate Totodile’s presence. The encounter rate is relatively low, so patience is essential. It’s also a good idea to bring a Pokémon with False Swipe to avoid knocking it out accidentally during battle. Like Chikorita and Tepig, Totodile may have a chance to spawn as a Shiny under specific weather or moonlight conditions.

Tips for Collectors and Completionists

Completing your Pokédex in Pokémon Legends: Z-A can be a long process, especially when dealing with rare starters. To make things easier, always prepare with the right Poké Balls, Berries, and bait items. Certain NPCs also offer trade options for extra Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile if you help them complete research tasks.

For players looking to optimize gameplay or save time, you can buy Pokémon ZA items to improve your hunting efficiency or stock up on useful resources for battles and captures. Just make sure you’re balancing your progress naturally, since part of the fun comes from discovering these Pokémon yourself.


Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile are more than just nostalgia picks—they represent different playstyles that can complement your main team beautifully in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Whether you’re exploring dense forests, lava-filled caverns, or serene rivers, tracking them down is a rewarding part of the adventure. Take your time, stay prepared, and enjoy the hunt—because finding these classic starters makes the journey through Kalos feel truly legendary.