Pokémon Legends: Z-A has quickly earned praise for its immersive world and well-crafted side quests. Among its 119 missions, a few stand out as truly exceptional—quests that combine storytelling, clever mechanics, and memorable rewards. Below is a breakdown of seven standout side quests that no trainer should skip, along with insights on what makes them so special and how they can benefit your overall adventure.

1. A Use for an Evolution Stone

This quest is a gentle introduction to Pokémon evolution mechanics. Players trade a Pikachu to an NPC eager to evolve it with a Thunder Stone. The twist? You receive a Heracross in return—one of the best early-game Pokémon in the title. With 125 base Attack, access to Rock Smash and Aerial Ace, and the ability to Mega Evolve, this Heracross can carry your team through many battles. Since it’s a traded Pokémon, it gains experience faster than usual, making it ideal for players looking to strengthen their lineup early.

2. The Free Shiny Mareep Quest

Pokémon Legends: Z-A continues the tradition of offering free shiny Pokémon through side quests. By climbing to the rooftops in a particular area, players can encounter a shiny Mareep—an adorable “shocky sheep” that’s both rare and rewarding to catch. Be sure to save your game beforehand, as other encounters like Alpha Pokémon can interrupt your shiny hunt. For collectors or players who enjoy building themed teams, this quest is a must-do.

3. Spupa in the Museum

At first glance, this quest seems like a simple fetch mission—helping a couple locate their runaway Spupa within a museum. But it’s far more than that. The quest encourages exploration, delivers plenty of humorous dialogue, and ends with a unique surprise: a special Spupa that evolves into a blue Marine Pattern Vivillon. Unlike other Vivillon forms in the game, this pattern is exclusive to the museum quest, making it a treat for completionists and collectors alike.

4. Friendly Competition at the Café

This side quest introduces the friendship evolution mechanic in a clever and interactive way. Players battle a tourist’s Clefairy and Linoone, then learn how to increase friendship levels—an important factor for evolving certain Pokémon. Completing the quest rewards you with a Soothe Bell, an essential item for boosting friendship gains. If you’re planning to evolve Pokémon like Togepi, Eevee, or Riolu, this quest is both educational and practical.

5. A Sky Battle for Old Times’ Sake

Fans of Pokémon X and Y will appreciate this nostalgic callback. This side quest challenges you to a Sky Battle, where only Flying-type Pokémon are eligible to fight. It’s a lighthearted nod to a classic mechanic that hasn’t appeared in years. While not overly difficult—an Aerodactyl can likely sweep the opponent’s team—it’s a charming tribute for veteran players who enjoy seeing familiar features return in new forms.

6. Starmie on High

Perhaps the strangest quest in the game, “Starmie on High” has you join a cult-like group of NPCs who worship Starmie under the moonlight. It’s equal parts eerie and fascinating, with a reward that’s surprisingly useful: the Eviolite. The quest also hints at deeper lore connections—some players speculate it foreshadows a potential Starmie evolution tied to the Moon Stone in future games. It’s one of those rare side missions that blends absurdity with meaningful world-building.

7. The Fufufu League Challenge

Saving the most unpredictable for last, the Fufufu League quest line parodies the traditional Elite Four challenge. After completing several haircut-related missions and training a team of Fufus, you’ll face off against the Fufufu League itself. The final battle against the Champion, who wields a shiny Fufu, stands out as one of the few times an NPC uses a shiny Pokémon. Winning the challenge earns you a Golden Bottle Cap and the title of “Lumiose Fufu Champion.” It’s quirky, creative, and surprisingly rewarding for completionists.

Why These Quests Matter

Each of these side quests demonstrates why Pokémon Legends: Z-A excels at blending humor, nostalgia, and gameplay depth. They provide valuable items, rare Pokémon, and unique challenges that break up the main story’s pacing while keeping exploration fun. Whether you’re chasing shiny Pokémon, optimizing your team builds, or just soaking in the game’s charm, these missions ensure there’s always something meaningful to pursue.

For players who enjoy collecting or trading special Pokémon, it’s also worth learning how to buy custom pokemon or understand how to buy custom pokemon online safely. Many fans personalize their teams to reflect their playstyles, but safety and legitimacy should always come first when engaging in online trading.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s side quests prove that optional content can be just as rewarding as the main story. From rare shiny encounters to story-rich adventures, these missions add layers of depth and personality to the experience. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran, these seven quests are the perfect way to make your journey through Lumiose even more memorable.