Pokémon Legends: Z-A — XP Guide: how to level up very fast
The open-world economic system is very exploitable… so make it work to your advantage. Here are the fastest (and least stressful) methods to skyrocket your levels.
Why XP is (finally) simple in Z-A
For once, no need for a spreadsheet worthy of a thesis. Illumis is full of crystals to shatter, items to convert, and Alphas a bit too confident. All of this lets you stack levels at a speed that would make a Rattata under Nitro pale.
Summary of the best methods
| Method | Prerequisite | Highlight | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exp. Candies via Mega-Shards | Unlock Quasartico Inc. | Massive "a la carte" XP | Shatter crystals with a very fast attack for 5-minute runs |
| Red Canary Plush | Main mission 5 (Estragon) | EXP boost after battle | Upgrade it at Root Construction (colored vials) |
| Alpha Pokémon | Access to wild zones | Big EXP gains + candy drops | Toxic on loop / Perish Song at endgame |
| Capture the defeated | Poké Ball stock | ~+66% more EXP | Reduce their HP to 0 then capture |
| Lucky Egg | Appendix 109 (after MP 37) | Passive bonus | Profitable during long Alpha sessions |
Exp. Candies: the fastest (and quietest) way
Exchange Mega-Shards at Quasartico Inc.
Go to the Mega-Exchange at Quasartico Inc. to convert your Mega-Shards into Exp. Candies. Small candies cost 8 Mega-Shards each. A handful of crystal runs, and you level up several dozen levels without even messing up your hair.
Red Canary Plush: the discreet multiplier
The Red Canary Plush is one of five Canary plushes. You receive a free one from Estragon at the start of main mission 5. It increases EXP gained after battle and can be upgraded at Root Construction using colored screws.
A fully upgraded Red Canary requires few screws (count thirteen if the first is free) and reaches about 1.7× post-battle EXP. Yes, your plush has officially become a performance accessory.
Alpha Pokémon: risky? Not if you play "toxic"
Alphas are big deals: high HP, unique move sets, and EXP raining down. Two approaches to beat them without a headache:
Toxic in "hit-and-run"
Use Toxic (severe poisoning), retreat cleanly while dodging, and let the poison do the work. It's the school of patience, but the damage curve is in your favor.
Perish Song (endgame)
Perish Song causes any Pokémon that hears it to faint after about 30 seconds (if it doesn't leave the battle). Few species learn it and rather late, so use other methods to achieve this.
Capture rather than defeat: the hidden bonus
After reducing a wild Pokémon's HP to 0, capturing the Pokémon grants a significant EXP bonus — about +66% on top of the initial KO EXP. Moral: if you have Balls, make capturing your new reflex.
Lucky Egg: useful, but late
The Lucky Egg grants a passive bonus to EXP gained. It is obtained at the Green Pokémon Center via appendix 109 "Self-healing Wonderful Pokémon", unlocked after the main mission 37. Not a priority in early game, but excellent in Alpha loop.
Quick FAQ
How many Exp. Candies do I need to "boost" a Pokémon?
As a rough idea, ~80–100 Exp. Candy S (800 Mega Shards) can propel a Pokémon through dozens of levels depending on its starting level.
Is there a simple farming route?
Yes: chain crystal clusters around Illumis' main axes (Prismatic Tower & adjacent wild zones), short recharge attacks, return to Quasartico Inc., buy candies, repeat.
Should I prioritize Red Canary or candies?
Candies give levels instantly. The Red Canary continuously cushions. Ideally: Free Canary → some upgrades → candies to "finalize".