How to Clear All Obstructions in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Clearing obstructions in Pokémon Legends: Z-A does not rely on traditional HM moves. Instead, you can command a Pokémon in your party to use one of its known moves to interact with the environment directly. This allows for greater flexibility in team building, as any Pokémon with a compatible move type can help you clear the way.

Here are the different types of obstructions you’ll find and the methods to clear them.

Boulders

Large, cracked boulders are one of the most common obstacles you will encounter, often blocking cave entrances or narrow alleyways.

• How to Clear: Use a Fighting-type or Steel-type move. Early in the game, you will receive TM Rock Smash during “Mission 3: A New Life in Lumiose City,” which is a reliable way to break them. Other moves, like Iron Tail or Close Combat, also work effectively.
• Tip: Always keep a Pokémon with a powerful physical move in your party to ensure you can break these whenever you find them.

Brambles

These thorny, overgrown bushes frequently cover walls and hide pathways or items. They are easily identifiable by their sharp, tangled appearance.

• How to Clear: Use any Fire-type attack. A simple Ember or Flamethrower from one of your Pokémon will instantly burn away the brambles, revealing what’s behind them.
• Tip: A Fire-type Pokémon is essential for exploration, as brambles are extremely common throughout Lumiose City’s various sectors.

Sludge

You’ll often find piles of purple, gooey sludge blocking sewer entrances, alleyways, and water channels. This gross substance is impassable until cleaned up.

• How to Clear: Use a Water-type attack. Commanding your Pokémon to use a move like Water Gun or Surf will wash the sludge away completely.
• Tip: Having a Water-type Pokémon on your team is useful not only for battles but also for navigating the city’s underground and waterside areas.

Spider Webs

When exploring the rooftops of Lumiose City, you may come across thin, weak-looking spider webs stretched between buildings. These are too fragile to cross initially.

• How to Clear: Use any long-range move to interact with the web from a distance. Hitting the web with an attack will cause it to expand and solidify, creating a stable bridge that you can safely walk across to reach new rooftop areas.
• Tip: Almost any ranged projectile move will work, so you don’t need a specific type. Aim carefully to activate the bridge.

Ice Formations

In certain later-game areas or during specific weather conditions, you might find large chunks of ice blocking paths or creating impassable gaps.

• How to Clear: Just like with brambles, use a Fire-type attack. Hitting the ice with a fire move will melt it, either clearing the path or forming a bridge over a gap.
• Tip: This reinforces the utility of keeping a Fire-type Pokémon in your party, as it can handle multiple types of environmental puzzles.

By ensuring your team has a variety of move types, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any obstacle Lumiose City throws your way, allowing you to fully explore every corner of this evolving urban landscape.