How to Reset Rare Pokémon Encounters in Pokémon Legends Z-A

Resetting spawns is a core technique used by dedicated trainers for several key reasons:

• Finding Rare Pokémon: Many Pokémon have very low spawn rates or only appear in specific locations under certain conditions. Resetting encounters allows you to cycle through spawns until your target appears.
• Shiny Hunting: Each time a Pokémon spawns, there is a small chance it will be a Shiny. By rapidly resetting spawns, you maximize the number of encounters, thus increasing your odds of finding one.
• Searching for Alpha Pokémon: Alpha Pokémon are larger, more powerful versions of their species. Resetting spawns gives you more opportunities to find an Alpha version of your desired Pokémon.
• Farming Specific Items: Some Pokémon have a chance of dropping rare items when caught or defeated. Resetting spawns allows you to farm these Pokémon efficiently.

Method 1: The Wild Zone Re-entry Technique

This is the most straightforward and commonly used method to reset the Pokémon that appear in a Wild Zone. It works by forcing the game to reload the area and generate a new set of spawns.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Enter the Target Wild Zone: Go to the Wild Zone where the Pokémon you are hunting is known to spawn.
2. Survey the Area: Quickly travel through the zone to see which Pokémon have spawned. If your target isn’t there (or a Shiny hasn’t appeared), it’s time to reset.
3. Exit the Wild Zone: Simply walk back out the entrance you came through. It is a good practice to walk a short distance away from the entrance to ensure the game fully unloads the zone.
4. Re-enter the Wild Zone: After a few seconds, turn around and enter the Wild Zone again. The game will load a completely new set of Pokémon spawns.
5. Repeat: Continue this process of entering, surveying, and re-entering until your target Pokémon appears.

Pro-Tip: You can speed this process up by using the Fast Travel feature. Open your map and fast travel to the entrance of the very same Wild Zone you are currently in. This action counts as leaving and re-entering, which will instantly reset all the Pokémon spawns in the area without the need to physically walk out.

Method 2: Advancing Time at a Bench

This method is not only useful for resetting spawns but is also essential for hunting Pokémon that only appear at a specific time of day (morning, day, evening, or night).

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Locate a Bench: Find a bench within the Wild Zone or near its entrance. These are designated rest spots.
2. Interact with the Bench: When you interact with a bench, you will be given the option to rest.
3. Choose a Time of Day: Select a different time of day to rest until (e.g., if it’s currently daytime, choose to rest until night).
4. Confirm and Wait: The screen will fade as time passes. When it returns, the time of day will have changed, and all the Pokémon in the Wild Zone will have been reset.
5. Survey and Repeat: Check the new spawns for your target. If it’s not there, you can rest at the bench again to cycle the spawns once more.

This method is particularly effective because you don’t have to leave the area, making it a very efficient way to reset rare Pokémon encounters in Pokémon Legends Z-A, especially for time-sensitive species.

Tips for Hunting Specific and Rare Pokémon

• Know Your Conditions: Research your target Pokémon. Do they only appear at night? During a specific weather condition? Knowing these details will prevent you from wasting time hunting when the Pokémon cannot physically spawn.
• Clear Out Unwanted Pokémon: If you are in a small area with a limited number of spawn points, consider battling or catching the unwanted Pokémon. This can sometimes encourage new species to spawn in their place, though re-entering the zone is often faster.
• Use Stealth: For rare Pokémon that are easily spooked, like Eevee, use tall grass and stealth-enhancing items to get close without being detected. Accidentally scaring away your target after spending a long time searching for it can be frustrating.

Best Practices for Shiny Hunting

Shiny hunting requires patience, and using these reset methods is key to success.

• Turn Off Autosaves: Before starting a long shiny hunt, consider turning off the autosave feature. This allows you to manually save your game when you find a Shiny. If you accidentally knock it out or it flees, you can simply reload your save and try to catch it again.
• Listen for the Sparkle: Pokémon Legends Z-A features a distinct audio cue—a sparkling sound—that plays when a Shiny Pokémon spawns nearby. Keep your volume up so you don’t miss this crucial alert.
• Look for Visual Differences: Shiny Pokémon have a different color palette. Even if you miss the initial sparkle effect and sound, a visual scan of the area can help you spot one. Take your time and look carefully at each Pokémon.
• Save Before Engaging: Once you spot a Shiny, manually save your game immediately (if autosave is off) before you attempt to catch it. This is your safety net in case anything goes wrong.

By mastering these simple but effective reset techniques, you will significantly improve your efficiency in catching rare Pokémon and finding those elusive Shinies. Good luck, trainer!