Wild Zone 9 in Pokémon Legends: Z-A presents a unique challenge for trainers aiming to complete their shiny Pokédex. With multiple elevations, ladders, and a mix of fixed and random alpha Pokémon, this zone demands a strategic approach. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most efficient methods to maximize your shiny hunting success, drawing from hands-on gameplay and practical strategies.
Pokémon to Target in Wild Zone 9
In Wild Zone 9, your shiny targets include Malw, Esper, Kadabra, Carbink, Fletchinder, and Sableye. The fixed alpha Pokémon here are Alpha Manectric and Alpha Meowstic, with day and night variants for females and males respectively. Achieving full shiny completion in this zone requires attention to evolutions and mega forms:
Mawile – Needed for shiny completion; it has a mega evolution.
Espurr – Three in total, ensuring you capture both male and female forms.
Kadabra – Two are essential due to mustache variations affecting Mega Alakazam evolution.
Carbink – Only one is needed, as it does not evolve.
Fletchinder – One for collection, another to evolve into Talonflame at level 35.
Sableye – A key target with an impressive mega evolution.
The base shiny odds are 1 in 496, which improve to 1 in 1,024.38 with the shiny charm.
Fast Travel Strategy
While fast traveling directly to Wild Zone 9 is simple, it is not efficient for spawning multiple Pokémon. For example, Sableye spawns may be sparse beyond 50 meters from your drop point. A better alternative is to fast travel to the nearby Cafe Rolo. From this location, walking into Wild Zone 9 stabilizes spawn distances within 30–40 meters, greatly improving your chances of encountering multiple Sableye. Repeat this process multiple times, checking for shinies every 10 to 40 runs.
Run and Reset Method
For alpha Pokémon such as Alpha Meowstic, the run and reset method works exceptionally well. After fast traveling, you scout the area for your target spawns. If the alpha isn’t shiny, you reset the game and repeat until it appears. This method is particularly effective for day-night dependent Pokémon, like Alpha Meowstic, which appears male at night and female during the day.
Bench Method
The bench method allows you to cover multiple Pokémon within a 50-meter radius efficiently. Key spots include benches on elevated areas and rooftops where Alpha Manectric, Carbink, Fletchinder, Espurr, and Mawile spawn. Using this method, you can target several Pokémon simultaneously, increasing your odds of encountering shinies. For convenience, automation with a Pro Controller or an 8BitDo macro can be used to passively farm spawns without constant manual input.
Respawn and Reset Method
Certain Pokémon have predictable respawn timers that can be exploited:
Mawile – Respawns every 3 minutes; saving right before the timer allows for repeated encounters.
Kadabra – Respawns every 1 minute; grouping two at once for KO improves efficiency.
Keep in mind that the in-game time affects these timers. If nighttime occurs mid-process, the timer pauses, so plan accordingly.
Practical Tips
Always track the 50-meter spawn radius from your vantage points.
Focus on areas with multiple Pokémon types in range to maximize shiny potential.
Alpha Pokémon often have greater spawn distances—use elevated benches or ladders to locate them.
Consider using macros or controller automation for longer sessions to reduce fatigue.
For collectors looking to enhance their team or save time, you can also buy custom Pokémon or buy custom Pokémon for ZA, though in-game hunting offers the satisfaction of capturing them firsthand.
Wild Zone 9 is one of the more complex areas for shiny hunting in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, but with methods like fast travel optimization, run and reset, bench strategies, and respawn management, it is entirely feasible to complete your shiny collection. Focusing on alpha Pokémon and timed respawns will make your hunting far more efficient and rewarding. Whether you prefer manual hunting or occasional support through buy custom Pokémon or buy custom Pokémon for ZA, the key is consistency and methodical planning.
