In the world of Pokemon Legends: Z-A, many trainers have crafted powerful teams, but one particular set of Pokemon stands out – Ash Ketchum’s team. While Ash has faced plenty of criticism for his team's performance, it's important to note that it's not always about the Pokemon – it's the trainer behind them. In this article, I’ll be walking you through the process of shiny hunting and assembling Ash's iconic team to show that with the right strategy, even his most “underperforming” Pokemon can shine.

Shiny Hunting Ash's Pokemon: Where to Start?

Shiny hunting can be a grind, but with the right strategy and determination, it’s incredibly rewarding. In this guide, I will share my approach to shiny hunting for each member of Ash's team in Pokemon Legends: Z-A and how to give them a bit of redemption.

Noivern: Starting Strong

The first member of Ash’s team that we’re going after is Noivern. This Pokemon might have had a rocky history, with a win rate of just 30%, but I’m here to change that. To catch a shiny Noivern, you’ll want to focus on the Lysander Lab area. Here’s a neat trick: Keep resetting your game after encountering an alpha Noivern, and soon enough, you’ll come across a shiny version. It didn’t take long for me to find one, and once I did, Noivern became the cornerstone of our team.

If you're in a rush or just want to skip the grind, you can also buy shiny Pokemon from services like U4GM. While I enjoy the thrill of the hunt, I know some players prefer a more efficient approach. But, for me, catching them the hard way was part of the fun.

Goodra: Redemption for a Fallen Hero

Next up is Goodra, Ash’s first pseudo-legendary Pokemon. Goodra’s history with Ash has been a bit turbulent, with a solid 100% win rate early on but later struggles. To get your hands on a shiny Goomy (the pre-evolved form of Goodra), head to the sewers in the wild zone. The method is simple: enter and exit the sewers repeatedly to respawn the Pokemon. With a little patience, you’ll soon encounter a shiny Goomy, ready for evolution into the mighty Goodra.

If you're feeling impatient, some players opt to buy shiny Pokemon Legends ZA versions online. However, for me, there’s a special satisfaction in earning every shiny from scratch.

Talonflame: Master of Flight

Talonflame is a crucial member of Ash's team, despite a 50% win rate. This bird has shown impressive agility in battles and is often relied on during gym matches. To catch a shiny Talonflame, the method is surprisingly simple: fly around and look for spawns in specific wild zones. Talonflame is fast, and it didn’t take long to find a shiny version with a bit of patience. The hardest part is ensuring that the right Talonflame appears without any other distractions – and trust me, there are plenty of other bird Pokemon around!

For those who are looking for a quicker solution, you could always opt to buy shiny Pokemon, though the thrill of catching your own is unparalleled.

Pikachu: The Reliable Partner

Next, we have the classic, the beloved Pikachu. As Ash’s trusted partner, Pikachu needs no introduction. Despite having a 73% win rate, Pikachu has had some battles where it was a bit out of its depth. To shiny hunt this little guy, I recommend using the fly-spam method. Simply fly to wild zones where Pikachu spawns, and keep an eye out for any shiny appearances. I was lucky enough to find a shiny Pikachu after just a short session of spamming the fly command. It’s always exciting to see the little yellow creature sparkle!

For players who aren’t up for the flying grind, you can always buy shiny Pokemon, including Pikachu. Services like U4GM offer shiny Pokemon Legends ZA options if you want to save time.

Hawlucha: The Confident Fighter

Hawlucha, in my opinion, is one of Ash’s best Pokemon, especially for his confidence and personality. Despite his 53% win rate, Hawlucha is a powerful fighter with style. Shiny hunting this Pokemon can be a little tricky, as you have to find the right spawning location. The strategy is to run to a pillar and turn around – Hawlucha will spawn there. It took me a while to find him, and I had a few Pidgey distractions along the way. But when I finally got that shiny Hawlucha, I knew it was worth the wait.

While the thrill of the hunt is real, if you're short on time, buying shiny Pokemon could be a shortcut for those who need their shiny Hawlucha fast.

Greninja: The Star of the Show

Lastly, we have Greninja – the true star of Ash's team. With an impressive 67% win rate, Greninja was a force to be reckoned with. To shiny hunt Greninja, head to Wild Zone 5. Just keep flying around and waiting for him to spawn. It took a bit longer to find my shiny Froakie, but once I did, the reward was worth every second. The final evolution into Greninja was the icing on the cake for this team.

Again, while I took the long road for this shiny Pokemon, buying shiny Pokemon Legends ZA from U4GM is always an option for those who prefer to skip the grind.

Ash's Shiny Redemption

Building Ash’s shiny team was a fun, rewarding experience. While Ash may have had his struggles with his original team, I was able to prove that with the right approach, these Pokemon can shine in battle. Whether you decide to buy shiny Pokemon to skip the grind or take the time to catch them yourself, assembling this team is a great way to challenge yourself and have fun.

Featured Update: How to Catch or Buy Vanillish in Pokemon Legends: Z-A