The return of Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie — the beloved Kalos starters from Pokémon X and Y — is one of the most exciting discoveries in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Players can unlock these classic starters earlier than expected through a series of side quests, and later, even find their wild, shiny, or Alpha versions. This guide breaks down the full process so you can add them to your team as soon as possible.

Unlocking the Early Kalos Starters

To begin, you need to reach Rank X, which is achievable after completing a few early matches. Once you reach this point, several new side quests will appear on your map, including missions tied to Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. Each quest has its own mini storyline and unique mechanics, giving you an early chance to recruit these classic Pokémon.

Early Chespin Quest

Chespin’s quest can be found near Restaurant Lew, close to Rouge Plaza 3. You’ll meet a taxi driver whose Chespin is oddly determined to challenge his cab. After battling Chespin multiple times, the driver will eventually suggest that the Pokémon join you instead.

Be aware that this encounter is static, meaning it’s shiny-locked, and the Pokémon cannot be caught during battle. However, completing the mission will earn you Chespin as a companion.

Early Fennekin Quest

Fennekin’s story begins in Magenta Sector 2, near Prism Tower. You’ll find a sick Fennekin that refuses to eat. To heal it, you must locate Revitalizing Twigs in Wild Zone 5. The twigs spawn in a sludge-filled area, which you can clear using Fire Spin. Collecting five twigs completes the objective, and when you feed them to Fennekin, it instantly recovers and decides to join your party.

This quest offers a fun bit of exploration while teaching you to interact with field mechanics like sludge clearing.

Early Froakie Quest

Froakie’s quest takes place in Jean Sector 8, where you’ll find it perched on scaffolding near the Pokémon Center. This side mission revolves around timed climbing challenges that test your movement skills. You’ll need to reach Froakie’s perch within strict time limits — 30 seconds for the first climb, then 40, and finally 50 seconds for the last.

While the controls can feel clunky early on, mastering these challenges prepares you for more complex platforming sections later in the story. After completing all three, Froakie will be impressed and agree to join you.

Each of the three starters obtained this way comes with three perfect IVs, though you’ll only be able to identify them later in the game using the judge function or a stat calculator.

Finding Wild Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie

Once you’ve progressed further into Pokémon Legends: Z-A, you can encounter all three starters in the wild — where they can appear as Alpha or Shiny Pokémon.

• Froakie spawns in Wild Zone 16, often sitting atop a small tower. It’s alert and quick to flee, so sneak carefully and save your game before approaching. Using a Quick Ball or Dusk Ball can provide nearly 100% catch rates if timed correctly.

• Chespin can be found in Wild Zone 17, disguised among Diggersby burrows. Reloading the zone by fast traveling helps trigger its spawn.

• Fennekin appears in Wild Zone 18, near Alpha Salamence territory. Clear out the surrounding dragons first, then save before attempting to catch it, as Fennekin will run at the first sign of danger.

Players can also attempt Alpha hunts or shiny hunts for these Pokémon. Since they’re no longer shiny-locked in the wild, you can farm them by repeatedly fast traveling to their spawn zones. For collectors looking to buy shiny Pokémon or other rare finds, some players also check platforms that sell event Pokémon or cheap Legends ZA items from trading hubs like U4GM — though it’s always best to play within safe, legitimate limits.