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Speed running has always been a thrilling challenge for Pokémon fans, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A continues that tradition with new mechanics, open-world freedom, and strategic possibilities. Whether you’re aiming to complete the story as fast as possible or break records in specific categories, choosing the right Pokémon builds can make a massive difference. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best team setups and strategies for speed runs in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

1. Picking the Right Starter for Early Game Momentum

Your starter choice sets the pace for the first few hours of any run. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, speed runners often favor Pokémon that can handle multiple roles—offense, travel efficiency, and early boss battles.

Greninja is a standout thanks to its high Speed and access to powerful coverage moves early on. The Protean ability allows it to change types mid-battle, reducing weaknesses and saving time during wild encounters. Alternatively, Infernape remains a classic choice for its blazing Speed and strong physical attacks that clear trainers quickly.

If you plan to optimize your team even further, some players prefer to buy shiny Pokémon Legends ZA options online to create visually unique, motivation-boosting teams—though, of course, shiny stats themselves don’t impact performance.

2. Mid-Game Sweepers That Save Time

The middle section of Pokémon Legends: Z-A tends to slow runners down due to longer routes and tougher boss fights. Having at least one strong sweeper that can handle consecutive battles is key.

Garchomp is one of the most efficient mid-game powerhouses, capable of outspeeding most opponents while hitting hard with Earthquake and Dragon Claw. Pairing it with a Flying-type like Talonflame or Crobat ensures you can cover Grass and Ice weaknesses while also benefiting from faster overworld traversal.

For those who enjoy a more optimized approach, some runners buy Alpha Pokémon with ideal stats or natures to skip the tedious training grind. Alpha Pokémon not only come stronger but also tend to have better move pools right out of the gate.

3. Late-Game Utility and Boss Counters

In the later stages of a speed run, saving every second matters. Using Pokémon that can multitask—handling battles, field travel, and utility—will drastically reduce downtime.

Lucario is a consistent pick for its access to priority moves like Bullet Punch and strong STAB coverage. Gallade also shines thanks to its combination of Fighting and Psychic types, effectively countering late-game bosses that mix Dark and Fairy coverage.

Adding a versatile tank such as Blissey or Vaporeon can provide safety in runs where consistency outweighs pure speed. Blissey’s massive HP pool allows for quick healing during long stretches without frequent trips back to camps or Poké Centers.

4. Team Optimization and Strategy

Speed runs in Pokémon Legends: Z-A are as much about planning as they are about execution. Many experienced players plan route splits around evolution triggers, weather patterns, and Pokémon spawns. Setting up Pokémon with flexible move sets helps avoid menuing delays mid-run.

Held items like Choice Scarf or Expert Belt can also streamline battles by reducing turn counts. However, overreliance on setup moves can slow runs down—offense and consistency take priority.

To maintain efficiency, some runners even use pre-trained Pokémon, sometimes acquired from communities where you can buy shiny Pokémon Legends ZA or buy Alpha Pokémon legally and safely for offline runs. These options can help new speed runners test strategies without investing excessive hours in preparation.

Building the perfect speed-run team in Pokémon Legends: Z-A takes both knowledge and experimentation. Whether you focus on raw Speed stats, move versatility, or route optimization, understanding how each Pokémon contributes to your run will save precious seconds.

With the right combination of quick attackers like Greninja or Garchomp and strategic supporters like Lucario or Blissey, you can push your time lower with every attempt. And as the speed-running community continues to evolve, sharing builds and refining routes remains one of the most rewarding parts of the challenge.

If you’re planning to jump into the world of Pokémon Legends: Z-A speed runs, prepare well, stay flexible, and most importantly—enjoy the thrill of the chase.