Pokemon Legends: Z-A is offering players a chance to receive a free Alpha version of a classic starter Pokemon, though there are a few steps required to claim it. Even though the game only launched a few months ago on October 15, 2026, Pokemon Legends: Z-A has already expanded with the Mega Dimension DLC, which introduced a new storyline along with additional Pokemon and Mega Evolutions for players to collect.
Like many recent Pokemon games, Pokemon Legends: Z-A continues the tradition of rewarding players with free items and Pokemon through the Mystery Gift system after connecting online. Since its release in late 2025, players have already received several special bonuses. These rewards have included a Ralts holding a Gardevoirite Mega Stone, Mewtwonite X and Y, Diancite, and useful items like Max Revives, Ultra Balls, and Full Restores. Normally, players claim these rewards by connecting to the internet through the Link Play menu and selecting Mystery Gift, but this latest reward works a bit differently.
How to Get the Free Alpha Starter in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
To claim this new reward, players on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 need to link their Pokemon Legends: Z-A game with the mobile version of Pokemon HOME. Pokemon HOME is a cloud-based service that lets players store and transfer Pokemon between compatible games.
Interestingly, the ability to transfer Pokemon from Legends: Z-A to Pokemon HOME has not yet been activated, and there is currently no official date for when this feature will become available. However, players who connect their game to HOME ahead of time will still receive a special reward.
Once linked, players will obtain a free Level 5 Alpha version of one of three starter Pokemon: Totodile, Chikorita, or Tepig. While all three of these Pokemon can appear in Lumiose City, encountering them normally requires players to complete the main story first and rely on random spawns.
Specifically, players must finish Mission 38 before these starters can appear, and then search specific locations within Wild Area 20 in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Although it is possible to obtain them this way, connecting to Pokemon HOME offers a much quicker and easier method to get their powerful Alpha versions.
What Makes Alpha Pokemon Special
Alpha Pokemon were first introduced in Pokemon Legends: Arceus and represent stronger and more intimidating versions of standard Pokemon. In Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Alpha Pokemon are easily recognized by their glowing red eyes and noticeably larger size. They are also far more aggressive, often attacking players immediately upon spotting them.
Players will begin encountering Alpha Pokemon in the wild after completing the side mission titled "A Big Ol' Bunnelby," which is required to progress the story. From that point on, Alpha Pokemon will regularly appear in Wild Areas, with different species spawning depending on the time of day.
Why Connecting to Pokemon HOME Matters
This promotion also ties into the upcoming release of Pokemon Champions, which is scheduled to launch in April. Once the game releases, players will be able to transfer Pokemon stored in Pokemon HOME from Legends: Z-A into Champions, giving them a head start in competitive battles.
Additionally, a special cross-game event will reward players who transfer certain Pokemon using HOME. Players who send Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja, or Eternal Flower Floette from Pokemon Legends: Z-A to Pokemon Champions will unlock the ability to use their Mega Stones within the new mobile game.
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