Want to add some good old Kalos favorites to your roster in Pokémon Legends Z-A? Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie aren’t just lying around—each has its own enjoyable side quest to win over. From fighting off a spicy Chespin to curing ailing Fennekin and practicing Froakie’s timed course challenges, this walkthrough will guide you through where to get them and how to recruit these legendary starters to your team.
How to Get Chespin
Type: Grass
Evolutions: Quilladin at level 16 → Chesnaught at level 36 (Grass/Fighting)
Where to Find Chespin
You’ll need to go to the Rouge Sector in northern Lumiose City. Here, you have to locate a taxi driver standing next to his cab, along with a slightly surly Chespin wandering nearby. On the map, this location is just north of Restaurant Le Wow, a short walk northeast from the central plaza. Talking to the taxi driver initiates the “A Feisty Chespin” quest.
How to Complete the Quest
The objective is straightforward: beat Chespin three times consecutively. Sounds difficult? Not if you take a Fire-type Pokémon, such as a trained Litleo. Chespin begins at level 14, so if your Pokémon are around the same level, a couple of potions will make it doable.
After the third battle, Chespin will launch one last attack. The taxi driver will suggest letting it join your team. Agree, and you’ve officially caught Chespin.
How to Get Fennekin
Type: Fire
Evolutions: Braixen at level 16 → Delphox at level 36 (Fire/Psychic)
Where to Find Fennekin
Head northwest of the central plaza, near the canal and the Rouge District entrance. You’ll see a woman in a blue coat next to a sleeping Fennekin. She’ll kick off the “Get Well, Fennekin” quest when you talk to her.
How to Complete the Quest
To start the “Get Well, Fennekin” quest, visit Cafe Classe and talk to a retired herbalist. If the café is not yet unlocked, you can find it roughly halfway down Vernal Avenue, which is south of the central plaza. The herbalist will tell you that Fennekin requires a Revitalizing Twig to heal.
These twigs are located in Wild Zone 5, though you’ll first need access to the Lumiose Sewers to reach them. Once you’ve retrieved a twig, return to Fennekin and use it to heal the Pokémon. After being revitalized, Fennekin will happily join your party, completing the quest.
How to Get Froakie
Type: Water
Evolutions: Frogadier at level 16 → Greninja at level 36 (Water/Dark)
Where to Find Froakie
Head to the northeast corner of the map to a construction site stacked with scaffolding. The site manager will tell you Froakie has set record times on three obstacle courses. Accept the challenge, and you’ll start the “A Challenge from Froakie” quest.
How to Complete the Quest
To complete the challenge, you need to finish three timed platforming courses. The first course must be completed in under 30 seconds, requiring careful navigation of ramps, ladders, and platforms.
The second course has a 40-second time limit and involves crossing double planks and ladders while adjusting your camera as needed; sprint cautiously to save time. The third course, located at the north edge of the city, must be finished in under 50 seconds and demands precise walking across angled planks along with careful ladder navigation.
No permanent penalties for falling—you can retry freely. After completing all three courses, Froakie will happily join your party.
Pro Tip for All Starters
- Bring Pokémon close to the required levels for battles or obstacles.
- Stock up on healing items for Chespin’s repeated battles.
- Be patient with Froakie’s obstacle courses—precision beats speed.
Catch all three, and your Kalos starter lineup is complete, ready for adventures across Lumiose City and beyond!
