Pokémon Legends: Z-A is full of exciting main story moments, but some of its best rewards and lore come from hidden side quests scattered across the Kalos region. These aren’t just filler missions—they often lead to rare items, powerful Pokémon encounters, and even expanded storylines that reveal more about Lumiose City’s mysterious past. If you’re aiming for full completion or planning a speed run, here are a few underrated side quests you should definitely finish before wrapping up your adventure.
1. The Abandoned Café MysteryTucked away in the North Boulevard area, this quest begins when you talk to an NPC standing near an old café. What starts as a simple cleaning request quickly turns eerie as you uncover traces of a forgotten Team Flare experiment. Completing this quest rewards you with a unique held item that boosts Special Attack during weather changes—a hidden gem for competitive builds. It’s easy to miss, so keep an eye out when exploring Lumiose’s back alleys.
2. The Lost Research NotesIn the outskirts of Lumiose City, a professor’s assistant will ask you to track down missing research pages scattered around the Wild Zone. Each page hints at experimental Mega Evolution methods used before the current energy system. Completing all pages not only gives you a special TM but also unlocks a rare wild encounter—a perfect opportunity for those hunting rare species or looking to buy shiny Pokémon Legends ZA players have been discussing in community groups.
3. The Old Electric SubstationDeep beneath the city lies an inactive substation filled with Electric-type Pokémon. A technician asks for your help restoring power, but it turns out the machinery is haunted by a Rotom swarm. Once you clear the area and stabilize the power grid, you’ll receive a Rotom form changer, which can be invaluable for customizing your team. It’s a perfect side mission to complete before taking on the Lumiose Gym.
4. The Forgotten PerformerNear Prism Tower, a street performer asks for help retrieving lost props scattered around the plaza. Completing this small but heartfelt quest unlocks a unique cosmetic accessory for your trainer and increases your reputation with the city’s citizens. Higher reputation unlocks better shop discounts, including access to rare items similar to what you might find in a ZA shiny shop—though these are earned through gameplay instead of trading.
5. The Hidden Garden TrialThis late-game quest becomes available only after you complete the main storyline. A gardener outside the Lumiose outskirts asks you to restore an overgrown greenhouse. Once cleared, you’ll find it inhabited by several rare Pokémon, including Grass-types with exclusive moves. This area also has a boosted shiny rate, making it a great spot for collectors—especially those who prefer to hunt instead of buy shiny Pokémon Legends ZA offers online.

Hidden side quests in Pokémon Legends: Z-A are more than just optional distractions—they’re essential for uncovering Kalos’s hidden history, strengthening your team, and finding rare Pokémon you won’t see anywhere else. Whether you’re exploring the old power grid or chasing clues about forgotten experiments, these missions add depth and reward careful exploration. So before you rush to the credits, take a detour—you might stumble upon a secret that completely changes your adventure.