If you’re playing Pokémon Legends: Z-A and want to add the formidable bird-steel type Pokémon Skarmory to your roster, this guide will walk you through exactly how to find and capture it. Written in clear, accessible language with step-by-step detail, you’ll know where to go, what to prepare, and how to get Skarmory without frustration.
1. Know What You’re Looking For
Skarmory is a Flying/Steel-type Pokémon that stands out with its sharp metallic wings and armor-like body. In the game, it’s not available from the very start in many regions—you’ll first need to progress through some story missions and unlock suitable zones. You’ll likely encounter Skarmory under the following conditions:
- It appears in the Wild Zone 17 region, near or through the “Vert Sector 7” part of the map.
- You may also find an Alpha version at the center of Wild Zone 20 (after you’ve unlocked enough of the map and fulfilled certain criteria) during either day or night.
- Because it is somewhat rare, be prepared for either a stealthy encounter or a full battle situation.
2. Prepare Before the Encounter
Getting ready will increase your chances of capturing Skarmory smoothly. Here are preparation tips:
- Check your game progress: Make sure you have unlocked Wild Zone 17 and ideally Wild Zone 20, and have completed the required story missions (such as Rank C or similar) so that the zone is active for spawning rare Pokémon.
- Carry plenty of Poké Balls, ideally the type that gives you a bonus chance when a Pokémon doesn’t detect you first. Stealth can matter.
- Use Pokémon or moves that counter Skarmory’s strengths: Since it is Steel/Flying type, focus on Fire or Electric-type attacks if you must battle it to capture.
- Choose the right time: While day or night both work, choosing a quieter time (less wild mob interference) helps. In Zone 17, nighttime might reduce competition from other wild mobs like Pyroar.
- Be stealthy if possible: Avoid being spotted immediately to increase the chance of sneak-capture techniques.
3. How to Locate Skarmory on the Map
Now that you’re prepared, head into the zone and follow these steps:
- Travel to Wild Zone 17 near Vert Sector 7. Start by entering the open walkways and head towards the elevated park area or building rooftops.
- Walk along the paved walkway to the left of the main stairs. Climb up the stairs and then the ladder near the building to reach higher ground. This vantage allows you to spot flying Skarmory above.
- If you’ve unlocked further progression, check Wild Zone 20 for the “Alpha Skarmory” spawn at the center of the zone. This is a fixed spawn once conditions are met.
4. Capturing Skarmory – Stealth vs Battle
Once you’ve located Skarmory, your capturing strategy will depend on whether you’re able to sneak up or must engage in battle.
Stealth approach:
- If you spot Skarmory flying or perched without it noticing you, approach quietly.
- Use a Quick Ball (or equivalent) while it is unaware. This gives you the highest chance of capture before a battle begins.
- If the capture fails and Skarmory becomes alert, switch to the battle approach.
Battle approach:
- Once Skarmory is ready to fight, be prepared for a higher-level encounter (especially if it’s the Alpha version).
- Use strong Fire or Electric-type attacks to weaken or bring it down.
- After you bring its HP sufficiently low (but don’t faint it), throw a Poké Ball or Ultra Ball to capture.
- Be patient: the capture may require multiple attempts. The game will notify you when Skarmory is successfully registered.
5. After the Capture – What to Do Next
Once Skarmory is in your roster, you can maximize its value:
- Check its nature and moveset: For general use, Skarmory works well with physical moves and defensive builds. Recommended natures include Impish (boosts Defense) or Careful (boosts Special Defense), since Skarmory’s Attack is better than its Special Attack.
- Train it with the right moves: Consider moves such as Steel Wing, Brave Bird, Drill Run, and Aerial Ace for a strong physical load-out.
- Use in your team: Because Skarmory brings Steel and Flying typing, it has useful resistances and strong defensive stats. Pair it with teammates that cover its weaknesses (like Fire, Electric, and Ground).
- Keep exploring further zones: If you found Skarmory early, your progress in the map will unlock more rare spawns. Use your success as momentum to target other rare species.
