Slowking is one of the most interesting Pokémon you can add to your team in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Known for its clever design and strong special defense, Slowking stands out as a reliable partner for both story progression and competitive-style battles. However, unlike many Pokémon that simply evolve through leveling up, Slowking requires specific steps that involve item collection and trading mechanics. This guide explains the full process in a clear and easy manner, ensuring you fully understand how to get Slowking in Legends Z-A without confusion.
Slowking cannot be obtained directly in the wild, which means the first step is always catching a Slowpoke. Slowpoke usually appears in areas with calm terrain, such as open grassy zones or shoreline-type regions. They are not aggressive Pokémon, so you can approach them without worrying about sudden attacks.
Slowpoke are also fairly easy to catch. You do not need special Poké Balls or rare items. A basic Poké Ball usually works, especially if you weaken Slowpoke slightly before attempting the capture. If you want a stronger Slowking later, try catching a higher-level Slowpoke, since this reduces the amount of training needed after evolution.
Finding the King’s Rock
The key item required to evolve Slowpoke into Slowking is the King’s Rock. This item is essential, and Slowpoke must be holding it before you initiate the evolution process.
There are a few typical ways players acquire a King’s Rock in the game:
- Completing specific side missions that reward evolution items.
- Purchasing the King’s Rock from certain NPC vendors who appear after story progression.
- Earning it as a reward for clearing battles or challenges that focus on flinching mechanics.
You only need one King’s Rock for the evolution, and once you have it, simply give it to your Slowpoke so it is “holding” the item. This step is crucial. If Slowpoke is traded without the King’s Rock, it will not evolve.
How to Evolve Slowpoke into Slowking
Unlike the evolution into Slowbro, which happens through leveling up, evolving Slowpoke into Slowking requires a trade evolution. Once your Slowpoke is holding the King’s Rock, you must trade it through the link-trade system in the game.
To do this:
- Open your game menu.
- Select the link-trade option.
- Choose to connect with either a faraway player or a friend.
- Enter a trade code or confirm the session.
- Trade your Slowpoke holding the King’s Rock.
As soon as the trade goes through, Slowpoke evolves into Slowking automatically. After that, you or your trade partner can trade back so you regain your newly evolved Slowking.
This method might feel old-fashioned, but it adds a nostalgic touch that makes the evolution feel significant.
Getting Galarian Slowking
Legends Z-A also features the Galarian forms of the Slowpoke line, which follow a slightly different evolution path. If you want the regional variant, the steps change depending on exclusive side missions and special items.
To obtain a Galarian Slowpoke, you usually complete a unique side mission that involves trading your regular Slowpoke with an NPC in exchange for their Galarian one. This swap gives you a single Galarian Slowpoke per save file, so choose wisely.
After you secure a Galarian Slowpoke, you evolve it using an item called the Galarica Wreath. This item also comes from late-game side missions, usually after completing battles focused on unusual Pokémon behavior or regional variants. Once you have the wreath, simply use it on your Galarian Slowpoke, and it evolves into Galarian Slowking instantly, without requiring a trade.
