In the action-RPG title Pokémon Legends: Z-A, “Plus Moves” bring an exciting twist to the battle system. They let your Pokémon deliver more powerful or enhanced moves when used correctly. If you’re looking to master this mechanic, this guide will walk you through what Plus Moves are, how to unlock them, how to activate them in battle, and best practices for when they’re most useful.
What Are Plus Moves?
Plus Moves are special versions of standard Pokémon moves in Pokémon Legends: Z-A that consume Mega Energy (or benefit from Mega Evolution) to increase their impact. When a move is upgraded to be a Plus Move, it gains a mark showing that it qualifies. When executed, a Plus Move can deal more damage or have an improved effect, especially against powerful foes like Rogue Mega Pokémon.
Put simply: once a move is marked as a Plus Move, you’ll need to trigger it properly in battle to get the boost. Many players have noted that the mechanic isn’t automatic unless you press the designated button.
How to Unlock Plus Moves
Before you can make full use of Plus Moves, you need to meet certain conditions:
- Progress through the main story until you complete Main Mission 9, titled “Chase That Mysterious Pokémon!”. At that point you receive the Mega Ring, which is the core device that allows Mega Energy and hence Plus Moves.
- Ensure that your Pokémon has learned a move that is eligible to become a Plus Move (visible via the Plus Move mark).
- For moves learned via TM (technical machines) or otherwise not naturally qualifying, you may need to use a Seed of Mastery at the Justice Dojo (or a similar game mechanic) to upgrade the move into a Plus Move.
Once these conditions are met, the Plus Move system becomes available.
How to Use Plus Moves in Battle
Knowing how to activate a Plus Move is key to getting the advantage. Follow these steps:
- Enter a battle with a Pokémon whose move has the Plus Move mark.
- Make sure the Pokémon has at least one full gauge of Mega Energy in its Mega Ring. Without this, the Plus Move cannot be triggered.
- On your controller (or console input), press the “+” button before selecting the move you want to upgrade. This signals the system you intend to use the Plus Move version.
- Select the move marked for Plus Move. The energy gauge will get consumed and the move executes with its boosted effect. For Mega-Evolved Pokémon, all their moves count as Plus Moves by default and they don’t consume the gauge.
When to Use Plus Moves — Strategy Tips
Plus Moves shine in specific battle situations. Here’s how to decide when to activate them:
- Against Rogue Mega/Evolved Pokémon or Alpha Pokémon: These tend to have greater durability or resistances, so the extra power from a Plus Move can make a significant difference.
- When you’re not Mega-Evolved: If your Pokémon isn’t currently Mega-Evolved, using a Plus Move is a way to make its moves more competitive. If it is Mega-Evolved, the boost is automatic.
- On moves that are marked and ready: If the move has the Plus Move mark beside it, it’s unlocked for the boost. Don’t attempt to use a non-qualified move and expect the effect.
- At the right moment in battle: Since the Mega Energy gauge is limited, saving it for high-impact moments (boss fights, tough wild area encounters) is more efficient than “wasting” it on standard opponents.
