In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Legendary Pokémon play a huge role in shaping battle strategies and endgame progression. Whether you’re completing your Pokédex, building a competitive team, or simply collecting the rarest creatures in the region, understanding which Legendaries perform best can save you a lot of time and resources. This tier ranking will help you determine which Legendary Pokémon are truly worth the effort.

S-Tier: Game-Changing Powerhouses

These Legendary Pokémon dominate both in stats and versatility. They can handle most situations without heavy support and often define the current meta.

Mega Rayquaza (if available through special events)
Unsurprisingly, Rayquaza remains one of the strongest Pokémon ever designed. Its Mega Evolution grants absurd Attack stats and access to powerful moves like Dragon Ascent and Extreme Speed. It’s often limited to high-tier events, so it’s rare to see one in casual play.

Mewtwo (Mega Forms)
Mewtwo’s adaptability keeps it at the top of every list. Whether you go for Mega Mewtwo X with its physical dominance or Mega Mewtwo Y for devastating special attacks, this Pokémon can fit nearly any team composition.

Arceus
As the “Original One,” Arceus’s strength lies in its flexibility. With its Plates or Z-Crystals, it can change its type to match any opponent, making it a reliable pick in high-level raids and competitive formats.

A-Tier: Reliable and Versatile Choices

These Legendary Pokémon may not break the meta but still provide immense value across different battle modes.

Lugia
With exceptional Defense and Special Defense, Lugia shines as a stall or tank option. Its Multiscale ability allows it to survive even the strongest attacks, giving your team breathing room during tough encounters.

Zacian (Crowned Form)
While slightly adjusted in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Zacian remains a top-tier offensive Pokémon. Its speed and attack make it a nightmare for Dragon and Dark-type opponents.

Dialga and Palkia
Both of these Sinnoh legends remain popular thanks to their well-rounded stats and signature moves (Roar of Time and Spacial Rend). They perform especially well in boss battles where type coverage matters.

B-Tier: Niche but Effective Options

These Pokémon are powerful but often limited by typing or move pools.

Regigigas
It boasts one of the highest Attack stats in the game, but Slow Start significantly limits its potential early in battle. Still, with the right setup, it can devastate enemies once fully active.

Heatran
Great in specific scenarios, especially when dealing with Fairy or Ice-type enemies. However, its double weakness to Ground can be problematic without careful planning.

Tapu Koko and Tapu Lele
These Alolan guardians have decent synergy with electric and psychic teams but require strong support Pokémon to shine in longer fights.

C-Tier: For Collectors and Completionists

While still Legendary, these Pokémon are better suited for collection or niche strategies rather than competitive use.

Entei, Raikou, and Suicune
Iconic as they are, their movepools and stats feel outdated compared to modern Legendaries. They’re still worth keeping for nostalgia or for Pokédex completion.

Zygarde
Its potential depends heavily on Forme changes, which can be time-consuming to unlock. It’s fun to use but rarely practical in fast-paced battles.

Where to Find and Trade Rare Pokémon

Many players seek Legendary or shiny variants through trading communities or in-game events. If you’re looking to expand your collection efficiently, it’s common to see discussions about where to buy shiny Pokémon or find a ZA rare Pokémon sale online. Some players even rely on reputable trading platforms like U4GM for community updates, market trends, and event-related availability.

Legendary Pokémon are more than just powerful allies—they’re status symbols in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. While S-Tier Pokémon like Mewtwo and Arceus dominate the battlefield, even lower-tier Legendaries can shine when paired with smart strategies and well-balanced teams. Whether you focus on battles, collection, or trading, understanding their rankings helps you make better decisions in every stage of your adventure.