Pokémon Legends: Z-A has been keeping trainers busy with its vast open-world environments and dynamic spawn mechanics. For players looking to add Hippopotas and its evolved form, Hippowdon, to their team, understanding where and when these Ground-type Pokémon appear can save a lot of time and frustration. In this guide, I’ll break down the best locations, conditions, and some extra tips for efficiently hunting these Pokémon.

Understanding Hippopotas and Hippowdon

Hippopotas is a Ground-type Pokémon known for its sand-dwelling habits. Its evolved form, Hippowdon, is bulkier and often found in harsher, more arid environments. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, spawn locations are influenced by both time of day and the in-game weather, which adds a layer of strategy to your hunt. Knowing this can help trainers avoid wasted trips across the map.

Best Spawn Locations

1. Desert Areas

The most reliable place to find Hippopotas is in the sandy regions of the game, particularly in southern desert zones. Hippopotas tends to spawn in small groups near rock formations or shallow dunes. Keep an eye out during the morning and afternoon cycles, as spawn rates can be higher during daylight.

2. River Edges and Oasis Spots

While Hippopotas is primarily a desert dweller, some smaller populations appear near rivers and oasis areas. These spots are less crowded with other Pokémon, making them ideal for a focused hunting session. Hippowdon spawns less frequently in these zones, but patience pays off if you’re looking for an evolved form without grinding.

3. Dynamic Weather Zones

The game’s dynamic weather system affects spawn rates. Sandstorms, in particular, increase the likelihood of encountering both Hippopotas and Hippowdon. Tracking the weather forecast in-game and planning your excursions accordingly can make your hunt significantly more efficient.

Tips for Efficient Hunting

• Time Your Sessions: Some trainers swear by night hunts for rare forms, but daytime is generally more productive for standard Hippopotas spawns.

• Use Lures and Stealth: Approaching groups slowly can prevent them from fleeing. Certain items can also increase spawn rates slightly.

• Track Patterns: The game often repeats spawn points in cycles. Visiting the same spots over several in-game days can lead to consistent encounters.

Extra Advice for Trainers

For players looking to expand their collection beyond natural spawns, services like U4GM offer options to buy custom Pokémon. While I prefer hunting in-game, I know some trainers find value in buying custom Pokémon ZA to fill gaps in their team efficiently. This can be especially handy for competitive setups or completing a themed squad.

Additionally, if you’re looking to focus on specific builds or movesets, many players choose to buy custom Pokémon to get exactly what they need without the RNG grind.

Hunting Hippopotas and Hippowdon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A can be a rewarding experience if you know where to look and how to optimize your time. Desert regions, river edges, and weather patterns play a huge role in spawn rates, and a patient, strategic approach pays off. Whether you prefer traditional hunting or exploring alternatives like buying custom Pokémon ZA, there’s a way for every trainer to complete their collection.