Pokémon Legends: Z-A takes the familiar open-world adventure formula and layers it with secrets waiting to be discovered. While most players focus on the main storyline and the hunt for Legendary Pokémon, there’s a surprising amount of hidden content tucked away in Lumiose City and beyond. Secret quests and hidden NPCs offer unique rewards, rare encounters, and lore that deepens the world of Z-A. Here’s a breakdown of what to look out for and how to find these elusive side stories.

The Hidden Researcher in North Boulevard

One of the earliest secret NPCs you can find is a mysterious researcher standing near the closed-off construction area in North Boulevard. She doesn’t appear until you’ve progressed past the third major story mission. When approached, she gives you a cryptic dialogue about “lost Mega Energy” and starts a hidden questline that eventually rewards you with a rare Mega Stone not available in shops. Completing this quest also boosts your reputation with the city’s Science Guild, unlocking new crafting recipes.

The Painter’s Challenge in Vernant Plaza

In Vernant Plaza, there’s an inconspicuous artist who only appears during the evening. Talking to him initiates the “Painter’s Challenge,” where he tasks you with capturing Pokémon of specific colors or visual traits. What makes this quest particularly rewarding is that he occasionally hints at finding color variants—perfect if you’re into shiny hunting. It’s no wonder that some players who buy Shiny Pokémon Legends ZA online find this quest a thematic fit for their collection.

The Abandoned Metro Line Quest

Deep beneath Lumiose City lies an abandoned metro station accessible only after unlocking the Glide Mount. Here, you’ll find a cloaked NPC muttering about “voices in the tunnels.” This quest takes you through one of the most atmospheric parts of the game, with Ghost-type Pokémon spawning more frequently. The final battle is against a Trainer who uses an Alpha Banette, and winning might even inspire players to buy alpha shiny Pokémon to strengthen their own ghostly teams.

The Café Connection

Not all hidden NPCs are battle-oriented. The Café Connection side quest can be triggered by visiting Café Lysandre multiple times with different companions. Eventually, a special cutscene unlocks where a disguised former Team Flare member offers a rare TM as a peace offering. While subtle, this storyline adds emotional depth to the region’s history and rewards completionists who interact with every corner of the city.

The Secret Pokéball Artisan

Finally, the Pokéball Artisan hidden near Prism Tower is a fan favorite. After completing certain requests, he will craft unique Pokéballs with higher catch rates for specific Pokémon types. Finding him requires sharp eyes and patience—his workshop door is disguised as a wall mural.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A continues the series’ tradition of rewarding exploration and curiosity. The hidden NPCs and secret quests aren’t just filler—they enrich the lore, challenge your strategy, and often grant exclusive rewards. Whether you’re hunting for Mega Stones, completing your Pokédex, or tracking down rare shiny variants, these quests add a sense of mystery that keeps the adventure fresh long after the credits roll.

Keep your eyes open—you never know which quiet corner of Lumiose City hides your next great discovery.