Exploring Lumiose City and its vast surrounding regions in Pokémon Legends: Z-A can feel both thrilling and daunting. Thankfully, Ride Pokémon return as one of the most useful mechanics in the game, allowing players to traverse the world more efficiently. From scaling cliffs to crossing rivers or gliding between skyscrapers, unlocking each Ride Pokémon is essential for smoother exploration. Here’s a full guide on how to unlock all Ride Pokémon and make the most out of them.

1. Starting Ride: Rhyhorn Dash

You’ll gain access to Rhyhorn early in the main story after completing the mission “The First Partner Ride.” Rhyhorn allows you to travel faster across open areas and smash through small rock barriers blocking paths. It’s perfect for exploring the outskirts of Lumiose early on.

Tip: Use Rhyhorn to uncover hidden items and shortcuts in the industrial zones of the city—many early-game crafting materials are found this way.

2. Climbing with Sneasler

Sneasler becomes available after defeating the mid-game Gym Leader who specializes in Poison types. Once unlocked, this agile climber lets you scale vertical surfaces and reach rooftops or cliffs that were previously inaccessible.

Sneasler’s utility goes beyond exploration—many rare spawn points for Electric and Flying Pokémon can only be reached using this ride. This makes it especially valuable for players looking to buy shiny Pokémon Legends ZA team members or hunt for unique forms to trade.

3. Surfing with Lapras

After you restore the city’s harbor area, you’ll meet a researcher who gives you the quest “Waves of the Past.” Completing it rewards you with Lapras as your water mount. This Ride Pokémon lets you travel across rivers, canals, and even the flooded lower districts of Lumiose City.

Lapras also detects underwater items and hidden Pokémon encounters. If you’re completing Pokédex research or shiny hunting near the coast, this is one companion you’ll rely on heavily.

4. Flying with Noivern

One of the later-game rides, Noivern, is unlocked after completing the side quest “Echoes Above the City.” You’ll need to collect several Sound Shards hidden around the city’s towers before Noivern agrees to aid you. Once unlocked, it allows free-flight gliding between rooftops and over open fields, cutting travel time dramatically.

Pro players often recommend Noivern for scouting rare spawn locations and shiny-hunting routes. If you’re building an elite team or shopping at the ZA best Pokémon shop equivalents online, having this mobility helps you reach event zones faster and maximize efficiency.

5. Digging with Excadrill

Excadrill is one of the most underrated rides in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. You’ll unlock it through a post-story side quest involving the city’s underground tunnels. With Excadrill, you can dig into soft ground to uncover hidden areas, fossils, and evolution stones.

It’s particularly useful for gathering rare crafting items and discovering hidden entrances to secret dungeons. If you’re trying to complete every collection in the game, Excadrill’s ride ability is non-negotiable.

Once you’ve unlocked all Ride Pokémon, managing them effectively becomes key. Each one excels in specific terrain types, so switching rides quickly is vital for efficient exploration. Equip items that boost mount speed or stamina for extended travel sessions.

Players aiming for a full Pokédex or shiny collection can use ride combinations to cover different biomes efficiently—Lapras for water routes, Sneasler for cliff zones, and Noivern for aerial scouting. Whether you’re farming rare Pokémon, training for Mega Battles, or exploring every corner of Lumiose, mastering your Ride Pokémon lineup is one of the best long-term investments in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

With every mount unlocked, the world of Pokémon Legends: Z-A opens up in exciting ways. Whether you’re exploring hidden ruins or searching for your next shiny, these rides turn exploration from a challenge into an adventure worth mastering.B