Latios has always been one of the most elegant and powerful Legendary Pokémon in the franchise, and its return in Pokémon Legends: Z-A has players more excited than ever. With its sleek design, deep lore, and devastating Dragon/Psychic typing, Latios is not just another legendary catch — it’s a Pokémon that can completely redefine your team.
If you’re wondering how to get Latios in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, this guide covers everything you need to know. From prerequisites and locations to battle strategies and Mega Evolution, we’ll walk you through the entire process step by step.
Let’s dive into the skies of Kalos and uncover how to claim this iconic Legendary Pokémon.
Who Is Latios in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
Latios is a Legendary Dragon/Psychic-type Pokémon originally discovered in the Hoenn region. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, its story is expanded and reimagined within the futuristic and mysterious setting of Kalos.
Why Latios Is So Special
Latios stands out among Legendary Pokémon for several reasons:
- Exceptionally high Speed and Special Attack
- Deep intelligence and emotional awareness
- Ability to understand human language
- Strong bond with its sibling, Latias
- Access to Mega Evolution, making it even more powerful
Unlike brute-force Legendaries, Latios is portrayed as calm, strategic, and protective — a Pokémon that fights only when necessary.
Visually, Latios resembles a jet aircraft, with its streamlined body and tucked-in arms allowing it to fly at incredible speeds. In battle, this translates to swift attacks and precise strikes.
Is Latios Worth Getting in Legends: Z-A?
Absolutely. Latios is one of the best late-game Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Battle Advantages
- Dragon/Psychic typing gives it excellent offensive coverage
- Access to powerful moves like Dragon Pulse, Luster Purge, and Psychic
- Mega Latios becomes a top-tier special attacker
Exploration Benefits
- High mobility in certain encounters
- Useful in Hyperspace missions
- Plays a role in exclusive side missions and lore
If you enjoy strategic gameplay and Legendary Pokémon with personality and story depth, Latios is a must-have.
Where to Find Latios in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Latios does not appear in the main world of Lumiose City. Instead, it exists in a special endgame area tied to the game’s DLC content.
Latios Location Overview
- Region: Hyperspace Lumiose
- Content Required: Mega Dimension DLC
- Encounter Type: Random Legendary Spawn
- Difficulty Level: High (Rogue Mega encounter)
Latios can only be encountered after unlocking Rank 5 Hyperspace Dimensions, making it one of the more challenging Legendaries to obtain.
Prerequisites to Unlock Latios
Before you can even attempt to find Latios, you must meet several conditions.
1. Complete the Mega Dimension DLC Story
Latios is locked behind the DLC’s main storyline. You must:
- Finish the primary Mega Dimension campaign
- Complete Hyperspace Mission 12
This mission serves as the narrative gateway to high-level Hyperspace encounters.
2. Unlock Hyperspace Lumiose
Hyperspace Lumiose is an alternate, unstable version of Lumiose City filled with rifts, anomalies, and Legendary Pokémon.
You’ll gain access naturally as part of the DLC, but higher-rank portals won’t be available immediately.
3. Visit the Rust Syndicate
Once Hyperspace Mission 12 is complete, your next destination is the Rust Syndicate Headquarters.
Here, you’ll meet Phillipe, a key NPC responsible for Hyperspace research and scanning technology.
How to Unlock Rank 5 Hyperspace Dimensions
Latios only appears in Rank 5 Hyperspace Dimensions, which require special access.
Steps to Unlock Rank 5 Zones
- Speak with Phillipe at the Rust Syndicate
- Request a Special Scan
- Complete the required Hyperspace Survey
- Unlock Rank 5 portals on your map
This process may feel lengthy, but it’s essential for accessing the strongest Pokémon in the game.
Finding Latios in Hyperspace Lumiose
Once Rank 5 Hyperspace Dimensions are unlocked, Latios becomes eligible to spawn — but there’s a catch.
Important Things to Know
- Latios does not spawn every time
- It appears randomly in 5-Star Unknown Zones
- You may need to enter multiple Hyperspace rifts
Patience is key. If Latios doesn’t appear:
- Exit the zone
- Reset the instance
- Try another Rank 5 portal
Eventually, Latios will appear as a Rogue Mega encounter, signaling a high-difficulty battle.
How to Catch Latios in Legends: Z-A
Catching Latios is no easy task. It behaves differently from standard Legendary Pokémon encounters.
Battle Tips for Latios
- Save your game before engaging
- Bring Pokémon with Ice, Dragon, Fairy, or Dark moves
- Avoid knockouts — Latios has relatively low physical defense
- Use status effects like Sleep or Paralysis
Because Latios is a Rogue Mega, it will:
- Deal massive damage
- Move extremely fast
- Use high-level Psychic and Dragon attacks
Lower its HP carefully before throwing Poké Balls.
Best Poké Balls to Use
- Ultra Balls
- Hyperspace Balls (if available)
- Legendary-specific capture items
The lower Latios’s HP and the more status effects applied, the higher your success rate.
What Happens After You Catch Latios?
Once captured, Latios becomes a permanent member of your team.
Post-Capture Benefits
- Added to your Pokédex
- Unlocks new dialogue with certain NPCs
- Enables access to exclusive side missions
- Eligible for Mega Evolution
However, Mega Evolution is not automatic — you’ll need one more key item.
How to Get Mega Latios in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
To Mega Evolve Latios, you must obtain the Latiosite Mega Stone.
Side Mission 189: “Siblings of the Sky”
This optional but highly recommended side mission unlocks Mega Latios.
Mission Highlights
- Focuses on the bond between Latios and Latias
- Takes place across multiple Hyperspace zones
- Features emotional storytelling and lore
Upon completing Side Mission 189, you’ll receive Latios’s Mega Stone, allowing Mega Evolution in battle.
Why Mega Latios Is So Powerful
Mega Latios dramatically boosts:
- Special Attack
- Speed
- Overall survivability
In Mega form, Latios becomes one of the strongest special attackers in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, capable of sweeping entire teams when used correctly.
Common Mistakes Players Make
Avoid these errors to save time and frustration:
- ❌ Skipping Hyperspace Mission 12
- ❌ Ignoring Rust Syndicate scans
- ❌ Expecting a guaranteed spawn
- ❌ Fighting Latios unprepared
- ❌ Forgetting to complete Side Mission 189
Preparation and patience are the keys to success.
Final Thoughts: Is Latios Worth the Effort?
Without question, yes.
Latios is not just a Legendary Pokémon — it’s a symbol of intelligence, loyalty, and raw power. From its thrilling Hyperspace encounter to its emotional storyline and devastating Mega Evolution, Latios is one of the most rewarding Pokémon to obtain in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Quick Recap
- Complete Mega Dimension DLC
- Finish Hyperspace Mission 12
- Unlock Rank 5 Hyperspace Dimensions
- Find Latios in 5-Star Unknown Zones
- Catch it in a Rogue Mega battle
- Complete “Siblings of the Sky” for Mega Evolution
Follow these steps, and you’ll have one of the strongest and most iconic Pokémon flying by your side.
Good luck, Trainer — and enjoy ruling the skies with Latios. 🐉✈️
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