In the vast world of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, few Pokémon stand out quite like Hippowdon. This Ground-type powerhouse is not only a strong addition to your team but also a fan-favorite for its imposing design and impressive battle stats. If you're looking to add Hippowdon to your roster, there are a couple of ways to do so: catching it in the wild or purchasing it from certain in-game sources. In this guide, we’ll break down both methods and offer tips to ensure that you can get your hands on this mighty creature as efficiently as possible.

1. Catching Hippowdon in the Wild

Catching Hippowdon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A requires a bit of preparation, as it's not one of the most commonly found Pokémon. However, with the right approach, you can make it part of your team without too much hassle.

Location of Hippowdon

To find Hippowdon, you’ll need to head to the right biomes. Hippowdon typically roams the desert regions and areas with arid, dry climates. These locations are rich in Ground-types and will often have Hippowdon roaming near caves or open fields. Keep an eye on the map for desert icons or signs of desert terrain.

Tips for Catching Hippowdon

Prepare your team: Since Hippowdon is a Ground-type, it has a strong resistance to Electric-type attacks. Bringing a well-rounded team that can deal with Ground-types, such as Water, Ice, or Grass-types, will help.

Use status conditions: Weaken Hippowdon by using status moves like Sleep or Paralysis. These will give you a higher catch rate when you throw your Pokéballs.

Be patient: Hippowdon is a tough one to catch, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few attempts. Try to bring plenty of Ultra Balls and even a few Dusk Balls if you're catching it at night.

2. Buying Hippowdon

If you're not feeling like trekking through the desert to catch Hippowdon yourself, buying it is a viable option in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. While it's not available in every store, there are select NPCs and online platforms where you can purchase rare Pokémon like Hippowdon.

The Best Place to Buy Hippowdon

The best place to buy Hippowdon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is through trusted NPCs who offer rare Pokémon for in-game currency. These sellers usually appear after certain milestones in the game or in specific towns that are known for Pokémon trading. Keep an eye on any NPCs that mention Pokémon exchanges or trades.

What to Look Out For

Price: Make sure you have enough in-game currency to purchase Hippowdon. These rare creatures tend to come with a hefty price tag, so it’s worth saving up.

Shiny Variant: If you're looking for a shiny Hippowdon, you can occasionally find one for sale in special limited-time offers or through certain event vendors. These shinies are more expensive but add a unique flair to your collection.

3. Key Stats and Moves of Hippowdon

Once you’ve caught or bought your Hippowdon, you'll want to understand its role on your team. As a Ground-type Pokémon, it has solid stats in both offense and defense, making it a versatile tank in battle. Its ability Sand Stream summons a sandstorm, boosting the power of its Ground-type moves and wearing down opposing teams.

Notable Moves

Earthquake: A powerful Ground-type move that is perfect for both offense and control.

Stone Edge: A rock-type attack that provides coverage against Flying-types.

Crunch: Great for taking down Psychic- and Ghost-types, adding extra utility.

4. Final Thoughts on How to Catch or Buy Hippowdon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Whether you prefer catching Hippowdon through exploration or purchasing it from a reliable source, this Pokémon is a formidable ally in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Its Ground-type power and versatile move pool make it an asset in many team setups. Just remember to plan ahead, as it can be tricky to find or costly to buy.

No matter how you obtain Hippowdon, once it’s on your team, you'll find that its strength, defense, and utility in battles make it well worth the effort. Whether you’re a collector or a battle strategist, Hippowdon is a must-have Pokémon in your journey through Pokémon Legends: Z-A.