Pokemon Legends ZA Season 3 Rewards (March 2026) Free Mega Stones Guide

Updated by Nikhil Desai
November 21, 2025
Gaming Guides

Pokemon Legends ZA Ranked Season 3 is officially launching on November 26, 2026, bringing your best opportunity to collect all three Kalos starter Mega Stones in one season. Whether you missed previous seasons or you’re a ranked battle veteran, Season 3 offers Chesnaughtite as the headline reward alongside returning Mega Stones for Greninja and Delphox. I’ve been grinding ranked battles since the game launched in October, and I’m here to break down everything you need to dominate this season.

Key Information	Details
Start Date	November 26, 2026 at 10:00 PM PST
End Date	December 17, 2026 at 5:59 PM PST
Duration	3 Weeks
Format	4-Player Real-Time Battle Royale
Battle Time	3 Minutes Per Match
Headline Reward	Chesnaughtite (Rank S)
Eligible Pokemon	Lumiose Pokedex #001-231
Level Cap	All Pokemon set to Level 50

Pokemon Legends ZA Ranked Season 3 Start and End Dates

The Pokemon Legends ZA Ranked Season 3 window gives you exactly three weeks to climb the ranks and claim exclusive rewards. Here’s when the season goes live in your timezone:

Start Time (November 26-27, 2026)

Pacific Time (PST): 10:00 PM Wednesday
Mountain Time (MST): 11:00 PM Wednesday
Central Time (CST): 12:00 AM Thursday
Eastern Time (EST): 1:00 AM Thursday
UK/Ireland (GMT): 6:00 AM Thursday
Central Europe (CET): 7:00 AM Thursday
Japan (JST): 3:00 PM Thursday
Australia Eastern (AEDT): 5:00 PM Thursday

End Time (December 17, 2026)

Pacific Time (PST): 5:59 PM Wednesday
Mountain Time (MST): 6:59 PM Wednesday
Central Time (CST): 7:59 PM Wednesday
Eastern Time (EST): 8:59 PM Wednesday
UK/Ireland (GMT): 1:59 AM Thursday
Central Europe (CET): 2:59 AM Thursday
Japan (JST): 10:59 AM Thursday
Australia Eastern (AEDT): 12:59 PM Thursday

What makes Season 3 particularly exciting is that the final days will overlap with the launch of Pokemon Legends ZA’s Mega Dimension DLC, which arrives on December 10, 2026. However, Pokemon exclusive to the DLC will be ineligible for Season 3’s Ranked Battles, maintaining competitive balance for all players.

All Pokemon Legends ZA Ranked Season 3 Mega Stone Rewards

Season 3 marks the first time you can earn Mega Stones for all three Kalos starters in a single ranked season. This is massive news if you missed previous seasons or want to complete your Mega Evolution collection.

Promotion Rewards – Mega Stones

Mega Stone	Required Rank	Pokemon	Cannot Be Obtained Elsewhere
Chesnaughtite	Rank S	Mega Chesnaught	✅ Season 3 Exclusive
Delphoxite	Rank V	Mega Delphox	✅ Ranked Only
Greninjite	Rank Y	Mega Greninja	✅ Ranked Only

These Mega Stones cannot be obtained through normal gameplay, making ranked battles your only path to unlocking these powerful transformations. If you’ve been dreaming of adding Mega Greninja, Mega Delphox, or the brand-new Mega Chesnaught to your team, this season is essential.

About Mega Chesnaught

Mega Chesnaught is the star reward of Season 3, making its debut as the final Kalos starter Mega Evolution available through ranked play. As a Grass/Fighting-type Pokemon, Chesnaught already brings unique coverage to competitive teams, and its Mega Evolution amplifies these strengths significantly.

Based on early testing and community feedback, Mega Chesnaught features enhanced defensive capabilities alongside boosted Attack stats, making it an excellent anchor for teams that need a bulky physical attacker. Its unique typing gives it advantages against common threats like Ground, Rock, and Water-types while maintaining pressure against Dark and Normal-type Pokemon.

Complete Season 3 End-of-Season Rewards

End-of-season rewards are distributed after Season 3 concludes on December 17, 2026. The rewards you receive depend entirely on your final rank when the season ends. Here’s the complete breakdown:

Rank A (Highest Tier)

Safari Ball ×3
Gold Bottle Cap ×1
Bottle Cap ×3
Seed of Mastery ×3
Big Nugget ×1

Rank B Through Rank E

Safari Ball ×2
Gold Bottle Cap ×1
Bottle Cap ×2
Seed of Mastery ×2
Nugget ×2

Rank F Through Rank K

Bottle Cap ×1
Seed of Mastery ×1
Nugget ×2

Rank L Through Rank R

Seed of Mastery ×1
Nugget ×1

Rank S Through Rank Z (Entry Level)

Nugget ×1

The Safari Balls are particularly valuable as one of the exclusive Poke Balls obtainable only through ranked battles. Gold Bottle Caps are essential for Hyper Training your Pokemon to maximize their competitive potential, while Seeds of Mastery help unlock powerful moves for your team.

Battle Rewards You Can Earn Every Match

Beyond promotion and season rewards, you’ll receive battle rewards at the end of every ranked match regardless of your performance. These rewards include:

Mega Shards – Exchange for Mega Stones
Pearls – Sell for currency
Big Pearls – Sell for currency
Heavy Balls – Catching utility
Rare Candies – Level up Pokemon instantly
EXP Candies – Quick experience for training

Since Season 2, the battle reward system has been significantly improved. You’ll receive better rewards per match, and importantly, you can no longer lose points for placing third or fourth. This means your rank will never decrease during the season, making progression much less stressful.

All Eligible Pokemon for Season 3 Ranked Battles

Season 3 uses the same eligibility rules as previous seasons with one major addition that’s shaking up the meta: Zygarde is now allowed in ranked battles.

Eligible Pokemon Parameters

Pokedex Range: Lumiose Pokedex #001-231 (Chikorita through Diancie)
Level Requirements: Register any level (Lv. 1-100), all Pokemon automatically set to Lv. 50 during battle
Regional Forms: All regional forms within eligible Pokedex numbers are legal
Species Rule: Only one Pokemon of the same species per team
Team Size: 3 Pokemon per battle

Special Pokemon Restrictions

You can include only ONE of the following special Pokemon on your team:

Xerneas
Yveltal
Zygarde (NEW to Season 3)
Diancie

This restriction prevents players from stacking multiple Legendary Pokemon, keeping battles somewhat balanced for newer trainers. However, the addition of Zygarde has already sparked community debate about the meta implications.

Zygarde Joins Ranked Battles: What This Means for the Meta

The biggest change for Season 3 is the inclusion of Zygarde in the eligible Pokemon pool. Previously excluded from ranked play, this Dragon/Ground-type Legendary is expected to significantly impact competitive strategies.

Why Zygarde Changes Everything

Zygarde brings several unique mechanics that make it particularly powerful in Pokemon Legends ZA’s real-time battle format:

Power Change Ability: When Zygarde drops below 50% HP, it can transform into its Perfect Forme. This transformation essentially “heals” Zygarde because Perfect Forme has one of the highest HP stats in the entire game (third highest overall). What was 50% HP for regular Zygarde becomes approximately 66% or more for Perfect Zygarde.

Mega Zygarde: If you time your Mega Evolution after transforming into Perfect Forme, Mega Zygarde gains the highest Special Attack stat in the series combined with impressive defensive stats. Its signature Nihil Light move delivers massive AOE damage that’s incredibly difficult to counter.

Dragon/Ground Coverage: This typing gives Zygarde excellent neutral coverage against most of the meta while only being weak to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-types.

Counter Strategies for Zygarde

If you’re worried about facing Zygarde teams, consider these approaches:

Ice-Type Pokemon: Weavile, Mamoswine, or Glaceon can threaten Zygarde with 4x super-effective Ice moves
Fairy-Type Attackers: Gardevoir, Sylveon, or Xerneas can pressure Zygarde before it transforms
Focus Fire: In the 4-player format, try to coordinate attacks on Zygarde before it can reach Perfect Forme
Speed Advantage: Fast Pokemon can chip away at Zygarde before it can set up

Many competitive players have expressed concerns that all three main Legendaries being allowed simultaneously (Xerneas, Yveltal, and now Zygarde) might make the meta less interesting. However, the one-Legendary-per-team restriction does provide some balance.

How Pokemon Legends ZA Ranked Battles Work?

If you’re new to Pokemon Legends ZA’s Battle Club, here’s everything you need to know about the ranked format.

The Real-Time Battle Format

Unlike traditional Pokemon games with turn-based combat, Pokemon Legends ZA features a completely revolutionary real-time battle system. In ranked battles:

Four players compete simultaneously in a free-for-all arena
Each trainer brings 3 Pokemon to battle
Matches last 3 minutes with constant action
No turns – Pokemon move and attack in real-time based on cooldowns
Positioning matters – Dodge attacks and control battlefield areas

How Scoring Works?

At the end of each battle, trainers are ranked 1st through 4th based on total points. You earn points through:

Knockout Points:

Defeating opponent Pokemon awards base points
The player who lands the final blow gets bonus points

Action-Based Bonus Points (10 points each):

Dealt first attack in the battle
Dealt last attack in the battle
First to Mega Evolve
Hit an opponent with a super-effective move
Successfully Mega Evolved during the match

The Ranking System

Pokemon Legends ZA uses an alphabetical ranking system with 26 ranks:

Starting Rank: Z (lowest)
Ultimate Rank: A (highest)
Progression: Earn points to climb ranks
Protection: Your rank cannot decrease during the season (added in Season 2)

This last point is crucial. Since Season 2, you can never lose rank points, even if you come in last place. This makes ranked battles much more accessible for casual players who want to participate without fear of losing progress.

How to Start Ranked Battles in Pokemon Legends ZA?

Unlocking Ranked Battles

Before you can participate in ranked battles, you need to complete a small portion of the main story:

Complete Main Mission 03: “A New Life in Lumiose City”
Register at least five different Pokemon species to your Pokedex
This typically takes about 1.5 hours of gameplay

Setting Up Your Battle Team

Open the main menu by pressing the X Button
Go to your Boxes
Press X twice to switch to the Battle Team tab
Select 3 Pokemon from your boxes (cannot select from current party)
Make sure desired held items including Mega Stones are equipped

Pro Tip: If you want to use Pokemon currently in your party, move them to a box first. The game doesn’t allow direct party selection for ranked teams.

Joining a Ranked Match

Press X to open the main menu
Select Link Play
Select Ranked Battles
Review and edit your team if needed
Press A to begin matchmaking

Requirements:

Active Nintendo Switch Online subscription
Internet connection
Latest game update installed

Multiplayer battles work across Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Pokemon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, and the standard version with the upgrade pack applied. So don’t worry about finding opponents regardless of which version you own.

How to Claim Your Season 3 Rewards?

Eligibility Requirements

To receive end-of-season rewards, you must complete at least one ranked match during Season 3. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose – just finishing one battle makes you eligible.

Claiming Your Rewards

After Season 3 ends on December 17, 2026, follow these steps:

Launch Pokemon Legends ZA
Press X to open the main menu
Select Link Play
Select Ranked Battles
Your rewards will be displayed and automatically added to your inventory

Important: Make sure to claim your rewards before the next season begins, as unclaimed rewards may be lost.

Best Pokemon and Team Strategies for Season 3

Building a winning ranked team in Pokemon Legends ZA requires understanding the real-time meta. Based on two seasons of competitive data and community feedback, here are the top picks and strategies.

S-Tier Pokemon for Ranked Battles

Metagross The Steel/Psychic-type is a absolute powerhouse with excellent Attack and Defense stats. Mega Metagross gains 190 base Attack and significantly improved Speed, making it devastating once evolved. Its typing provides excellent resistances and coverage with moves like Earthquake, Ice Punch, and Meteor Mash.

Garchomp Dragon/Ground coverage hits most of the meta for neutral or super-effective damage. Mega Garchomp trades some Speed for raw power, and its bulk allows it to survive hits that would KO frailer attackers. Essential for dealing with opposing Dragon-types and providing consistent damage output.

Gyarados One of the most versatile Pokemon in ranked play. Intimidate reduces enemy Attack on entry, while access to Mega Evolution makes it a threat at any point. Waterfall and Ice Fang provide excellent coverage, and its Flying secondary typing gives immunity to Ground moves.

Xerneas The Fairy-type Legendary dominates with Geomancy setups and powerful Moonblast attacks. In real-time battles, its ability to sustain HP through draining moves makes it incredibly difficult to take down. Highly recommended if you’re comfortable dedicating your one Legendary slot.

Gardevoir Psychic/Fairy typing gives excellent coverage, and Mega Gardevoir becomes a special attacking monster. Its ability to threaten Dragon and Fighting-types makes it valuable on many team compositions. Learn more about Pokemon Legends ZA’s Mega Evolution mechanics to maximize Gardevoir’s potential.

A-Tier Pokemon Worth Considering

Salamence – Fast Dragon sweeper with Mega Evolution options
Excadrill – Ground/Steel coverage with Mold Breaker ability
Lucario – Versatile Fighting/Steel with strong Mega form
Charizard – Two Mega forms provide incredible flexibility
Greninja – Fast Water/Dark attacker (pair with Greninjite!)

Team Building Principles

Balance Your Types: The ideal team covers multiple offensive types while minimizing shared weaknesses. Consider a core of:

Physical attacker
Special attacker
Bulky pivot or support

Mega Evolution Timing: You can only Mega Evolve once per battle, so choose wisely. Fast Pokemon like Mega Salamence or Mega Lucario excel at early pressure, while bulky Megas like Mega Metagross work better for mid-game control.

Counter the Meta: With Zygarde joining Season 3, expect to face more Dragon and Ground-type strategies. Pack Ice and Fairy coverage to handle these threats effectively.

Sample Team Compositions

Balanced Core: Metagross + Salamence + Gardevoir Steel, Dragon, and Fairy coverage with multiple Mega options.

Legendary Focus: Xerneas + Gyarados + Excadrill Fairy power backed by type coverage and Intimidate support.

Anti-Meta: Weavile + Sylveon + Charizard Ice and Fairy to counter Dragons, Fire to handle Steel-types.

Tips to Rank Up Faster in Season 3

Based on my experience grinding through Seasons 1 and 2, here are proven strategies to climb ranks efficiently.

Maximize Points Per Match

Focus on these bonus point objectives every match:

Deal the first attack – Start aggressive to secure early points
Land super-effective hits – Build teams with good type coverage
Mega Evolve first – Be prepared to transform quickly
Deal the last attack – Try to snipe final KOs when possible

Battle Frequency Over Win Rate

Since you can’t lose points, playing more matches is mathematically better than playing fewer matches perfectly. Even placing 4th still earns you some points toward ranking up. Consistency beats perfection.

Items in the Arena

During battles, colored items appear on the battlefield:

Green Items: Restore HP for your entire party
Red Items: Temporarily boost Attack and Sp. Attack
Blue Items: Temporarily boost Defense and Sp. Defense
Mega Power Orbs: Charge your Mega Evolution gauge faster

Controlling item spawns can swing matches in your favor. Don’t ignore them while chasing knockouts.

Know Your Matchups

In a 4-player free-for-all, sometimes the best strategy is letting others fight while you pick up free KOs on weakened opponents. Position yourself to capitalize on chaotic exchanges rather than always initiating.

Practice Mode

Before entering ranked, consider playing private matches with friends to get comfortable with the real-time system. Understanding cooldown management and positioning makes a huge difference at higher ranks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Committing to Single Targets: In a 4-player format, focusing too hard on one opponent leaves you vulnerable to the other two. Stay aware of all three enemies.

Ignoring Mega Evolution Timing: Mega Evolving too early can make you a target. Sometimes saving your transformation for the final minute provides a clutch advantage.

Bringing Weak Type Coverage: Teams with overlapping weaknesses get exploited. Make sure you have answers for common threats like Dragon, Fairy, and Ground-types.

Forgetting to Switch Pokemon: You can switch your active Pokemon up to three times (resets when one faints). Use switches strategically to preserve low-HP Pokemon and bring in favorable matchups.

Not Claiming Rewards: Log in after Season 3 ends to claim your rewards. Don’t let your hard work go to waste!

Pokemon Legends ZA Ranked Seasons Overview

For context on how Season 3 fits into the overall ranked structure:

Season	Duration	Headline Reward	Mega Stone Rank
Season 1	Oct 15 – Nov 4, 2026	Greninjite	Rank K
Season 2	Nov 5 – Nov 25, 2026	Delphoxite	Rank S
Season 3	Nov 26 – Dec 17, 2026	Chesnaughtite	Rank S

Future seasons are expected to continue introducing new Mega Stone rewards. The Mega Dimension DLC will add additional Pokemon and Mega Evolutions, likely appearing in ranked rewards starting Season 4 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Pokemon Legends ZA Ranked Season 3 start?

Pokemon Legends ZA Ranked Season 3 starts on Wednesday, November 26, 2026, at 10:00 PM PST. The season runs for three weeks until December 17, 2026, at 5:59 PM PST. Make sure to mark your calendar and have your team ready before the season begins.

How do I get Chesnaughtite in Pokemon Legends ZA?

Chesnaughtite can only be obtained by reaching Rank S during Ranked Season 3. There is no other way to acquire this Mega Stone in the game. You’ll need to participate in ranked battles and earn enough points to reach Rank S before the season ends on December 17, 2026.

Can I still get Greninjite and Delphoxite in Season 3?

Yes! Season 3 redistributes both previous Mega Stones. Greninjite is awarded at Rank Y, and Delphoxite is awarded at Rank V. If you missed Seasons 1 or 2, this is your chance to collect all three Kalos starter Mega Stones in one season.

How long do Pokemon Legends ZA ranked battles last?

Each ranked battle in Pokemon Legends ZA lasts exactly 3 minutes. Four players compete in real-time, and at the end of the time limit, rankings are determined by total points earned from knockouts and bonus objectives.

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online for ranked battles?

Yes, a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to participate in ranked battles. You also need an active internet connection and the latest game update installed. Local private matches can be played without a subscription.

Can I lose my rank in Season 3?

No! Starting in Season 2, Pokemon Legends ZA implemented a change where your rank cannot decrease. Even if you place last in every match, you’ll still accumulate points and progress through the ranks. This makes ranked much more accessible for casual players.

Is Zygarde allowed in Season 3 ranked battles?

Yes, Zygarde is now eligible for Season 3 ranked battles, marking the first time this Legendary has been allowed in competitive play. However, you can only include one special Pokemon (Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, or Diancie) on your team.

What Pokemon are banned in Season 3?

Pokemon not found in Lumiose Pokedex #001-231 are ineligible. Additionally, Pokemon exclusive to the Mega Dimension DLC (releasing December 10) cannot be used in Season 3, even after the DLC launches. You also cannot have more than one of the same species on your team.

How many matches do I need to play for rewards?

You need to complete at least one ranked match (win or lose) during Season 3 to be eligible for end-of-season rewards. For the Mega Stone rewards, you’ll need to reach specific ranks: Rank Y for Greninjite, Rank V for Delphoxite, and Rank S for Chesnaughtite.

What happens if I already have a Mega Stone from a previous season?

You cannot receive duplicate Mega Stones. If you already obtained Greninjite in Season 1 or Delphoxite in Season 2, you will not receive another copy as a ranked reward. The game only allows one of each Mega Stone per account.

Conclusion

Pokemon Legends ZA Ranked Season 3 represents your best opportunity yet to collect the complete set of Kalos starter Mega Stones while testing your skills against trainers worldwide. With Chesnaughtite as the headline reward and Zygarde joining the eligible Pokemon pool, this three-week season promises exciting battles and valuable rewards.

Remember to complete at least one match to secure your eligibility, focus on earning bonus points through strategic play, and take advantage of the fact that your rank can never decrease. Whether you’re chasing Rank A glory or simply want to add Mega Chesnaught to your collection, Season 3 has something for every trainer.

The season runs from November 26 through December 17, 2026 – plenty of time to climb the ranks and claim your rewards. Good luck in the Z-A Battle Club, and may your Mega Evolutions be perfectly timed!

For more Pokemon Legends ZA guides, check out our complete Mega Evolution guide, Battle Club strategies, and best starter Pokemon rankings.