Froakie isn’t a starter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, but you can recruit it early by completing a short parkour-focused side quest in Lumiose City. The only real hurdle is understanding how to cross two “impossible” jumps on the final course — you’re meant to dodge roll over them.

Prerequisites and where to start

  • Progress the story until side missions unlock after Main Mission 5 (“The City in the Shadow of Prism Tower”).
  • Head to the scaffolding just north of the Jaune Pokémon Center on North Boulevard.
  • Talk to the construction worker named Surv to start the side quest “A Challenge from Froakie” (listed as Side Quest #009).
  • Track the quest so the course markers appear on your map.

How the Froakie side quest works

You’ll run three timed scaffold courses. The timers are forgiving; you don’t need perfect movement. The first two routes are near the starting area and are straightforward climbs. The final route is farther away and adds two gaps that look out of reach — those are solved with a dodge roll.

Course Where to go What to expect Clear tip
Course 1 Near the Jaune Pokémon Center (same block as Surv) Basic scaffold climb with ladders and beams Stay on the main path; don’t over-jump between platforms
Course 2 Also in the Jaune District, visible after finishing Course 1 Slightly taller route, similar layout Keep momentum on ladders; the timer is lenient
Course 3 Rouge District, east of the Rouge Pokémon Center at the city’s northern edge Two large gaps that appear uncrossable Use the dodge roll to bridge both gaps (details below)

Cross the “impossible” gaps by rolling

The final course has two make-or-break jumps: one just after the first ladder, and another near the end. You’re intended to clear both by rolling off the edge.

  • Line up straight at the lip of the platform.
  • Walk to the very edge, then press Y to perform a dodge roll.
  • The roll carries you farther than a standard step, landing you on the far ledge.

Repeat this for both gaps and finish the climb to complete the course.

What you get for finishing

  • Froakie joins your party once all three courses are cleared.
  • You also receive 1,800 Poké Dollars, 3× Exp. Candy XS, and 1× Exp. Candy S.
Tip: If you want to use Greninja later, this gives you a head start without grinding levels elsewhere.

Optional: using Mega Greninja

If you plan to Mega Evolve Greninja, you’ll need its Mega Stone, Greninjite. That is earned by ranking up in Season 1 of Ranked Battles, which requires online play via Nintendo Switch Online. Once obtained, you can return to your single-player progress and use it in tougher encounters.

That’s the whole path: unlock side missions after Main Mission 5, start “A Challenge from Froakie” near the Jaune Pokémon Center, and remember the Y-button roll for the last course’s two gaps. With that, Froakie is a quick addition to your team.