How to Evolve Onix in Pokemon Legends Z-A

By Ambar Jimenez | 2025-10-22 08:22:37
For trainers who appreciate sheer power and defensive might, the Onix evolutionary line is a must-have. This colossal Rock Snake Pokémon is one of the most popular Rock-types, and in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, you'll have the chance to evolve it into the formidable Steelix and even unleash the devastating potential of Mega Steelix.However, acquiring Onix and its necessary evolutionary item, the Metal Coat, requires a deep dive into the mid-to-late game challenges of Lumiose City. This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need, from catching Onix in the Wild Zones to securing the Mega Stone required for its ultimate form.

Pokemon Legends Z-A: How to Evolve Onix

How to Get Onix in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Onix doesn't roam the streets; finding this Rock-type behemoth requires players to explore specific Wild Zones and engage in the hunt for burrowing Pokémon.

Locating Onix in Wild Zone 14

  • Availability: You must first progress to the mid-game, as Wild Zone 14 only becomes available after completing Main Story Mission Nº20.
  • The Hunt: Onix can be found in Wild Zone 14 during the day. You must look for burrowing holes in the ground—the tell-tale sign of subsurface Pokémon activity.
  • A Word of Caution: Be prepared for competition. Other Ground-types, notably Excadrill and Drilbur, also reside in these holes and may attack trainers who approach their territory. Be ready to battle or flee if you encounter an unwanted foe.

The Transformation: Evolving Onix into Steelix

Onix is one of only two Pokémon in the game (the other being Scyther) that requires the Metal Coat to evolve into its superior form.

Acquiring the Metal Coat

The Metal Coat is locked behind high-level quests, meaning you won't be able to evolve Onix until you are well into the endgame.

  • Prerequisite: You must reach at least Main Mission Nº35 to access the necessary side quests.
  • Guaranteed Sources: The Metal Coat is rewarded for completing one of two challenging end-game side missions:

    • Side Mission 101: Steadfast as Steel
    • Side Mission 114: A Feather from Skarmory

Both missions are challenging tests of skill but guarantee you the Metal Coat needed for the evolution.

The Trade Evolution Protocol

Once you have the Metal Coat, you must perform a Trade Evolution. Remember that in Legends: Z-A, evolutions are still triggered manually after the conditions are met.

  • Equip the Item: Give the Metal Coat to your Onix to hold.
  • Initiate Trade: Open the party menu (by pressing X) and select Link Trade.
  • Execute Trade: Trade the Metal Coat-holding Onix to another player. (You can use common codes like 0197-0197 for designated Onix trades if playing solo).
  • The Trigger: When the Onix arrives at the other player's game, its evolution iconwill be lit up. The other player must then manually select Onix in themenu and choose 'Evolve' to transform it into Steelix.
  • Trade Back: To use the mighty Steelix, simply have your trusted trading partner trade the evolved Pokémon back to you.

Unleashing Maximum Power: Mega Steelix

Steelix is a formidable wall, but its true power is realized when it Mega Evolves into the behemoth Mega Steelix.

Locating the Steelixite Mega Stone

  • Acquisition: The necessary Mega Stone, Steelixite, can be purchased directly from the Stone Emporium, which is located on Verte Main Street.

Building Your Mega Tank

Mega Steelix is renowned as an exceptional defensive Tank, capable ofsurviving punishment that would instantly eliminate lesser Pokémon.

  • Defensive Build: If you plan to use Mega Steelix as a purely defensive wall, an ideal EV Spread would be 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Sp. Def, maximizing its ability to soak up both physical and special hits.
  • Physical Attacker Build: If you prefer a more offensively-minded build to leverage its solid Attack stat, consider an EV Spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Atk.

By securing the Metal Coat and the Steelixite, you will transform yourhumble Onix into one of the most powerful and immovable forces in all of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Are you ready to take on the late-game challenges and unleash this Iron Titan?

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