How to Catch or Buy Hippowdon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Hippowdon is one of those Pokemon that feels like a real powerhouse the moment you see it. With its massive frame, constant stream of swirling sand, and high defensive bulk, it's a natural wall that fits comfortably on many balanced and stall-oriented teams. If you're progressing through Pokemon Legends: Z-A and looking to build a sturdy ground-type core, Hippowdon is absolutely worth picking up.

Below, we'll look at how to catch Hippowdon in the wild, when and how to evolve it, and what makes it strong in battles. I'll also talk a bit about buying one for collection or competitive play if you prefer to skip the hunt and training process.

Hippowdon Basic Info

• Lumiose Pokedex: #119
• Type: Ground
• Height: 6'07”
• Weight: 661.4 lbs
• Evolution: Hippopotas → Hippowdon (Level 34)

Characteristics: 
Hippowdon constantly emits sand from its body, creating blowing whirlwinds that can disrupt the opponent's visibility and chip down their HP. In battle terms, it's a natural Sandstorm setter and physical tank.

How to Get Hippowdon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

There are two main ways to obtain Hippowdon in the game:

1. Catch Hippowdon in the Wild

Hippowdon appears in Wild Zone 20, which unlocks after:

Main Mission 38: “The Future of Lumiose City”

Once you gain access to this zone, check for sandy terrain and dunes—Hippowdon tends to spawn in open desert-like areas. It's large but not aggressively hostile; however, sneaking is still useful because it helps you secure the catch quickly with a back throw.

Catching Tips:

• Use Heavy Balls or high-tier capture balls for better consistency.
• If you want a perfect throw, circle behind it or use tall grass for cover.
• Be ready for Sandstorm damage and Ground-type moves that hit hard if the fight drags.

2. Evolve from Hippopotas

If you've caught a Hippopotas earlier (often easier to find and catch), you can simply raise it to Level 34 to evolve it into Hippowdon. This is sometimes preferred if you're trying for ideal nature, IVs, or move inheritance.

Hippowdon Base Stats & Battle Role

Hippowdon's identity is clear: it's a physical wall with excellent staying power. It hits decently hard, but the real reason to use Hippowdon is its ability to absorb hits and pressure physical attackers.

Strengths:

• Great bulk
• Reliable recovery options in many move pools
• Sand synergy if you're building a weather comp

Weaknesses:

• Low Speed means it moves last most of the time
• Vulnerable to Water, Grass, and Ice attacks

Personal note: Hippowdon feels especially good in the mid-to-late story when you start encountering more high-level physical threats—having something that just refuses to go down is a relief.

Buying Hippowdon (Non-Shiny, Shiny, and Alpha)

If you'd rather skip leveling, nature hunting, or shiny farming, you can purchase shiny Hippowdon pokemon instead. Since this article is for U4GM, it's worth mentioning that the marketplace offers straightforward options:

• Non-Shiny Hippowdon: $1.99
• Shiny Hippowdon: $2.99
• Alpha Hippowdon: $2.99
• Alpha Shiny Hippowdon: $5.99

This is useful if you're aiming for collection goals, shiny living dex completion, or competitive builds without grinding encounters for hours.

And yes—if you want very specific moves, IVs, or nature setups—you can also buy Custom Pokemon (the service starts at $9.9).

Hippowdon's value isn't flashy—it's reliable. It's the kind of Pokemon that quietly wins battles by simply refusing to fall and wearing opponents down. Whether you catch one in Wild Zone 20, evolve your Hippopotas, or pick up a pre-prepared version, it's a strong addition to many team compositions.