Alpha Pokemon make a powerful return in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, standing out with their larger size, aggressive behavior, and intimidating red aura. Among the early-game Alphas you can find, Alpha Patrat is an interesting pick — a Normal-type that's easy to underestimate but surprisingly useful for early scouting and XP farming. Here's a detailed breakdown of how to catch or buy one efficiently.

Where to Find Alpha Patrat

Primary Location: Wild Zone 2 (Central Area)
Spawn Time: Night Only
Level Range: Around Level 18
Type: Normal

Wild Zone 2 is one of the earliest regions where Alpha Pokemon start appearing. It's located just east of the Lumiose Outskirts and opens up after completing Main Mission 7: “A Shadow in the Streets.” You'll find Alpha Patrat patrolling the open fields near the central pathway at night. It's easily recognizable — taller than a regular Patrat and glowing with a faint red aura even in low light.

Spawn Tips

• Time Control: Rest at a nearby camp until nightfall to trigger its appearance.
• Weather: Clear or overcast nights are best; rain or fog can suppress Normal-type spawns.
• Spawn Behavior: Alpha Patrat respawns every few in-game hours if defeated or caught, so it's easy to reset by fast traveling between nearby camps.

Recommended Strategy to Catch It

Alpha Patrat isn't particularly strong, but its aggressive nature means it will often spot you before you're ready. Here's how to handle the encounter efficiently:

• Use Stealth Spray to sneak close and perform a backstrike throw for the best catch rate.
• Start with a Quick Ball — it often works immediately against low-level Alphas.
• If that fails, weaken it slightly using False Swipe or weak moves like Swift.
• Avoid over-leveling your own Pokemon if you plan to weaken it — Alpha Patrat's HP pool is small.
• Save manually before engaging so you can reload if it faints or flees.

Alpha Patrat's catch rate is generous, making it one of the easiest Alpha Pokemon to secure early on. It's also useful for players who want to practice Alpha hunting before tackling tougher targets like Alpha Luxio or Alpha Pancham later in the game.

Buying Alpha Patrat

If you prefer to skip the grind, you can also buy Alpha Patrat directly from trusted marketplaces.
You can buy it at SHANNENG for $1.20, which is quite affordable compared to most Alpha Pokemon. Purchased Alphas often come with optimal stats and nature, making them a great option if you're building a competitive or shiny collection.

When buying, always make sure:

• The seller provides trade verification or delivery proof;
• You're using a secure platform like SHANNENG;
• The Pokemon is legitimately generated and tradeable within the game's systems.

Summary

To sum it up, Alpha Patrat can be found in Wild Zone 2 at night, near the central field area. It's an early-game Alpha that's easy to catch and offers a reliable introduction to the Alpha system in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Whether you choose to hunt it yourself or buy it for $1.20 at SHANNENG, it's a simple but rewarding addition to your roster.