Exploration is a huge part of Pokemon Legends: Z-A, but you'll frequently find your path blocked by obstacles like purple sludge. These goo piles block access to important parts of the city, but there's an easy way to get rid of them in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

Typically, you'd get rid of obstacles like these with a special TM taught to one of your Pokemon. That's not the case with the purple sludge piles, however. You'll still need to enlist the help of specific Pokemon, but you don't need any special abilities. Here's how to clear purple goo piles in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

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How to Clear Sludge in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Sludge Attack

To clear purple sludge piles in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, all you have to do is use a Water-type attack on them. Any Water-type move will wash away the goo and clear the path so you can keep exploring.

If you chose Totodile as your starter Pokemon, then you're in the clear. If you went with Tepig or Chikorita, however, you'll need to seek out a Water-type Pokemon in one of Lumiose City's Wild Zones. Thankfully, Water-type Pokemon are incredibly common. You can find Magikarp, Binacle, and Staryu in Wild Zone 2.

Water-type moves aren't the only solution to the city's sludge problem. For some reason, Psychic-type attacks can also clear sludge piles in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Only a select few Psychic-type moves work, though. Confusion will clear purple goo piles, but Psybeam has no effect on them. It's more reliable to stick with Water-type moves, but a Psychic-type attack can help in a pinch.

Washing away purple sludge piles throughout Lumiose City will also net your Pokemon a small chunk of experience points, so it's a good idea to clear them even if you're not planning on exploring in that direction. You'll see a bunch of them as you journey across the city completing Pokemon Legends: Z-A side quests, and you'll also find other uses for your Pokemon's moves outside of battles as well.

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Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
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Released
October 16, 2025
ESRB
Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
Developer(s)
Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
Publisher(s)
Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
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