Pokémon Legends: Z-A continues to impress with its blend of open-world exploration and collectible depth, but few players realize there’s one hidden form that’s truly unique — the Marine Vivillon. This rare butterfly Pokémon is not only visually striking but also a one-time-only reward that can easily be lost if you’re not careful. Here’s a complete guide on how to unlock it, what makes it special, and how to make sure it doesn’t vanish from your collection forever.

If you enjoy experimenting with unique team compositions in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, you might want to explore creative setups beyond the standard meta. Many players choose to buy custom pokemon to test specialized strategies or recreate themed rosters inspired by rare in-game encounters like the Marine Vivillon. Custom builds can help you fine-tune stats, moves, and natures, allowing for greater flexibility when planning story playthroughs or competitive battles. Whether you’re aiming for visual variety or a perfectly balanced team, customizing your Pokémon lineup can make every encounter in Lumiose feel fresh and personalized.

Finding Side Mission 21: The Hidden Path to Marine Vivillon

To obtain the Marine Vivillon, players must complete Side Mission 21, which becomes available after reaching Rank V in Main Mission 8. Once you’ve reached that milestone, the side quest marker will appear on your map at the Lumiose Museum.

If you haven’t unlocked that area yet, the Rouge Pokémon Center serves as the nearest fly point. Upon arrival, head down the street past the scaffolding to find the museum entrance. Inside, you’ll encounter two NPCs near the front desk who will introduce the quest. Their request? Track down 12 missing Spewpa that have gone loose within the museum.

Locating All 12 Spewpa

The quest is a mini scavenger hunt through the museum, featuring clever placements and fun callbacks to earlier Pokémon titles:

One Spewpa rests on a handrail near the stairs.

Another hides between two sofas upstairs.

One cleverly disguises itself as a Poké Ball among a display.

A few are tucked away near maps, model homes, and crafting tables referencing Hisui from Legends: Arceus.

Others appear near exhibit displays, including a mannequin wearing Komado’s armor and even a Lucario statue.

Collecting all twelve Spewpa allows you to return to the NPCs to complete the mission — but here’s where things get interesting.

The Unexpected 13th Spewpa

After the NPCs count the twelve Spewpa you’ve recovered, an unexpected thirteenth Spewpa appears. Since the collectors can only keep twelve, they’ll offer the extra one to you as thanks for your help. Most players assume this is just another common Spewpa and may be tempted to release it — do not do that. This specific Spewpa evolves into something you can’t find anywhere else in the game.

Evolving the Special Spewpa into Marine Vivillon

This special Spewpa arrives at level 9. Feed it one medium candy (or a few small ones) to trigger its evolution. Once it evolves, you’ll receive Marine Vivillon — a vibrant blue form unavailable anywhere else in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

It’s the only way to obtain this form in the entire game. If you accidentally release the quest Spewpa, the Marine pattern becomes permanently unobtainable in your playthrough.

For collectors or players interested in showcasing unique teams, the Marine Vivillon is a must-have addition. Some fans even use it as part of custom Pokémon builds to give their teams an aesthetic edge. For those exploring competitive or themed rosters, there are even custom Pokémon builds for sale Legends ZA players have created, often inspired by rare finds like this one.

Why the Marine Vivillon Matters

Beyond its rarity, this form of Vivillon embodies the hidden charm of Legends: Z-A — rewarding exploration, attention to detail, and appreciation of Pokémon history. The Lumiose Museum setting is also a brilliant homage to past generations, featuring exhibits from Hisui and other classic regions. It’s a mission that combines nostalgia and discovery in a way that feels true to the spirit of Pokémon.

If you’re deep into Pokémon Legends: Z-A, don’t skip this mission or underestimate that “extra” Spewpa. The Marine Vivillon is a one-time reward that not only adds visual variety to your team but also marks your playthrough as complete. Keep it safe, evolve it wisely, and enjoy adding one of the game’s most exclusive forms to your collection.