TL;DR
- Complete Hyperspace Mission 3 to unlock Side Mission 144 in Magenta Sector 1
- Find the bench south of Pokémon Center via ladder access and left path navigation
- Climb roof structures south of bench to reach photo position overlooking the scene
- Trigger cutscenes by interacting with bench and using photo prompt at railing
- Earn $2,300 and rare Fast Balls as completion rewards
Mastering Side Mission 144 begins with proper preparation and understanding the quest prerequisites. This guide provides comprehensive insights to ensure you’re fully equipped for success.
In Pokémon Legends: Z-A‘s Mega Dimension DLC expansion, players encounter a dedicated fan seeking to recreate Canari’s iconic bench photograph. This specific activity forms part of Side Mission 144, officially titled “Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery.” The mission becomes available only after successfully completing Hyperspace Mission 3, which serves as the primary gateway to this secondary objective. Understanding this progression requirement prevents unnecessary frustration for players attempting to access the content prematurely.
Many trainers overlook the importance of mission sequencing, leading to confusion when the quest-giver remains unresponsive. The woman positioned near the bench location will only initiate dialogue and provide mission details once you’ve achieved the necessary story progression. This design ensures players have developed adequate navigation skills and familiarity with Lumiose City’s vertical parkour mechanics before attempting the photographic challenge.
Strategic navigation proves essential for efficiently locating Canari’s famous bench amidst Lumiose City’s extensive rooftop network.
The bench sits remarkably close to the quest-giving NPC’s position, eliminating extensive travel requirements. For optimal efficiency, navigate to the compact plaza situated directly south of the Magenta Sector 1 Pokémon Center. This positioning minimizes backtracking and streamlines your approach to the objective. Many players waste valuable exploration time checking unrelated benches scattered throughout the city’s elevated pathways when the solution lies within immediate proximity.
Upon entering the designated plaza, identify the accessible ladder providing rooftop entry. Ascend this structure and immediately follow the pathway branching leftward. This route leads directly to the recognizable bench featured in Canari’s photograph. Initiating interaction triggers an essential cutscene that advances mission progression. The visual cues provided by the environment, including distinctive architectural elements and pathway markings, serve as reliable navigation aids for players unfamiliar with the sector’s layout.
Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Game Freak/Nintendo, The Pokémon Company via Polygon
The photographic recreation phase demands precise positioning and understanding the game’s unique mechanics for mission completion.
Following the initial bench interaction, the quest-giver requests photographic replication of Canari’s composition. Contrary to expectations, this doesn’t utilize the standard photo-mode functionality. Instead, you must journey southward from the bench position to scale the rooftop’s upper sections. This ascent requires navigating a compact ledge, demolishing obstructive Mega Shards, and climbing an additional ladder structure. The strategic destruction of crystal formations represents a common hurdle for players unfamiliar with the game’s environmental interaction systems.
Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Game Freak/Nintendo, The Pokémon Company via Polygon
Reaching the elevated platform reveals a railing overlooking the bench with a distinct “take a photo” interaction prompt. Positioning yourself at this vantage point and pressing the A button initiates the concluding cutscene, finalizing mission objectives. Advanced players recommend approaching from the eastern roof edge for optimal camera alignment, as this angle best replicates the original photograph’s composition. The entire photographic segment typically requires 3-5 minutes for completion, depending on individual platforming proficiency.
Mission completion delivers substantial rewards with significant gameplay implications beyond immediate monetary gain.
Successfully concluding Side Mission 144 grants a generous compensation package: $2,300 and five Fast Balls. The financial reward provides meaningful currency for early-game purchases, but the Fast Balls represent the true prize. These specialized capture devices qualify as rare Apricorn Balls, unavailable through standard retail channels. Their increased effectiveness against quick-moving Pokémon makes them invaluable additions to any trainer’s inventory, particularly when encountering elusive species in the wild.
Strategically, completing this mission early in your Pokémon Legends: Z-A journey provides access to premium capture tools that significantly enhance your Pokémon collection capabilities. The Fast Balls’ unique properties can dramatically reduce capture attempts for speedy Pokémon species, conserving resources and time during exploration phases. This mission serves as an excellent example of how side content in the Mega Dimension DLC delivers both immediate and long-term gameplay benefits for dedicated trainers.
Action Checklist
- Complete Hyperspace Mission 3 to unlock access to Side Mission 144
- Travel to Magenta Sector 1 and locate plaza south of Pokémon Center
- Ascend ladder and follow left path to interact with Canari’s bench
- Navigate south, climb ledge, break Mega Shards, and ascend second ladder
- Position at railing prompt and activate photo sequence to complete mission
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Side Mission 144 ‘Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery’ walkthrough in Pokémon Legends: Z-A Complete guide to finding Canari's bench in Pokémon Legends: Z-A Side Mission 144 with expert tips and rewards