In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, players encounter a wide range of side quests that deepen the lore and exploration of the Hisui region. One particularly intriguing request is called Gone Astray…in the Coastlands, part of a recurring series where a character named Zeke asks the player to locate his missing sister, Wanda. This quest not only tests your ability to explore the environment efficiently, but also highlights the immersive design of the game’s world. Understanding the mechanics and solutions behind Gone Astray in the Coastlands will save players time and enrich their experience in the Cobalt Coastlands.
Understanding the Gone Astray Questline
Who Are Zeke and Wanda?
Zeke and Wanda are siblings from the Galaxy Team who appear multiple times throughout the game. Wanda is known for her tendency to get lost while conducting her duties in the field. Her brother Zeke repeatedly enlists the player’s help in locating her. These quests form a mini-narrative arc, each occurring in a different region of Hisui this one, specifically, takes place in the scenic Cobalt Coastlands.
The Gone Astray quests usually start at the Galaxy Hall in Jubilife Village. Zeke provides details on where Wanda was last seen, and the player sets off to investigate. While the quests are not mandatory, they provide rewards and reinforce the game’s emphasis on exploration and helping fellow Galaxy Team members.
Preparing for the Cobalt Coastlands
Essential Tools and Pokémon
Before heading out, ensure your character has access to rideable Pokémon such as Basculegion and Sneasler. These Pokémon are crucial for navigating the terrain of the Coastlands, especially given the region’s water-based geography and high cliffs.
- Wyrdeer: Useful for fast land travel and scaling small hills.
- Basculegion: Necessary for traveling across large bodies of water.
- Sneasler: Allows you to climb cliffs and reach hard-to-access areas.
Also, keep a good supply of Poké Balls and healing items, as wild Pokémon in the area may become aggressive during your search. It’s also smart to bring a balanced team in case you need to fend off any high-level threats while tracking Wanda.
Starting the Quest
How to Trigger Gone Astray in the Coastlands
To unlock this specific quest, you need to complete earlier Gone Astray missions, particularly the one in the Crimson Mirelands. Once that’s done, return to Galaxy Hall and speak with Zeke. He will mention that Wanda has disappeared in the Cobalt Coastlands. Accept the quest, and it will appear in your mission log.
Make sure to pin the request to keep track of the objective and head straight to the Cobalt Coastlands through the main gate. From there, you’ll want to fast-travel to the Coastlands Camp to begin your search.
Locating Wanda’s Position
Using Ursaluna’s Tracking Ability
To find Wanda, you will use Ursaluna’s scent-tracking feature. This is one of the core mechanics of the quest. Summon Ursaluna and begin scanning the area for a blue scent trail, which signifies a person’s scent. Follow this trail carefully; it may lead you through winding terrain, including narrow cliffs and rocky ledges.
For this particular mission, Wanda can be found near the base of a cliff southeast of Castaway Shore, between the coast and the mountain. The area is remote and may require the use of Sneasler to climb down safely or Basculegion to approach from the water.
When you approach her location, you’ll see Wanda cornered by wild Pokémon often a Glameow or another aggressive creature. Be ready for a quick battle to protect her.
Map Tips and Landmarks
If you’re having trouble using Ursaluna, look for the following visual landmarks:
- Cliff near Castaway Shore: A high elevation near the beach with tricky terrain.
- Small cave entrance: Wanda may occasionally be tucked away near a rocky overhang.
- Rocky shoreline: Expect to use Basculegion to navigate these parts safely.
Ursaluna will respond faster as you get closer. When the blue marker above its head becomes more frequent, you are nearing your goal.
Completing the Quest
Interacting with Wanda
Once you’ve driven off the hostile Pokémon, speak with Wanda. She will thank you for saving her again, and the quest will update to instruct you to return to Jubilife Village. You can use fast travel to get back quickly.
Speak with Zeke at Galaxy Hall to conclude the mission. The reunion between the siblings offers a lighthearted and wholesome moment, reinforcing the importance of the community within the Galaxy Team.
Quest Rewards
The rewards for this quest typically include valuable items such as Stardust, Ultra Balls, or crafting materials. While these items are useful, the real benefit lies in the increased sense of connection with the characters and the world around you. The recurring nature of these requests helps make the supporting cast more memorable.
Why Gone Astray in the Coastlands Matters
Highlighting Exploration Mechanics
This mission is a perfect example of how Pokémon Legends: Arceus emphasizes player agency and movement through its world. Unlike traditional Pokémon games, the journey itself is the challenge using rideable Pokémon and sensory mechanics like Ursaluna’s tracking feature highlights how the game moves beyond turn-based mechanics and embraces real-time discovery.
Depth in Side Content
Though not a main story quest, Gone Astray in the Coastlands adds depth and variety to the gameplay. It gives players a break from standard missions and introduces personal stakes involving recurring characters. The continuity across different zones builds immersion and shows that the world evolves as the player progresses.
Optional, Yet Rewarding
Many players may skip side quests thinking they’re optional filler. However, this mission proves that optional content in Legends: Arceus often carries rich rewards and narrative importance. The Gone Astray quests, in particular, tie directly into the theme of responsibility and teamwork a core idea of the Galaxy Expedition Team.
Gone Astray in the Coastlands in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is more than a simple fetch quest. It’s a carefully designed mission that makes use of the game’s unique mechanics and beautiful world design. From using Ursaluna to track scents, to navigating the cliffs and beaches with your rideable Pokémon, the journey to find Wanda reflects the game’s spirit of exploration and connection. Whether you’re a completionist or just someone who enjoys meaningful side content, this quest is worth your time and attention.