Since the success of the Pokémon Legends: Arceus game, fans of the franchise have been waiting eagerly for the next game installment! Pokémon Legends was released in 2022, with fans praising it, stating that it is a bold reinvention that breathes new life into the franchise. Many say they would highly recommend it to those who would like to step away from the traditional main formula and embark on an adventure filled with wonder, discovery, and a real sense of exploring the unknown. On Pokémon Day of last year, February 27, 2024, Tsunekazu Ishihara, President and CEO of The Pokémon Company, held a special Pokémon Presents presentation, announcing new games, events, and updates for various Pokémon titles, including a new game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A. This will be the successor to Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Things have been quite quiet since then, but just recently, exactly two weeks ago, one year following the announcement of the new game release, the official Pokémon YouTube channel released two Pokémon News videos on YouTube, giving us many peeks into what the game will be like. The company also confirmed that the game’s release date will be in the autumn of 2025, with a simultaneous worldwide release, but the exact release date is still unconfirmed.
Game Setting & Key Characters
In the first official trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, titled An Extended Look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A!, you can see that the game is set in Lumiose City, the bustling metropolis from Pokémon X & Y, located in the largest city of the Kalos region. The game centres around Prism Tower, a defining landmark of the city, and follows a story that unfolds amidst an ambitious urban redevelopment project driven by cutting-edge technology. You can also see Pokémons are having fun and co-existing in the area.
We can also see designated “Wild Habitat Zone” in the metropolis, marked by green gates with a number in the middle. We can assume this signifies the level of untamed or uncaptured wild Pokémon. Additionally, players can battle, catch, and explore the world.
At the start of their adventure, players can choose one of the following starter Pokémon:
Chikorita (Grass type)
Tepig (Fire type)
Totodile (Water type)
These Pokémon will accompany players on their journey.
Players take on the role of a traveller arriving in Lumiose City, with the “Hotel Z” serving as their base of operations. As they explore the city, they will encounter various characters and engage in different events.
Depending on the player’s chosen protagonist appearance, they will have the opportunity to team up with either Urbain or Taunie. Other notable figures introduced in the trailer include AZ, the mysterious owner of Hotel Z, who is accompanied by his Pokémon partner, Eternal Flower Floette. Another significant figure is Jetto, the president of the influential Quasartico Inc., a corporation playing a major role in the redevelopment of Lumiose City. Additionally, the trailer introduces Vinnie, Jetto’s trusted secretary. While not much is revealed about Vinnie’s role, their association with Jetto suggests they may play a key part in the operations of Quasartico Inc. and possibly influence the game’s events. These characters appear to shape the story’s direction, creating intrigue around their individual roles and how they will interact with the player’s journey.
Gameplay & Features
Lumiose City is home to a Wild Habitat Zone, a specially designed area where wild Pokémon can roam freely alongside humans in an effort to promote coexistence. Players will be able to explore these zones, battle wild Pokémon, and attempt to capture them.
A new real-time battle system has been introduced, marking a major departure from traditional turn-based combat. Pokémon will move in tandem with their trainers, allowing for seamless, strategic battles where timing, attack range, and move speed play a crucial role. While the classic type advantage system remains intact, players must also carefully manage their Pokémon swaps and move execution to gain the upper hand in battles.
Mega Evolution
The Mega Evolution, first introduced in Pokémon X and Y, makes a return in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It is a feature that will increase the power of your Pokémon and change their appearance. However, it is important to note that not all Pokémon can evolve beyond their normal evolution; only a few Pokémon can evolve beyond their normal evolutions when they gain levels in battle, and when they do, they temporarily release the hidden energy within the Pokémon.
By activating the Key stone held by the trainer and the Mega Stone possessed by certain Pokémon, Mega Evolution can be triggered, granting Pokémon enhanced abilities and transforming their appearance. Mastering Mega Evolution will be a key factor in achieving victory.
The following is a partial list of Pokemon that have been confirmed to be capable of Mega Evolution in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
Mega Charizard X
Mega Charizard Y
Mega Kangaskhan
Mega Ampharos
Mega Gardevoir
Mega Sableye
Mega Altaria
Mega Absol
Mega Lucario
With its great storyline, better battle mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games of 2025.
Game Overview
Title: Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Release Date: Autumn 2025
Genre: Action RPG
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Supported Languages:
• Japanese
• English
• European Spanish
• Latin American Spanish
• French
• German
• Italian
• Korean
• Simplified Chinese
•Traditional Chinese