Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes place entirely in the Kalos region's Lumiose City, which is based on Paris. It is set for release on 16 October 2025. Initially announced as an exclusive to the original Switch console, an enhanced port is also set for release on the Switch 2.
Gameplay
At the start of the game, three starter Pokémon are available: Chikorita and Totodile (from Gold and Silver), and Tepig (from Black and White).[2] As opposed to previous Pokémon games which featured turn-based combat, Legends: Z-A uses a real-time combat system that takes into account the positioning of the player character, their Pokémon, and the timing of used moves, and allows Pokémon to move around and dodge attacks while in a battle.[3][4] During Pokémon Battles, the player can fill a gauge by collecting Mega Energy (obtained via dealing damage to opposing Pokémon) in order to temporarily Mega Evolve their current Pokémon, although the length of time their Pokémon remains Mega Evolved can also be increased by continuing to damage the opponent or opponents.[5] New to the title is the ability to launch pre-emptive strikes on opposing trainers that wander a specific place in Lumiose City called a Battle Zone during nighttime hours, in a nightly competition called the Z-A Royale, while opposing trainers are capable of the same technique and can stun your Pokémon for a few seconds. There are also side quests in the form of bonus cards that the player can find and fulfill the objectives of to achieve points for accessing rank promotion battles (which are also rewarded when beating enemy trainers).[6]
The game also has a multiplayer mode called the Battle Club were up to 4 player can battle each other, this mode is also has a ranked mode. Character customisation also returns with improved options.[7]
The game will take place in the Kalos region, which is based on France and was first introduced in the 2013 video games Pokémon X and Y.[8] According to its trailer, the plot takes place during an urban redevelopment project in Lumiose City, which is based on Paris,[9] being undertaken by a company called Quasartico, Inc.[10]Nintendo of America has stated that the game will take place entirely within Lumiose City, where Pokémon coexist with humans in locations known as Wild Zones.[11][12] During nighttime hours, Battle Zones will appear for the Z-A Royale, where trainers wander and can challenge and be challenged by the player to Pokémon battles. The player character's goal is to advance from Rank Z to Rank A via promotion battles with certain trainers to have a wish granted.[13] During the course of the story, the Legendary Pokémon Zygarde takes an interest in the player character.[14] There is also a new, mysterious phenomenon within Lumiose City where wild Pokémon spontaneously Mega Evolve and go berserk. One of the player character's goals is to subdue these Mega Evolved Pokémon in the form of real-time boss battles similar to the Noble Pokémon battles within the prior title, Pokémon Legends: Arceus.[15]
Development
On 27 February 2024, Legends Z-A was announced during a Pokémon Presents presentation with a release window of '2025'.[16][17] At the end of the trailer, the Mega Evolution mechanic, which was first introduced in X and Y, was also confirmed to return.[18]Pokémon Legends: Z-A is being developed by Game Freak.[9] During the next Pokémon Presents, on 27 February 2025, a second video was released, giving more information on the plot and gameplay elements with an updated release window of 'late 2025'.[19][20] During the Nintendo Direct on 2 April 2025, it was confirmed that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will get an upgraded version on Nintendo Switch 2 alongside many other Nintendo Switch games.[21] It is scheduled for release on 16 October 2025 for both Switch and Switch 2.[22]
