Pokémon Legends Z-A: Everything we know so far

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is about to take us to Lumiose City sometime in 2025 on the Switch. Not unlike Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the new adventure looks set to show us a new side of Pokémon in a futuristic-looking version of the city where Pokémon and people are learning to live side-by-side.

Thanks to the recent Pokémon Presents February 2025 stream, we at last got a proper look at the upcoming RPG. Showing off its apparent open-zone direction, we also got to see how it will feature real-time dodges and commands, and more. The upcoming Switch game, which also looks set to be one of the upcoming Switch 2 games, will bring us back to Lumiose City and see the return of the Mega Evolutions for the first time in seven years. With everything we've learned so far, it's certainly shaping up to be one of the most exciting new games for 2025.

Below, we've brought together everything we know so far about Pokémon Legends: Z-A, including a rundown on all of the critters we'll know you'll be meeting, details on the gameplay, and much more.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A release window confirmed

The Pokémon Company has confirmed that Pokémon Z-A Legends release date will be "late 2025".

We know that it'll be a simultaneous worldwide release, but we'll still need to wait a little longer to get a firm date on the calendar. We have a Nintendo Direct scheduled in a few weeks, so hopefully, we will get a clearer idea of the Pokémon Legends: Z-A release date then.

In the meantime, check out our list of the best Switch games to keep you busy during the wait.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A platforms

Pokémon Legends: Z-A will launch on Nintendo Switch in 2025.

It's worth noting that The Pokémon Company has used slightly confusing language across its social channels, noting that Z-A is coming to "Nintendo Switch systems" - and with the reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2, we can now assume that it will be launching on the now-revealed handheld that's set to launch this year.

However, this phrasing means that we can expect it to launch on both the original Switch along with the Switch 2 - so don't worry about missing out if you don't plan to upgrade consoles just yet.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A trailer

An Extended Look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A! - YouTube

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We got our first proper trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A during the 2025 Pokémon Day showcase on February 27. In the clip, we see scenes of Pokémon having fun throughout Lumiose City - which is currently undergoing redevelopment to be a home for both trainers and Pokémon alike.

We also see the designated "Wild Zones" that exist in the metropolis, marked by green gates. Of course, we also see some battles, critter catching, and world exploration. It's classic Pokémon here, and we are excited to see more trailers drop in the future!

You can watch the Pokémon Legends: Z-A trailer above.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A gameplay

Thanks to the Pokémon Legends: Z-A trailer, we've now gotten our first real look at the expected gameplay for the upcoming title. This includes its setting, which will be entirely within Lumiose City. This means that you're likely going to be unable to explore the wider Kalos Region. That's no doubt going to be a bit of a letdown for some of you Pokémon X and Y fans out there, but it does make sense, given the smaller scope of the Pokémon Legends series of titles.

However, don't worry, there's still plenty to do. While in Lumiose City, your player character will be staying at a hotel named Hotel Z, which will be your base of operations as you tackle all sorts of incidents that will occur in the city. The city will also have lush "wild zones" where you can catch some new party members and battle wild Pokémon. This is typical Pokémon mechanics, but big changes are coming to battling systems with other trainers.

According to the Pokémon website, in Pokémon Legends: Z‑A, "Trainers and their Pokémon will move around in real-time during battles." There are also new features to consider when battling, such as the precise timing for swapping out your Pokémon, the different lengths of time moves will take, and how big an area the moves will impact." This will be the first battle system of its kind in a Pokémon game and will make combat a lot more of a strategic affair.

For years, longtime Pokémon fans have pointed out how easy battles can be in previous entries, especially when you are in the late game with a powerful party. So, it's great to see innovation taking place in Pokémon Legends: Z-A for sure. We'll keep you posted as soon as we know more.

Pokemon Legends Z-A starters

The three Pokémon Legends Z-A starters are Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile.

Chikorita is the grass-type starter that was first introduced in Generation II. It is also one of the first three starters in Pokémon of Johto seen during Pokémon Gold and Silver. This grass type is described as having a gentle personality who loves sunbathing. So, if you love cozy, cute things, it'll be the perfect starter for you. Chikorita also evolves into Bayleef starting at level 16, which then evolves into Meganium (aka the most adorable and dinosaur-coded Pokémon around) at level 32.

Totodile is the water-type starter, which was also introduced in Generation II and, like Chikorita, was a starter during Pokémon Gold and Silver. This Pokémon has a rough personality and a tendency to bite, so be on the lookout for your fingers if you choose this critter as your first partner. Totodile evolves into Croconaw at level 18, which then evolves into Feraligatr starting at level 30.

Finally, we have Tepig, the fire-type starter. Tepig was introduced during Generation V and was one of the starters available during Pokémon Black and White. Tepig loves finding food but has a habit of excitedly burning things when it's to worked up. Tepig evolves into Pignite at level 17, and then into Emboar starting at level 36.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A The Legendary Pokémon

Legendary Pokémon will also be among the Pokémon Legends: Z-A Pokedex for all of us to meet when the game releases later this year. The one we know for sure is heading our way is Zygarde.

Zygarde was first introduced during the sixth generation as a dual-type Dragon/Ground Legendary Pokémon and was a major player in Pokémon the Series: XY.

According to the Pokémon website, "Zygarde is made up of a multitude of cell-like components, and it changes form depending on how many of these components have gathered together. Its brain is made up of the few existing Zygarde Cores, while the rest of its body is comprised of Zygarde Cells, which are far more plentiful. It seems to have taken a special interest in you... What could its connection to this story be?"

So yeah, expect Zygarde to be a massive part of the story of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. We may also see some possible connections to this legendary and the large corporation called Quasartico Inc. (that is re-developing Lumiose City). Stay tuned for updates!

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Mega Evolution explained

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Mega Evolution brings back a beloved feature first introduced in Pokémon X and Y that will boost your Pokémon's power and change their appearance. In Lumiose City, some Pokémon can go beyond normal evolution when they raise their levels in battle. Only a few Pokémon can Mega Evolve, and when they do, it temporarily unleashes the energy hidden within the Pokémon.

When a trainer has a high bond with their partner, a Key Stone (worn by the Trainer) will resonate with the Pokémon's "Mega Stone" - that is what allows the evolution to take place. Below is a list of some of the confirmed Pokémon who can use Mega Evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

• Mega Charizard X
• Mega Charizard Y
• Mega Kangaskhan
• Mega Ampharos
• Mega Gardevoir
• Mega Sableye
• Mega Altaria
• Mega Absol
• Mega Lucario

The list above is expected to grow. And, in fact, according to leakers, 27 new Mega Evolutions could be added in the upcoming game. So far, in the series' history, we've had 48 Mega Evolutions. An additional 27 would bring the new total up to an impressive 75.

However, before you get too excited about this news, keep in mind that nothing has been officially confirmed just yet. We'll keep you posted as more news heads our way!

Can you pre-order Pokémon Legends: Z-A?

Sorry folks, currently, you can't pre-order Pokémon Legends: Z-A. However, you can wishlist the game on the Nintendo e-Shop.

We'll keep you posted as we move further into 2025. No doubt we'll hear news of the pre-order going live soon. In the meantime, check out our list of the best games like Pokémon to play today while you wait.

If you're looking for something else to tuck into while you wait, be sure to check out our pick of the best games like Pokémon.