The next mainline game – Pokemon Legends Z-A – will take players back to Pokemon X & Y’s Kalos region, bring back Mega Evolutions, and add several new features.
After the huge success behind Pokemon Legends Arceus, The Pokemon Company is betting on a new story that follows that same formula with their new entry, Pokemon Legends Z-A.
As shown in trailers and Nintendo Directs, the game will take place in the Kalos region, specifically Lumiose City. It will bring back Mega Evolutions but also add new mechanics. So, here’s everything we know about Pokemon Legends Z-A.
Pokemon Legends Z-A release date
Nintendo confirmed on May 28, 2025, that Pokemon Legends Z-A will release on October 16, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
Pokemon Presents
In addition to confirming Legends Z-A’s release date, The Pokemon Company announced a Pokemon Presents broadcast for July 22, 2025. As usual, the show will cover all the “latest Pokemon news.”
Platforms
Pokemon Legends Z-A will be available for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, with the latter being billed as a ‘Nintendo Switch 2’ edition.
While differences, if any, between the two versions hasn’t been specified, it’s likely that the latter version will feature superior visuals and performance, similar to other Switch 2 ports of existing Switch titles.
New Pokemon
Currently, there are no new Pokemon officially revealed for Pokemon Legends Z-A. However, the previous Pokemon Legends game – Pokemon Legends Arceus – introduced several new creatures, so the same could happen in the new entry.
Though there are no new Pokemon confirmed yet, players can expect to see some returning creatures like the confirmed starters, along with Jolteon, Flareon, Vaporeon, Sandile, Fletchling, Flaaffy, and many more.
Every Mega Evolution confirmed
The extended look at Pokemon Legends Z-A confirmed Mega Evolutions will be back in the game.
While no new Mega Evolutions have been shown yet, the video and official Pokemon Legends Z-A website feature the following Mega Pokemon:
- Mega Charizard X
- Mega Charizard Y
- Mega Alakazam
- Mega Gengar
- Mega Kangaskhan
- Mega Gyarados
- Mega Ampharos
- Mega Gardevoir
- Mega Sableye
- Mega Altaria
- Mega Absol
- Mega Salamence
- Mega Lucario
- Mega Gallade
All new characters
The Pokemon Legends Z-A trailer revealed the main characters for this story.
As usual, depending on the player’s choice (male or female), they’ll meet a new friend, Urbain or Taunie, who will act as their “rival”.
The hotel featured as a ‘base’ will be run by a character named AZ and his Pokemon partner, Eternal Flower Floette. Meanwhile, Lumiose’s redevelopment is managed by Quasartico Inc.’s CEO, Jett, and her secretary, Vinnie.
Mechanics
Wild Zones
While the game follows the structure of Legends Arceus, it will have wild areas, just like in Sword & Shield and Scarlet & Violet, where players can go hunting.
Scattered all around Lumiose City, players will find “Wild Zones”, special environments where wild Pokemon live comfortably. Trainers can go inside and catch all the creatures they want; however, the Pokemon might be hostile and attack back.
Z-A Royale
When night comes, the city’s aura transforms, and the Z-A Royale tournament starts. This is a game mode that only takes place during nighttime and pits trainers against each other in battle zones.
If players walk around battle zones and are spotted, they’ll be challenged to an in-site battle. However, if they sneak on their opponents and attack first, they can lend a surprise attack.
According to the video, using a super effective move at the right moment will allow trainers to dodge incoming attacks. But that’s not all, as they’ll be able to Mega Evolve their Pokemon for extra power.
Players will start at Rank Z and will have to work their way to Rank A. Those who reach the top are said to have a wish granted. Though no further details have been revealed.
Pokemon Legends Z-A trailers
You can watch the official Pokemon Legends Z-A reveal trailer below:
Here’s the extended look at Pokemon Legends Z-A featured in the 2025 Pokemon Presents:
Here’s the video featured in the Nintendo Direct from March 27, 2025.
That’s everything we have for Pokemon Legends Z-A right now, but be sure to check out more of our great guides, including the confirmed starters, every featured Pokemon, and all about the Mega Evolutions.