Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an exciting new game coming to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, bringing players back to the familiar city of Lumiose in the Kalos region. Set to launch on October 16, 2025, this game promises a fresh adventure with new ways to play, building on the style of the earlier Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Here’s everything you need to know about the Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
The Story and Setting
The game takes place entirely in Lumiose City, a busy place inspired by Paris, France, from the Pokémon X and Y games. A company called Quasartico Inc. is working to change the city, making it a home for both people and Pokémon.
You’ll stay at Hotel Z, run by a tall, mysterious figure named AZ, who is over 3,000 years old and travels with a special Floette holding a black flower.
Your adventure involves helping with the city’s rebuilding and meeting new friends like Urbain or Taunie, depending on how you look at the start. You’ll also join Team MZ to keep the city safe from wild, powerful Pokémon.
New Battle System
Unlike older Pokémon games where battles happen turn by turn, Pokémon Legends: Z-A lets you and your Pokémon move around in real time during fights. You can tell your Pokémon when to attack, dodge, or switch, and the timing of your moves matters.
The game introduces the Z-A Royale, a nighttime competition where you battle other trainers to climb from Rank Z to Rank A, earning points and maybe even a wish if you reach the top.
You can also team up with up to three friends for battles online or locally. To catch Pokémon, you can throw a Poké Ball directly or weaken them first with a fight, especially the tough alpha Pokémon with glowing red eyes.
Starting Pokémons and Special Powers
At the start, you can choose one of three partners: Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile. These friends will guide you through the adventure. The game brings back Mega Evolution, a special boost that makes some Pokémon stronger using Mega Stones, which you might trade for with Mega Shards at Quasartico Inc. Legendary Pokémon like Zygarde, which changes shape with its cell-like parts, also play a big role.
Details on First Partner Pokémon Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile
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Chikorita: This gentle grass Pokémon uses the big leaf on its head to sense temperature and humidity, often seeking sunny spots to sunbathe. It starts off waving its leaf to scare others, but a sweet smell from the leaf soon calms everyone, creating a friendly vibe. Chikorita is nimble and loves warm places, making it a caring companion.
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Tepig: A fire Pokémon with a great sense of smell, Tepig loves roasting Berries to eat. Sometimes it gets too excited and burns them, ruining the meal. Despite its small size, it’s quick, dodging attacks with agility and shooting fireballs from its nose. When sick, it puffs black smoke instead of fire, so it needs extra care.
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Totodile: This water Pokémon has a tough personality despite its small size. It bites anything that moves, including its trainer, with strong jaws that can crush objects. Its playful nips can hurt, so you’ll need to watch out and not turn your back on it. Totodile’s boldness makes it a lively partner.
The Legendary Pokémon Zygarde
Zygarde 10% Forme
This is one of Zygarde’s forms, appearing when about 10% of its cell pieces are gathered. It looks like a dog with a black body and a green scarf-like neck. It jumps at enemies to bite with its sharp teeth and can run at speeds up to 100 km/h.
Since it only has one core, it can’t hold this shape for long but acts fast to protect the ecosystem when needed.
Zygarde 50% Forme
This form appears when half of Zygarde’s cells are collected, giving it a snake-like shape with green and black patterns. It has a collar with five branch-like shapes and compound eyes made of hexagons.
Its job is to watch over the ecosystem, staying out of fights unless the balance is at risk. It’s strong but only has half its full power until more cells are found.
Zygarde Complete Forme
This is Zygarde’s full form, achieved when all its cells are gathered. It becomes a tall, human-like figure with a long tail and a chest opening that shoots powerful energy to stop threats to the ecosystem.
It’s the strongest version, stepping in to restore balance with force. In battles, it changes to this form if its health drops below half, then returns to its original shape afterward.
Mega Dragonite
Mega Dragonite is a new addition to the Mega Evolution lineup, turning the classic Dragonite into a more powerful version. It grows head-mounted wings like its earlier form, Dragonair, and has a shiny tail.
Standing at 7 feet 3 inches and weighing 639.3 lbs, it’s both strong and kind, quickly defeating enemies while helping allies during fights. This change happens with a Mega Stone and a strong bond with its trainer.
Look and Feel
Lumiose City is full of life with parks, shops, and Wild Zones where Pokémon roam freely. You can change your character’s look with new hairstyles, colors, and even lip shades at salons. The Nintendo Switch 2 version offers brighter pictures and smoother action, while the Switch version gets an upgrade pack for the same improvements.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Demo
A demo is now available for players at the Pokémon World Championships in Anaheim, California, giving a taste of the new battling style.
What’s Next
The game is rated for players 10 and up and will be available in ten languages, including a new Latin American Spanish option. Pre-ordering early gets you a Ralts with a Gardevoirite and 100 Poké Balls as bonuses until February 28, 2026.
After launch, expect more surprises like extra missions or events. Fans are excited, with some hoping for familiar Pokémon like Pikachu and others curious about the story’s twists.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A offers a mix of city exploration, real-time battles, and classic catching fun. Whether you’re new or a longtime fan, this game is set to bring a new way to enjoy Pokémon when it arrives this October. Keep watching for more updates on the official website as the release gets closer!
