Released on October 16, 2025, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the latest installment in the Pokémon franchise, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. Serving as a sequel to Pokémon X and Y (2013), the game marks the second entry in the Pokémon Legends sub-series, following Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022). Unlike its predecessor, which featured an open-world setting, Z-A is set entirely within Lumiose City, the bustling capital of the Kalos region, inspired by Paris, France.
Story and Setting
The narrative unfolds during an urban redevelopment project in Lumiose City, led by the enigmatic company Quasartico, Inc. As the city undergoes transformation, players encounter Wild Zones—areas where Pokémon coexist with humans—and Battle Zones, active during nighttime hours, where trainers can challenge each other in the Z-A Royale. The protagonist’s journey involves advancing from Rank Z to Rank A through promotion battles, with the ultimate goal of having a wish granted. Throughout the story, the Legendary Pokémon Zygarde takes an interest in the player’s actions, and a mysterious phenomenon causes wild Pokémon to spontaneously Mega Evolve and go berserk.
Gameplay Innovations
Real-Time Combat System
Departing from the traditional turn-based battles, Z-A introduces a real-time combat system. Players can position their Pokémon, dodge attacks, and execute moves with precise timing. A new feature allows players to launch preemptive strikes on opposing trainers in the Battle Zones during nighttime, adding an element of strategy and surprise to encounters.
Mega Evolution Returns
The game reintroduces the Mega Evolution mechanic, first introduced in Pokémon X and Y. Players can temporarily Mega Evolve their Pokémon during battles by filling a gauge through damage dealt to opponents. Additionally, the upcoming paid DLC, Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension, will feature new Mega Evolutions, including two forms for Raichu, making it the third Pokémon to receive two distinct Mega Evolutions after Charizard and Mewtwo.
Multiplayer and Online Features
Z-A enhances the multiplayer experience with the Z-A Battle Club, allowing four players to engage in real-time battles. Players can collect Mega Power orbs to enable Mega Evolutions and use stat-boosting items mid-battle. The game also supports online ranked battles, where players can earn Mega Stones for the starter Pokémon from Pokémon X and Y—Chesnaught, Delphox, and Greninja—by ranking up in the Z-A Battle Club.
Development and Release
Pokémon Legends: Z-A was announced on February 27, 2024, during a Pokémon Presents presentation, with a release window set for 2025. The game was released on October 16, 2025, for both the original Nintendo Switch and the newly launched Nintendo Switch 2. An enhanced version for the Switch 2 offers improved graphics and performance. In its first week, the game sold over 5.8 million copies worldwide, with 1.48 million units sold in Japan alone during the first four days of launch.
Reception
Pokémon Legends: Z-A received generally favorable reviews from critics. Praise was directed at the innovative real-time combat system and the reintroduction of Mega Evolution. However, some criticism was aimed at the game’s visual design, with some reviewers describing the city setting as visually restrictive.
Looking Ahead: Mega Dimension DLC
The first major downloadable content (DLC) for Z-A, titled Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension, is scheduled for release on February 28, 2026. The DLC will center around the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa and introduce new Mega Evolutions, including two forms for Raichu. Additionally, the DLC will feature spatial distortions in Lumiose City, adding new challenges and gameplay elements for players to explore.
Conclusion
Pokémon Legends: Z-A offers a fresh take on the Pokémon series, blending real-time combat with strategic multiplayer elements and a rich narrative set in the iconic Lumiose City. With the upcoming Mega Dimension DLC on the horizon, players can look forward to new adventures and challenges in the Kalos region.
