Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an action role-playing video game (ARPG) developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. The game was released on October 16, 2025 for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 platforms. As the second title in the Pokémon Legends sub-franchise after Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022), the game takes players back to the iconic Kalos region, with a primary focus on Lumiose City, which is undergoing a major transformation.
Setting
Unlike its predecessor, which was set in the past, Pokémon Legends: Z-A presents a futuristic vision of Lumiose City. The story centers on a city redevelopment plan driven by a large company named Quasartico Inc. This plan aims to create a living environment that is harmonious between humans and Pokémon, by integrating advanced technology and green areas amid the bustle of the metropolis.
Lumiose City, known from Pokémon X and Y, has now changed drastically. Modern buildings blend with "wild zones", special areas designed with cutting-edge technology as habitats for wild Pokémon to live freely. The city's icon, Prism Tower, still stands magnificently at the center and serves as a hub for various activities, from restaurants and shops to important locations in the storyline. A building named Hotel Z, managed by the mysterious character AZ, also becomes an important location in the adventure.
Gameplay
Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces a number of revolutionary changes to the basic formula of the Pokémon franchise, especially in the battle and exploration systems.
Real-Time Battles
For the first time in the main series of Pokémon RPG video games, battles are no longer turn-based. Pokémon Legends: Z-A implements a real-time battle system, in which Trainers and their Pokémon can move freely on the battlefield. Players can command Pokémon to launch attacks directly, and each move has a different range, area of effect, and time needed to react. Strategies such as Pokémon switching and precise attack timing become the key to victory in this more dynamic and intense system.
Z-A Royale
One of the main competitive features in this game is the Z-A Royale tournament. Every night, "battle zones" bounded by high-tech holograms appear in various corners of the city. In these zones, Trainers can battle to raise their rank, starting from Rank Z and aiming for the highest peak, Rank A. In addition to pride, reaching Rank A promises a reward in the form of one wish that can be granted. Players can battle computer-controlled Trainers or other players online with up to three people at once with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Wild Zones and Catching
During the day, players can explore wild zones to catch and train Pokémon. These areas function as wilderness in the middle of the city, allowing players to encounter various Pokémon species and catch them by throwing Poké Balls directly, similar to the mechanism in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Mega Evolution
The Mega Evolution feature, first introduced in Pokémon X and Y, returns with a central role in the storyline and gameplay. Players can use the power of Mega Evolution by combining a Key Stone worn by the Trainer with a Mega Stone held by a Pokémon, provided the bond between them is strong enough. In addition, there is a story element about "Rogue Mega Evolution", namely Pokémon that Mega Evolve wildly and go on a rampage, becoming a threat to Lumiose City. Defeating these wild Pokémon rewards valuable Mega Stones.
Starter Pokémon
Just like its predecessor, Pokémon Legends: Z-A gives players the choice to begin their adventure with one of three starter Pokémon that do not originate from the Kalos region, but from the Johto and Unova regions. The choices are Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile. This selection of starters that differs from the usual gives a fresh touch for longtime fans.
Development and Release
The game was first announced on February 27, 2024, coinciding with the Pokémon Day celebration, through a Pokémon Presents event. Development was carried out by Game Freak, with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company acting as publishers. Pokémon Legends: Z-A was released globally on October 16, 2025, available for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The version for Nintendo Switch 2 offers improved performance, higher resolution, and a smoother frame rate.
Reception
In general, Pokémon Legends: Z-A has been praised for its boldness in changing the traditional battle system into something more active and exciting. However, some criticism has emerged regarding the city setting, which feels "bland" and "lifeless" compared with the semi-open areas in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Even so, the game is still regarded as an interesting step forward for the Pokémon Legends sub-franchise and is expected to influence the design of mainline games in the future.
References
Pokémon Legends: Z-A, PCMag UK
Experience Brand-New Mechanics in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, legions.pokemon.com
Pack your bags for Lumiose City—a new, action-packed Pokémon adventure is finally here!, Nintendo
寶可夢傳說 Z-A, Wikipedia
Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Nederlandse Wikipedia
Pokémon™ Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo
Pokémon™ Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition, Nintendo
Pokémon Legends: Z‑A, Gamewijzer
Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Game Rant
Pokémon Legends Z-A: Petualangan Seru di Lumiose City, GAMEROOM