After a year of silence following its initial announcement on Pokémon Day 2024, Pokémon Legends: Z-A finally has a release window. The highly anticipated title is set to launch in late 2025, as confirmed during today’s Pokémon Presents livestream celebrating the anniversary of the franchise’s first game release in Japan.
New Trailer Provides First Real Look at the Game
The release window was revealed in a brand-new trailer, which marks the first time fans have seen more than just the initial concept teaser. This new footage showcased Pokémon Legends: Z-A‘s setting, mechanics, and even its starter Pokémon.
A Return to Kalos – Lumiose City Undergoing High-Tech Redevelopment
As previously announced, Pokémon Legends: Z-A takes place in Lumiose City, the largest metropolis in the Kalos region, and seemingly unfolds after the events of Pokémon X and Y. The game is set during a time of technological redevelopment, adding a futuristic element to the already modern cityscape.
Players will explore new Wild Zones scattered throughout Lumiose City, where Pokémon can be caught in a manner reminiscent of Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Starter Pokémon Revealed: Totodile, Tepig, and Chikorita
One of the biggest reveals in the trailer was the starter Pokémon selection. Instead of Kalos-native starters, players will choose from:
- Totodile (Water-type, originally from Pokémon Gold & Silver)
- Tepig (Fire-type, originally from Pokémon Black & White)
- Chikorita (Grass-type, originally from Pokémon Gold & Silver)
Mega Evolution Makes Its Grand Return
Another major highlight is the return of Mega Evolution, a battle mechanic first introduced in Pokémon X and Y that allows certain Pokémon to temporarily evolve beyond their final forms, gaining new designs and increased power.
While the trailer did not reveal any new Mega Evolutions, it prominently featured several existing ones, suggesting that most, if not all, of the Mega forms from Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire will be available.
A Bold Shift: Real-Time Battle System Introduced
One of the most striking changes in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is its battle system, which has moved away from traditional turn-based combat to a real-time battle system.
- Each move will have a range and area of effect.
- Positioning will play a key role in battles.
- Moves will charge up over time, making the combat resemble systems seen in Xenoblade Chronicles.
This marks one of the biggest gameplay changes in the series, aiming to create a more immersive and strategic battle experience.
The Aftermath of Scarlet & Violet – A Step Towards Redemption?
The announcement of Pokémon Legends: Z-A comes after the rocky launch of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet in 2022. Those games faced widespread criticism due to performance issues, bugs, and technical problems. The backlash was severe enough that Nintendo issued an apology, an uncommon move for the company.
In what many see as a response to that controversy, 2023 saw no major Pokémon game releases, suggesting that Pokémon Legends: Z-A has been given a longer development cycle to ensure a polished experience at launch.
A Long Wait, But Worth It?
With a late 2025 release window, fans still have a significant wait ahead before they can explore Lumiose City and its Wild Zones. However, with the return of Mega Evolution, a fresh real-time battle system, and a setting filled with high-tech redevelopment, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious titles in the franchise’s history.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to launch!
