Tails by the Foxfire

2025’s Pokemon Day got off to an exciting start with our annual Pokemon Presents: a Pokemon-only exhibition showing off all the latest developments in current and upcoming Pokemon titles. This year, we got our regularly scheduled updates for Pokemon Cafe, Pokemon Masters EX, and more, but the most exciting part of the show for me was a closer look at the next in the Pokemon Legends series: Pokemon Z-A, confirmed to be coming our way later this year!

What is Pokemon Legends: Z-A?

I’m not gonna lie: I didn’t play Pokemon X or Y, so there’s likely a lot of lore and worldbuilding here that I won’t understand. The extent of my Pokemon experience was devouring generations 1-3 when I was a kid, following which, my interest fell off for a bit while life got in the way. I returned to the series for the respective remakes of each of these generations, and then picked back up again with Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and Pokemon Legends: Arceus. I enjoyed each one of these thoroughly, with Pokemon Legends: Arceus becoming a firm favourite of mine (despite me skipping the generation it was based on) for the fresh breath of life I found it breathed into the franchise, so I definitely expect to love Pokemon Legends: Z-A just as much even with my ignorance about its origins. 

Here’s a quick ‘what’s going on here?’ rundown to give you an idea of what we’re in for: 

Pokemon Legends: Z-A will take place in Lumiose City: the largest city in Pokemon X and Y’s Kalos region. At the time Z-A takes place, Lumiose City is undergoing extensive urban development overseen by mega corporation Quasartico Inc, and the ultimate goal is to create a city that people and Pokemon can coexist in peacefully. Much like the Galaxy Team’s Jubilife Village HQ in Pokemon Legends Arceus, it looks like this time our central hub will be a hotel in Lumiose City run by the mysterious, towering figure AZ and his partner, Eternal Flower Floette. I’m excited to get to know these interesting characters and the rest of the cast!

Which Starter Pokemon Can I Choose From in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?

Like in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Legends: A-Z presents us with a choice of three familiar starters plenty of us will know from past games–especially Pokemon Gold and Silver:

• Chikorita: the grass-type starter introduced in Generation II.
• Totodile: the water-type starter introduced in Generation II.
• Tepig: the fire-type starter introduced in Generation V.

They’re definitely a strange crew, especially considering Kalos is the setting for Pokemon’s Generation VI, but I certainly am not complaining–Mr. Fox and I welcomed the chance to see Totodile front and centre again, and I’m a fan of Chikorita as well since Pokemon Generation II is my firm favourite out of them all. Teaming poor Tepig up with two Generation II starters did feel like a strange choice since it looks like a definite mismatch, but since Cyndaquil had already appeared in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, it wasn’t like they could bring us the whole set. Besides, that definitely runs into the issue of “Why does Kalos only have Johto starters?” and for that, I’m not sure there’s an answer that really makes sense.

Maybe a more varied starter set like we see in Pokemon Legends: Arceus would’ve been a better idea that didn’t leave me scratching my head so much, but perhaps this is just me nitpicking and trying not to theorise that perhaps there’s a Pokemon Generation II remake on the way or something.

Whatever the reason, Totodile’s back, and we’re thrilled about it in this home.

Where do I Find Wild Pokemon in Pokemon Legends Z-A?

Rather than the wide open plains and mountains of Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Legends: Z-A appears to keep us within the confines of Lumiose City, reminiscent of Safari Zones from the mainline series that are replete with designated “Wild Zones”–ideal habitats for the Pokemon who roam there. Players can catch wild Pokemon in much the same way as they did in Pokemon Legends: Arceus: slowly approach the Pokemon you want to catch, aim carefully, and throw your Pokeball. If the wild Pokemon proves difficult to catch at first, then you can rely on one of your Pokemon companions to weaken it slightly before you try again.

The introduction of these Wild Zones does lead me to wonder, though: just how big is Lumiose City exactly? And will we venture outside of it later, or is this a Midgar-scale city that warrants its own game? I’m definitely curious to find out!

What are Pokemon Battles Like in Pokemon Legends Z-A?

That leads us neatly on to our next topic of interest: Pokemon battles! Pokemon Z-A features an exciting new style of Pokemon battling that takes inspiration from both Pokemon Legends: Arceus and Generation VI–originator of the Mega Evolution which makes a welcome return here.

While engaging in Pokemon battles, trainers will notice that their Pokemon’s move sets have varying reach and areas of effect, so it’s important to pay attention to your Pokemon’s placement and the timing of each attack. These elements introduce a whole new level of strategy and challenge to your battles, which should prove exciting as you encounter new opponents throughout your journey! 

Another Legendary Installment

Pokemon Legends Z-A looks seriously exciting so far and I’m looking forward to any further looks we get at it before its eventual release date towards the end of the year. Featuring a blend of familiar aspects and thrilling innovations, it promises to be a worthy installment in the fantastic Pokemon Legends series, which I’m so glad is getting a chance to continue. If I can be greedy for a minute, I can’t help but wonder what’s next to come in the Pokemon Legends line–Mew? Mewtwo? Ho-oH and Lugia? The legendary dogs? Jirachi? Bring it all on, I say! The legendary Pokemon have always been my favourite aspect of the mainline series and I’m glad for the opportunity to embrace their stories in a way that’s appropriately epic!

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