Pokémon Legends: Z-A release date, starter Pokemon and Mega Evolutions revealed

After a three-year gap between games, Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be the next major release in the long-running critter-collecting franchise. Building on the streamlined battles and open-world exploration of the Legends series, and featuring nostalgic nods to a beloved 3DS classic, the new entry is shaping up to be a must-have for Nintendo Switch owners – and those eyeing the upcoming Switch 2.

Here’s everything we know about Pokémon Legends: Z-A, including its release date, new creatures and battle styles. A year after it was announced, The Pokémon Company recently revealed that Pokémon Legends Z-A will arrive in late 2025. Seeing as Nintendo is prone to releasing big games during the holiday period in the US, we would expect a November launch at the earliest.

The game takes players back to Lumiose City, a Parisian-style, circle-shaped metropolis in the Kalos Region, which older players will remember from 2013’s Pokémon X and Y. Like its inspiration, Lumiose is characterised by grand boulevards, tree-lined avenues, and manicured gardens. It even has its own take on the Eiffel Tower, a futuristic monument dubbed the Prism Tower that sits at the heart of the city.

But, much has changed since our last visit. Lumiose is in the midst of a massive transformation, described as an “urban redevelopment plan”, designed to create a utopia where humans and Pokémon can co-exist. This ambitious project is being led by an enigmatic corporation known as Quasartico Inc. With her blonde hair coiffed to perfection, the company’s CEO, Jett, and her gruff secretary, Vinnie (who looks more like a bodyguard than an assistant), definitely give off major villain vibes, if you ask us.

As part of the renovation, Lumiose has been sectioned into “Wild Zones”, which are like geo-fenced encampments for Pokémon. Here, you’ll be able to battle and catch the creatures as normal, with your partner Pokémon lending a hand. Taking the dynamic battles of Legends: Arceus a step further, Z-A promises an unprecedented level of real-time combat. Trainers and their Pokémon will be able to move more freely, dodging attacks and launching their own with greater agility.

Players will also need to consider the duration of moves and the areas they affect, adding an extra layer of strategy to every encounter. Upon arriving in Lumiose City, you’ll have the chance to choose one of three adorable companions from the familiar water, fire, and grass types to join you on your adventure.

Chikorita, with its signature leaf, can sense temperature and humidity, often using it to find sunny spots to relax. Its gentle nature can even soothe opponents with a calming fragrance during battles. As it evolves, Chikorita transforms into Bayleef, a leafy, dinosaur-like Pokémon, before reaching its final form as Meganium – a larger, more elegant version of Bayleef, adorned with a distinctive collar of flowery petals.

Then there’s Tepig, a fiery little pig with a keen nose for sniffing out food, although its enthusiasm sometimes leads to burned meals. Agile and quick, it can dodge attacks and unleash fireballs from its nostrils. As it evolves, Tepig transforms into the bipedal Pignite, before becoming Emboar, a hulking powerhouse with both Fire- and Fighting-type moves, ready to pack a punch in battle.

Meanwhile, Totodile is a small but feisty scrapper, with powerful jaws that can crush anything in its path. Just make sure you’re not on the end of its playful bites (ouch!). The Water-type Pokémon evolves into Croconaw, marked by a distinctive red mohawk-like fin on its head, before reaching its final form, Feraligatr – with a versatile moveset that includes Water, Dark, and Normal-type attacks.

In another nod to X and Y, the game contains the powerful and rare phenomenon known as Mega Evolution. Unlike regular Evolution, which causes a Pokémon to permanently change, Mega Evolution temporarily boosts a Pokémon's power and alters its appearance. Only certain Pokémon have the ability to Mega Evolve, and this transformation can be the key to victory in tough battles.

Mega Evolution occurs when a Trainer forms a deep bond with their Pokémon, allowing their Key Stone to resonate with the Mega Stone held by the Pokémon. This activation unlocks a surge of energy, transforming the Pokémon into its Mega form. Not only does this enhance a Pokémon's stats, it can even change its type, making it a game-changer in battle.

Example of Pokémon Mega Evolutions:. Zygarde, the mysterious Order Pokémon, plays a key role in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Composed of countless Zygarde Cells and a few Zygarde Cores, it can shapeshift based on how many of these components it has gathered.

In its earliest form, Zygarde is a speedy, dragon-ground type with sharp fangs, racing across the land at 100 km/h. As its cells accumulate, it transforms into its more powerful form; a towering protector of ecosystems standing at five metres tall and weighing 305kg. At its peak, Zygarde’s weight doubles, with the creature using that extra power to shoot devastating energy beams from its chest.