
Release Date: October 16, 2025
An RPG from the ninth generation of the mainline Pokemon game series, developed by Game Freak studio and featuring redesigned version of Lumiose City. The biggest change in Pokemon Legends: Z-A is the new combat system. Fights take place in real time instead of using turns, allowing the trainers and the Pokemon free movement on the battlefield.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A is a ninth-generation RPG from the main Pokemon series. It was developed by Game Freak, the studio overseeing the development of this IP. The game brings a number of innovations, among which the thoroughly remodeled combat system leads the way.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes us to Lumiose City known from the Pokemon X and Pokemon Y games, as well as from the Pokemon, Series: XY anime. The metropolis is undergoing a renovation carried out by Quasartico Inc., aimed at better adapting it to the needs of people and the titular creatures. During the game, we take on the character who comes here to experience unforgettable adventures.
We are not doomed to explore alone, as along the way we meet various characters, like our new friends - Urbane or Tawny, or the hotel AZ manager and his partner Floette. Moreover, over time we also get to meet the CEO of Quasartico Inc. named Jet, as well as her secretary - Vinny.
In Pokemon Legends: Z-A we watch the events from a third-person perspective (TPP). We start the game by choosing one of the three starting Pokemon. The game gives us access to Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile.
Once we have completed the preparations we can throw ourselves into the whirl of adventures. We visit the areas of Lumiose City reserved for people, as well as the so-called Wild Zones, which are habitats providing favorable conditions for wild Pokemon to live in their natural environment. In the city surrounding the dominating Prism Tower, we can find various shops and restaurants, whose services we can use.
The game allows us to catch creatures and tame them. The problematic specimens have to be defeated in combat and we can send our Pokemon to fight.
Unlike previous games under this banner, battles here are not fought using a turn-based system, but in real time. During battles we can also freely move around the battlefield (this applies to both the trainer and the pokemon), remembering that proper positioning is one of the main keys to success.
The rest mainly involves skillful juggling of Pokemon and their attacks (diversified in terms of range and area of operation), as well as performing dodges.
Moreover, by using the trainer's key stone and the Mega Stone of a given Pokemon, we can trigger the so-called Mega Evolution of that creature, elevating its power to a completely new level, and sometimes also changing its type. Skillful use of this option can change the course of many battles.
The graphic design of Pokemon Legends: Z-A was maintained in a manga style.
Platforms:
Nintendo Switch
Switch 2
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo



45GAMES
The bestselling jRPG game series, which is one of the most important brands in the Nintendo Group's publishing portfolio. Development studios Game Freak and Creatures Inc. are working on the development of the series.
Pokémon Legends Z-A review: Evolution without exploration
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is another bold experiment from Game Freak. It may not fully succeed in building a cohesive, immersive world, but its innovative battle system and exciting new Pokémon make it a fascinating step forward.
October 2, 2025
There will be no shortage of high-profile launches in October. We start with Ghost of Yotei, then we go to Pokemon Legends: Z-A, The Outer Worlds 2, and Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2. And then there's also Battlefield 6 on the way!
Pokémon Legends: Z-A's DLC, Mega Dimension, arrives in just a few weeks, and another new Mega Evolution has been revealed. This time, it's Mega Zeraora.
video games
Matt Buckley
November 19, 2025
The Pokémon Company released two new trailers for Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC today, giving us a glimpse of what to expect and a release date.
video games
Matt Buckley
November 6, 2025
Thanks to insights from Circana, we know that Pokémon Legends: Z-A had a huge physical launch. Online, this has given fans of the game a sense of validation.
video games
Matt Buckley
October 27, 2025
Tepig is a great starter choice for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. But what are some good teammates for it? Here are some suggestions and advice.
video games
Matt Buckley
October 24, 2025
Chikorita is a great starter choice for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. But what are some good teammates for it? Here are some suggestions and advice.
video games
Matt Buckley
October 24, 2025
Totodile is a great choice for a starter, but what are some great teammates to fill out your roster? This guide will give you some options and advice.
video games
Matt Buckley
October 24, 2025
With less than 48 hours before the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, some fans are remaining cautiously optimistic about positive review scores. Will it hold up?
video games
Matt Buckley
October 14, 2025
Today's Nintendo Direct revealed that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will feature new mega evolutions for the Kalos starter Pokémon, and DLC is already planned.
video games
Matt Buckley
September 12, 2025
Today's Nintendo Direct lasted over an hour, featuring major announcements such as a release date for Metroid Prime 4, a new Fire Emblem game, and more.
video games
Matt Buckley
September 12, 2025
The Pokémon Company has recently been issued two new patents in the US. This isn't unusual, but it also sends a powerful and threatening message.
video games
Matt Buckley
September 10, 2025
List of Game Expansions for Video Game:

Expansion
December 10, 2025
RPG
The first major expansion for Pokemon Legends: Z-A. In the Mega Dimension DLC, we find ourselves in an alternate version of Lumiose City, where our Pokemon can reach level 100 and undergo Mega Evolutions.
Game Ratings for Pokemon Legends: Z-A Video Game.
Pokémon Legends Z-A review: Evolution without exploration
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is another bold experiment from Game Freak. It may not fully succeed in building a cohesive, immersive world, but its innovative battle system and exciting new Pokémon make it a fascinating step forward.
Game is Recomended by 79% of Critics. There are 108 Critic Reviews.
GameSpot: 7 / 10 by Jake Dekker
Pokemon Legends: Z-A successfully translates its iconic battle system to real-time, but its visuals and presentation leave a lot to be desired.
Pure Nintendo: 9 / 10 by Trevor Gould
If you prioritize up-to-the-minute aesthetics, Pokémon Legends: Z-A - and arguably any title in the series - isn't for you. Still, I can't deny how much fun I've had playing this game. Its addictiveness triumphs over any minor issues. Real-time battles and entertaining side quests shine in Lumiose City. Launching at $70 with $30 of DLC might give some pause. But if you have a spouse or kids who will play this one too, the value is there, with dozens of hours of thoroughly satisfying adventuring. Don't miss this release.
MonsterVine: 4 / 5 by Spencer Legacy
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an overall strong step forward for the series, as it utilizes past mechanics alongside interesting new changes to great effect. The visuals are still underwhelming, and it takes a good while to get going, but other than that, this really does feel like the Pokémon Z we thought we’d get so long ago, but with plenty of exciting modern twists.