"Pokémon Legends: Z-A" has a recent leak that 27 Pokémon will have a Mega Evolution. Well, that's not even the most interesting part. Nintendo announced during the latest Direct show that the upcoming installment will allow players to engage in nighttime battles across Lumiose City.
Just imagine entering the crippling world of the thriller movie "The Purge," but instead of joining the bloody war, you will participate in an all-new Z-A Battle Royale.
Z-A Royale is the Newest Gimmick on the Upcoming 'Legends' Title
It's been a long time since we saw new mechanics in a "Pokémon" game. Yesterday, Nintendo revealed Z-A Royale, a tense nighttime battle mode where trainers battle to rank up from Rank Z to Rank A.
Located in exquisitely reimagined Lumiose City, based on the Kalos region, this upcoming title offers fiery battles, exploration, and a host of new surprises.
In "Pokémon Legends: Z-A," the adventure starts with the sundown in Lumiose City. During the day, the city buzzes with serenity, but at night, the roads become a battlefield as top trainers rule the streets, ready to unleash intense battles.
The player begins at Rank Z and has to show their abilities in the Z-A Royale, a competitive tournament where winning is the only way of being awarded the esteemed Rank A title.
Battle Zones: Strategy is Important
The Z-A Royale is fought in assigned Battle Zones spread across Lumiose City. The zones are marked with distinct red holographic borders, which indicate areas where trainers can battle one another.
As soon as a player enters a Battle Zone, they have to be prepared for unexpected meetings and strategic choice. Timing, preparation, and responding to the tactics of opponents will be instrumental in rising through the ranks.
A Fully Developed Lumiose City Awaits
Veteran fans of the Pokémon franchise will be familiar with Lumiose City from "Pokémon X and Y," but "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" elevates the city to an entirely new level.
According to GameSpot, the game features a greatly expanded Lumiose City with new characters, secret areas, and a variety of wild Pokémon to discover. Players will venture into every nook and cranny of this vibrant metropolis, from crowded streets to dark rooftops where wild Pokémon hide.
Wild Pokémon Within the City
In contrast to other Pokémon games, where wild encounters are merely found in caves and forests, "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" gives players the option to encounter and catch wild Pokémon right within Lumiose City. These can occur anywhere, whether hidden away within the Wild Zones of the city or on the rooftops at night. This new spin brings a new level of thrill to exploration and makes the game more immersive.
"Pokémon Legends: Z-A" is launching in late 2025. We expect to hear more news for the upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2.
