Nearly a year has passed since the initial and only official reveal of *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*. The only confirmed details are its planned release sometime in 2025 and the inclusion of Mega Evolutions. While sparse, the original trailer hinted at gameplay mechanics, the game’s setting, and potential Pokémon appearances. The return of Mega Evolutions, a feature introduced in Generation VI’s Kalos region (the game’s setting), strongly suggests they will be a central element.
Specifically, the game appears to be set within an expanded and lore-rich Lumiose City. The trailer also mentioned an “urban redevelopment plan,” implying players will actively shape the city’s development throughout the story. Although official information is limited, substantial speculation, fueled by leaks, allows for predictions about features and Pokémon inclusion.
The game’s title, cyberspace-themed trailer, and urban redevelopment narrative all point towards the inclusion of a specific Pokémon line. A new trailer showcasing gameplay is highly anticipated, especially given the 2025 release window. Currently, no official release date or window exists, but leaks suggest a launch between March and June 2025. However, this timeline is uncertain due to a significant data breach at Game Freak in 2024, known as the TeraLeak, which compromised 1TB of Pokémon franchise files, including alleged information and a playable build of *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*. Renowned leaker Riddler Khu suggests a revised release window of April to July 2025, following the leak.
Consequently, a second trailer is likely to debut in the first quarter of 2025. Pokémon Day (February 27th) is a prime candidate for its release, although some sources suggest an earlier launch in January or early February. This trailer is expected to highlight gameplay elements such as battles, traversal, evolution mechanics, starter Pokémon, Poké Balls, and potentially new Mega Evolutions.
The return of Mega Evolutions strongly suggests the reappearance of existing Mega Evolutions, with the addition of new ones almost guaranteed to maintain freshness. Currently, 48 Mega Evolutions exist (30 from Gen VI and 18 from Gen III remakes), making 15-20 new Mega Evolutions plausible. Leaks even suggest 21 new ones, aligning with this prediction. The role of Held Items, absent in *Pokémon Legends: Arceus* but crucial for Mega Evolutions in Gen VI, remains unclear. *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* may either reintroduce Held Items or implement a novel Mega Evolution mechanic.
Post-launch support in 2025 is also likely, mirroring the substantial update (and rumored DLC) for *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*. Leaks indicate development for both the Nintendo Switch and its successor, with the latter expected to offer improved performance. Further leaks detail returning Pokémon and new Mega Evolutions, notably Mega Zeraora and Mega Zygarde – fitting given the “Z” in the title and Zygarde’s Gen VI origins. These leaks also suggest a modern-day Kalos setting, unlike the historical setting of *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*, leaving open the possibility of a prequel or sequel to the Gen VI games.
Notably, starter Pokémon remain unrevealed. However, leaks point to the Gen VI starters, potentially with alterations from their original versions. While *Pokémon Legends: Arceus* featured starters from different generations, using the Gen VI starters in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* would be fitting, given their absence of Mega Evolutions in their original games. Their appearance in a leaked image for the 2025 World Championships further supports this speculation. Alternatively, a formula similar to *Pokémon Legends: Arceus* could be employed, including starters from different generations (Gen III, V, and VIII according to some leaks), but this remains unconfirmed.