Pokémon Legends: ZA – Everything about the release, reviews, and game info

from Pokemon News 16 October 2025

After months of waiting, the time has finally come: Pokémon Legends: ZA has officially been released!
The new adventure from Game Freak takes players to the fascinating, futuristic city Illumina City – known from the Kalos region. With new mechanics, revised graphics and an exciting story, ZA to the success of Pokemon Legends: Arceus and takes the concept to a new level.

Below you will find an overview of the most important information, first Test scores and our impressions of this new highlight of the Pokémon series.

🏙️ What is Pokémon Legends: ZA?

Pokémon Legends: ZA plays in a completely revised version of the legendary Illumina City, which is in a state of flux: old neighborhoods are being modernized, new technologies are emerging, and Pokémon and humans must learn to live together in this changing world.

Unlike classic main games, ZA less on arena battles, but on Exploration, research and urban adventures.
The player is part of the so-called "Illumina City Renewal Project" and works to create harmony between Pokémon, technology, and the environment.

🔹 Important key data

Platform: Nintendo Switch & Switch 2
Region: Kalos (Illumina City and surrounding areas)
Play style: Open-world exploration with a focus on story and mega-evolutions

⚙️ New features & gameplay innovations

Pokémon Legends: ZA combines the freedom of Legends: Arceus with the technical depth of the newer generations:

(I.e. Illumina City as an open world – freely accessible city with living inhabitants, markets and research areas
???? Return of the Mega Evolutions – playable for the first time since the 6th generation
🧭 New exploration mechanics – instead of riding Pokémon, there are now hover drones and city transport points
⚔️ Active combat system – Battles take place directly in the world, without a loading screen
🧩 Environmental changes & time of day effects – Light, weather, and traffic affect encounters with Pokémon

???? The starter Pokémon in ZA

Players can choose between three popular starters – a mix of different generations:

???? endive (Plant) – gentle, healing, develops into bay leaf and megania
🔥 Floink (Fire) – energetic, evolves into Piglet and Flambirex
💧 Carnimani (Water) – brave, evolves into Tyracroc and Feraligatr

All three receive ZA an own Mega Form, which is impressive both visually and in terms of combat.

👉 You can find matching fan articles for these starters directly in the PKM.store at:
endive, Floink and Carnimani.

🧩 Story & Atmosphere

The plot revolves around the balance between progress and nature. While scientists work to modernize Illumina City, ancient powers and Pokémon are thrown into turmoil.
The player discovers ancient secrets beneath the city – clues to the origins of the Mega-Energy and their connection to legendary Pokémon.

Rumor has it that Mega Mewtwo X & Y a crucial role in the main story.

🏆 First test ratings & reviews

The trade press largely agrees: Pokémon Legends: ZA is one of the best games in the series in years.

Magazine / Platform	Rating	Conclusion
GamePro (DE)	91 / 100	“A bold step for the series—modern, emotional, and technically impressive.”
IGN	9 / 10	“The Mega Evolutions are back – and better than ever!”
Nintendo Life	8,5 / 10	“An atmospheric adventure that will delight old fans and newcomers alike.”
Pokémon Database	4,7 / 5	“Strong story, well-designed world, few technical weaknesses.”

???? Conclusion: A milestone for the Pokémon series

Our preview of Pokémon Legends: ZA Game Freak has proven that Pokémon also works in a modern setting.
The combination of familiar magic, new technology, and an emotional story makes the game a highlight of 2025.

Whether you explore the city, research Pokémon, or uncover the secrets of Mega Evolution – ZA offers a deep, beautifully crafted experience.

👉 All news, fan articles and collectibles around Pokémon Legends: ZA can now be found in PKM.store – your home for everything Pokémon!