This morning, fans were treated to an exciting and detailed first look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak's latest installment set in the futuristic world of Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. The trailer showcased new gameplay features like running on rooftops, changes in battling mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, it left many fans with lingering questions about the game's timeline and potential returning characters.
That's where the community steps in to fill the gaps with their theories and observations.
For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone, the original Pokémon Legends game introduced time travel and featured locations and characters from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, set centuries in the past. This has sparked curiosity about the setting of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, potential time travel elements, and which familiar faces might appear in Lumiose City.
Since the trailer's debut, fans have been meticulously analyzing it for connections to other Pokémon games, uncovering a wealth of intriguing links. The most evident connection is the character AZ, explicitly mentioned in the trailer. Known for his immortality granted 3000 years before the events of Pokémon X and Y, AZ appears to be running a hotel in Z-A, looking happier than ever with his Floette by his side.
az taller than a mf giraffe from pokemon
But the connections go beyond AZ. Fans have spotted what appears to be the Looker Bureau in the trailer, suggesting the presence of the beloved detective Looker or his protégé Emma in Z-A's Lumiose City.
Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A? from pokemon
Another wild theory circulating suggests that the protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A bear a striking resemblance to Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. This has led to speculation about a time-travel scenario that could bring these characters from Johto to the futuristic Lumiose City.
am i going crazy or the new mcs are literally ethan and lyra from pokemon
Alternatively, some fans theorize that the protagonists might be related to Professor Sycamore and Grace from Pokémon X and Y, adding another layer of intrigue to their origins.
ZA protagonist relatives from pokemon
These theories could coexist, given the unclear timeline of Pokémon Legends Z-A. The Pokémon series often features a loose timeline with alternate realities and time travel. AZ's presence suggests the game takes place after Pokémon X and Y, potentially hundreds of years later given his immortality and the futuristic appearance of Lumiose City. This could mean the protagonists and other characters are descendants of familiar faces from previous games.
ITS A SEQUEL?!? from pokemon
One more character that has caught fans' attention is a mysterious woman resembling a Hex Maniac from the key art. This character type appeared in Pokémon X and Y and is tied to the unresolved mystery of the "Ghost Girl," a spooky encounter in Lumiose City that has puzzled players for years. Her appearance in Legends Z-A has fans hopeful for a resolution to this enigma.
New hex? from pokemon
In the coming days, more discoveries and connections are expected as fans delve deeper into the footage, art, and news from today's Pokémon Legends: Z-A reveal. With a release planned for "late 2025," there's plenty of time for speculation and excitement. You can catch up on all the announcements from today's Pokémon Presents, including news on Legends Z-A, mobile gaming, and Pokémon Champions, right here.
