Pokémon Legends: Z-Ajust revealed new information about a mysterious new game feature that involves battling other trainers at night. The new Pokémon game, due for release in late 2025, is a new game similar in scope to 2023’sPokémon Legends: Arceus.The game features several innovations to the game’s battle system, with a new real-time battle system that’s a first for the franchise. Today, we saw a new look at how those battles would work against other trainers, as well as a hint about the new game’s plot.
Today’s Nintendo Direct revealed new information aboutPokémon Legends: Z-A, specifically about a new nighttime battle mode. The new trailer showed off the Z-A Royale,a feature in which players battle NPCs in Battle Zones. Players can sneak up on other trainers to land surprise hits, with the goal of defeating them in battle. Players can rank up from Level Z to Level A over the course of the game, with a wish granted to A-Ranks. The full trailer can be seen below.
How Battling Will Work In Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Moves Have Cooldown Timers, With Dodging and Placement Critical For Victory
The new trailer showed off a better look at trainer vs. trainer battles. Every Pokémon move has a cooldown timer, with players activating various moves with the push of a button. Players can position their Pokémon anywhere on the battlefield, setting up attacks or potentially dodging opponents' attacks. Similar to main series Pokémon games, a battle will trigger if an opponent spots you in a battle zone,although sneaking up on NPCs and launching an attack grants players an early advantage in battle.
Leaker Claims No New Pokémon Coming In Pokémon Legends: Z-A
A new leak claims that no new Pokémon will be added to Pokémon Legends: Z-A, meaning that players will have to rely on Mega Evolutions for new content
The trailer also confirmed that players can trigger Mega Evolution during battles. Nonew Mega Evolutionswere seen in the trailer, but we saw a player activate a Mega Evolution to attack a Gardevoir in the middle of a trainer battle. We still do not know how Mega Evolution will be restricted in the new game,although it appears that Mega Evolutions may be more freely available compared toPokémon XandY,as it will likely be a major part in battles.
Our Take: Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s Mystery Deepens
A Lot Of Intriguing Questions Remain For Pokémon Legends: Z-A
The most intriguing part of the new trailer is the Z-A Royale and its overarching impact on the game’s plot. We previously knew that trainers would aid in the urban redevelopment of Lumiose City, but the Z-A Royale adds an interesting twist.Why do these battles only take place at nightand who or what is the organizing force behind them? And how do A-Rank players get their wish granted? There’s a strangely sinister vibe to these Z-A Royales and we can’t wait to see more whenPokémon Legends: Z-Acomes out later this year.
