This morning, fans got an exciting glimpse into the world of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak's latest venture into the futuristic realm of Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. The trailer showcased a variety of intriguing features, including rooftop running, revamped battling mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, the exact timeline of Pokémon Legends: Z-A in relation to other Pokémon games and the potential for returning characters in Lumiose City remain shrouded in mystery, sparking lively discussions within the community.
For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone, the inaugural Pokémon Legends game introduced time travel and prominently featured locations from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, set centuries in the past. It also included characters who were ancestors of those in other Pokémon games, and even one from Pokémon Black and White placed in the past by a Pokémon deity. With this backdrop, fans are eager to uncover when Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set, whether it involves time travel, and which familiar faces might appear in Lumiose City.
Since the trailer's debut, enthusiasts have been meticulously analyzing it for connections to other Pokémon games, uncovering numerous intriguing links. The most evident connection is the character AZ, directly mentioned in the trailer. Known for his immortality granted 3000 years before the events of Pokémon X and Y, AZ's presence in Z-A is logical, regardless of the game's timeline. In Z-A, he appears to manage a hotel in Lumiose City and seems much happier, reunited with his beloved Floette.
az taller than a mf giraffe from pokemon
More subtle connections have also been spotted. One fan-favorite theory suggests the presence of the Looker Bureau in Z-A. Looker, the beloved detective from Pokémon Black and White, has appeared in several games. Observant fans have noted that an office in the trailer closely resembles the Looker Bureau from previous games, hinting at the possible return of Looker or his protégé Emma in Z-A's Lumiose City.
Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A? from pokemon
Another wild theory circulating involves the protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A and their resemblance to Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. This has led to speculation that Legends: Z-A might feature a time-travel scenario where Ethan and Lyra are transported from Johto to a futuristic Lumiose City.
am i going crazy or the new mcs are literally ethan and lyra from pokemon
An alternative theory suggests the protagonists might be related to Professor Sycamore and Grace, the mother of the protagonist from Pokémon X and Y. While this theory stretches a bit, especially regarding Grace, it's fascinating given the series' history with ancestry.
ZA protagonist relatives from pokemon
Interestingly, these theories could coexist. The timeline of Pokémon Legends Z-A remains unclear, with Pokémon games often featuring loosely sequential timelines, alternate realities, and time travel. AZ's hotel management suggests the game takes place after Pokémon X and Y, potentially centuries later, given his immortality and the futuristic, expansive Lumiose City. This could mean the protagonists and Looker Bureau occupants are descendants of the characters they resemble.
ITS A SEQUEL?!? from pokemon
Another character capturing fans' attention is a mysterious woman from the key art, resembling a Hex Maniac from Pokémon X and Y. This trainer type has been spotted in the new footage, but this particular girl stands out due to the ongoing mystery of the "Ghost Girl." In Pokémon X and Y, a Hex Maniac appears in a building in Lumiose City, delivering a cryptic message before vanishing. With no explanation or follow-up, her appearance in Legends Z-A has fans hopeful for a resolution to this eerie enigma.
New hex? from pokemon
As we await the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A in late 2025, the community will undoubtedly uncover more connections, easter eggs, and theories. In the meantime, fans can delve into all the announcements from today's Pokémon Presents, including news on Legends Z-A, mobile gaming, Pokémon Champions, and more, available right here.
