This morning, we were treated to an exciting extended 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 intriguing new features like rooftop running, revamped battling mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, many questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding the game's timeline in relation to other Pokémon titles and the potential return of beloved characters within Lumiose City.
That's where the community's sleuthing skills come into play.
For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone, the first Pokémon Legends game introduced time travel and explored the ancient roots of the Sinnoh region from Diamond and Pearl. It featured ancestors of characters from other games and even a character from Black and White mysteriously transported to the past. Given this precedent, fans are eager to understand the timeline of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, potential time travel elements, and which familiar faces might reappear in Lumiose City.
Since the trailer's debut, the Pokémon community has been meticulously analyzing it for connections to other games, uncovering several exciting links. The most direct is the appearance of AZ, a character known from Pokémon X and Y, who was granted immortality 3000 years before those games' events. In Z-A, AZ appears to manage a hotel in Lumiose City and seems content, especially now that he's reunited with his beloved Floette.
az taller than a mf giraffe
byu/sam_90_ inpokemon
Yet, there are subtler connections too. Fans have spotted what appears to be the Looker Bureau in the trailer, hinting at the return of the fan-favorite detective Looker, who debuted in Black and White and has appeared in various games since. The office in the trailer closely resembles the Looker Bureau from previous games, suggesting that either Looker or his protégé Emma might be present in Z-A's Lumiose City.
Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A?
byu/PrimalPokemonPlayer inpokemon
A more speculative theory involves the protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, who resemble Ethan and Lyra from HeartGold and SoulSilver. This has sparked discussions about possible time travel scenarios where Ethan and Lyra could be transported from Johto to a futuristic Lumiose City.
am i going crazy or the new mcs are literally ethan and lyra
byu/God-Kotsu inpokemon
Another theory suggests the protagonists might be related to Kalos characters Professor Sycamore and Grace from Pokémon X and Y, though this connection is more tenuous.
ZA protagonist relatives
byu/tismxtt inpokemon
The fascinating aspect of these theories is their potential to coexist. The timeline of Pokémon Legends: Z-A remains a mystery, and with Pokémon games often featuring alternate realities and time travel, it's plausible that Z-A could take place centuries after X and Y. AZ's presence supports this, as his immortality would allow him to persist through time. The futuristic Lumiose City in Z-A suggests significant time has passed, which could mean the protagonists and other characters are distant descendants of those we know from earlier games.
ITS A SEQUEL?!?
byu/Slyme-wizard inpokemon
Another character drawing attention is a mysterious woman in the key art, resembling a Hex Maniac from Pokémon X and Y. Her appearance has reignited interest in the unsolved "Ghost Girl" mystery from X and Y, where a Hex Maniac would appear briefly without explanation. Fans hope Z-A might finally provide closure to this eerie subplot, especially if the Hex Maniac has been haunting Lumiose for centuries.
New hex?
byu/Webby_webs inpokemon
In the coming days, more discoveries and connections are expected as fans continue to dissect the trailer and other released content. With Pokémon Legends: Z-A slated for a late 2025 release, there's plenty of time to delve into these mysteries and theories. You can catch up on all the announcements from today's Pokémon Presents, including news on Legends Z-A, mobile gaming, Pokémon Champions, and more, right here.
