Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest installment in the Pokémon franchise, is set to release in late 2025. The game is a successor to Pokémon Legends: Arceus and takes place in the Kalos region, specifically focusing on Lumiose City, which is undergoing an urban redevelopment project to create a space where people and Pokémon can coexist. The game promises an immersive experience within the city, blending familiar elements with new gameplay mechanics.

The game will allow players to explore Lumiose City, inspired by Paris, with a focus on the urban redevelopment plan that aims to create a harmonious environment for both humans and Pokémon. The city features a mix of modern facilities and natural areas. Players will stay at Hotel Z, using it as a base to investigate various incidents around the city, alongside new friends like Urbaine or Taunie, and AZ, the owner of the hotel. The urban redevelopment includes the creation of “Wild Zones” within the city, providing habitats for wild Pokémon to thrive.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces new gameplay features, including rooftop exploration and parkour-style movement within Lumiose City. Players can use warp pads to access rooftops and then jump, climb, and glide between buildings. This verticality adds a new dimension to city exploration compared to previous Pokémon games. Combat mechanics have also been revamped, with moves having varying ranges and areas of effect, requiring strategic timing and positioning. Mega Evolutions will also make a return.

Players will begin their journey by choosing one of three starter Pokémon: Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile. Encounters with different characters, such as the CEO of Quazartico Inc., Jet, and her secretary Vinnie, will enrich the player’s experience in Lumiose City. Pokémon Legends: Z-A aims to provide a more refined and immersive experience compared to previous open-world Pokémon games, with a focus on detailed exploration and interaction within a single, vibrant city.