This morning, fans were treated to an extended look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the latest offering from Game Freak, set in the futuristic version of Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. The trailer showcased exciting new features such as rooftop running, revamped battling mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, many questions linger about the game's timeline and the potential for returning characters in this reimagined setting.
The Pokémon community is buzzing with theories and speculations. To provide context, while most Pokémon games are standalone, the original Pokémon Legends game incorporated time travel and revisited familiar locations from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, set centuries in the past. It also featured ancestors of well-known characters and even a character from Pokémon Black and White transported to the past by a divine entity. Given this precedent, fans are eager to understand the timeline of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, any potential time travel elements, and the possibility of seeing familiar faces in Lumiose City.
Since the trailer's debut, fans have been meticulously analyzing it for connections to the broader Pokémon universe. One of the most evident links is the presence of AZ, a character who gained immortality 3,000 years before the events of Pokémon X and Y. In Z-A, AZ appears to be running a hotel in Lumiose City and seems to be in good spirits, reunited with his cherished Floette.
az taller than a mf giraffe
byu/sam_90_ inpokemon
.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }Subtler connections have also been spotted, such as the potential return of the Looker Bureau. Looker, a beloved detective character who debuted in Pokémon Black and White, has appeared in numerous games. Some fans believe that an office shown in the trailer closely resembles the Looker Bureau from previous titles, suggesting the presence of either Looker or his protégé Emma in Z-A's Lumiose City.
Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A?
byu/PrimalPokemonPlayer inpokemon
.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }An intriguing theory suggests that the two protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A bear a striking resemblance to Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. This has sparked speculation about a time-travel scenario where these characters are 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
.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }Another theory posits that the protagonists might be related to Kalos' Professor Sycamore and Grace, the mother of the protagonist from Pokémon X and Y. While this theory stretches a bit further, it remains fascinating, especially given the series' history of exploring ancestry.
ZA protagonist relatives
byu/tismxtt inpokemon
.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }The complexity of these theories lies in their potential to coexist. The exact placement of Pokémon Legends: Z-A within the Pokémon timeline remains a mystery. The Pokémon franchise has a loosely sequential timeline that occasionally includes alternate realities and time travel, as seen in Legends: Arceus. Given AZ's immortality and the futuristic look of Lumiose City, Z-A could be set hundreds of years after Pokémon X and Y. This would suggest that the protagonists and other characters might be distant descendants of those they resemble.
ITS A SEQUEL?!?
byu/Slyme-wizard inpokemon
.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }Another character sparking significant interest is a mysterious woman resembling a Hex Maniac, a trainer type from Pokémon X and Y. This character's appearance has reignited discussions about the unresolved "Ghost Girl" mystery from the earlier games, where a Hex Maniac appears in a creepy, unexplained scene in Lumiose City. The presence of a similar figure in Z-A has fans hopeful that this longstanding mystery might finally be resolved.
New hex?
byu/Webby_webs inpokemon
.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }As more footage, art, and information about Pokémon Legends: Z-A become available, the community is sure to uncover additional connections and easter eggs. With the game slated for release in "late 2025," fans have plenty of time to delve into the rich lore and speculate on the many mysteries this new title promises to explore. 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.
