Pokémon Legends: Z-A: Fans Theorize Connections to Other Games

This morning, fans were treated to an extensive first look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak's upcoming futuristic Pokémon game set in the iconic Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. The trailer showcased exciting features such as rooftop running, changes to the battling system, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, many questions remain, particularly about the game's timeline relative to other Pokémon titles and the potential return of familiar characters in Lumiose City.

This is where the Pokémon community steps in, eager to uncover more details.

For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone, the first Pokémon Legends game introduced time travel and featured locations from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl set centuries in the past, alongside characters who were ancestors of those from other games. With this precedent, fans are curious about the setting of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, potential time travel elements, and which familiar faces might appear in Lumiose City.

Since the trailer's debut, fans have been meticulously analyzing it for connections to other Pokémon games, uncovering a wealth of intriguing links. The most direct connection is AZ, a character from Pokémon X and Y who was granted immortality 3000 years prior. In Z-A, AZ appears to run a hotel in Lumiose City and seems happier, reunited with his beloved Floette.

az taller than a mf giraffe

byu/sam_90_ inpokemon

More subtle connections include the potential presence of the Looker Bureau. Looker, a beloved detective character first introduced in Pokémon Black and White, has appeared in several games. Fans have spotted an office in the trailer that closely resembles the Looker Bureau, suggesting that either Looker or his protégé Emma might be in Z-A's Lumiose City.

Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A?

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An intriguing theory suggests that the protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A resemble Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, leading to 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

Another theory posits that the protagonists might be related to Kalos Pokémon scientist Professor Sycamore and Grace, the protagonist's mother from Pokémon X and Y. This theory, though a bit of a stretch, adds to the excitement around potential ancestry links in the Legends series.

ZA protagonist relatives

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These theories could coexist, given the unclear timeline of Pokémon Legends Z-A. The Pokémon series has a loosely sequential timeline with occasional alternate realities and time travel. AZ's presence suggests the game takes place after Pokémon X and Y, possibly hundreds of years later, considering his immortality and the futuristic Lumiose City. This would mean the protagonists and other characters in Lumiose City might be distant descendants of familiar faces.

ITS A SEQUEL?!?

byu/Slyme-wizard inpokemon

Another character generating buzz is a mysterious woman resembling a Hex Maniac, a trainer type from Pokémon X and Y. Her appearance reignites interest in the unresolved "Ghost Girl" mystery from Pokémon X and Y, where a Hex Maniac appears briefly without explanation. Fans are hopeful that Legends Z-A might provide closure to this enigmatic storyline.

New hex?

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In the coming days, more discoveries and connections are expected as fans continue to pore over the footage, art, and news from today's Pokémon Presents. With Pokémon Legends: Z-A set for release in "late 2025," there's plenty of time for speculation and excitement. Stay updated with all the latest announcements, including news on mobile gaming and Pokémon Champions, right here.