Pokemon Legends Arceushas proven to be a resounding success since it was released in 2022, offering an experience that many fans had been requesting for years. From dynamic gameplay mechanics to engrossing open-world(-ish) exploration, the franchise struck gold with this experimental approach to its usual formula. Fans have been clamoring for aPokemon Legends: Arceussequelever since, and that wish was finally granted with the reveal ofPokemon Legends Z-A. Now fans just have to wait to learn more about the next installment inPokemon’s newest series.
Pokemon Legends Z-Ais taking the series to a region few expected to return so soon, Gen 6’s Kalos. Gen 6 is marked by a great amount of ambition, as its narrative introduced a considerable amount of lore, and its gameplay revolutionizedPokemonas a whole. While there’s no knowing what Game Freak has in store forLegends Arceus' sequel, there are some mechanics that could greatly elevate the game beyond its predecessor.
New Mega Evolutions
The star ofPokemon XandYwas its Mega Evolutions, andPokemon Legends Z-Ahas already teased their return. It’s unclear how Mega Evolutions will manifest this time around, butPokemon Legends Z-Ahas an opportunity to introducenew Mega Evolutionsfor the first time in many years. While very popular, the game mechanic was abandoned several games ago in favor of other experimental features, which is the case for practically every generation since. Now that it’s making a comeback, several Pokemon have a chance to receive a new Mega Evolution and add complexity to team-building and battling. It’s impossible to say which Pokemon will get new Mega Evolutions, but if the game relies on some fan-favorites and introduces even more, it’s going to be a great time for the franchise.
Multiplayer Exploration
From the very beginning,Pokemonhas encouraged players to connect with others to trade and battle, whether it’s in person through a link cable or online. Only recently, though, have players been able to explore the world ofPokemonwith other trainers.Pokemon ScarletandVioletintroduced the ability to explore the open world with up to three friends, andPokemon Legends Z-Acould expand on this feature by allowing more players to join at once. IfLumiose Cityis going to feel dense and full of life, letting players dive into a session of five or more trainers could go a long way towards accomplishing that.
A Seamless Open World
Fans have been waiting forPokemonto go open worldfor over a decade, and withPokemon ScarletandVioletfinally granting that wish,Pokemon Legends Z-Ashould continue that progress with a seamless Lumiose City.Pokemon Legends: Arceusprovided a handful of open areas for players to explore, butPokemon Legends Z-Acould feel even more grand by going truly open world. It’s unclear exactly what state the city will be in given the urban redevelopment trailer teased, and allowing players to travel from one side of Lumiose to the other could make its future growth feel more tangible.
Pokemon Legends Z-Ais shrouded in mystery, likely remaining that way for some time. With its 2025 release window, The Pokemon Company may not be ready to reveal new features for a while, but ifPokemon Legends: Arceusis any indication, it will likely be an ambitious project.Pokemon Legends: Arceuswas a breath of fresh air for many fans, offering one of the most intriguing and adventurousPokemonexperiences in recent memory.Pokemon Legends Z-Awill have a high bar to clear as a result, but if it has any number of the above features as well as the ones that madeArceusso successful, then it should be in good shape.
Pokemon Legends Z-A
The sequel to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes Pokemon trainers back to the Kalos region’s Lumiose City.
