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

This morning, we were treated to an extended look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak's new futuristic Pokémon game set in the iconic Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. The trailer showcased exciting features like rooftop running, revamped battling mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, fans are still buzzing with questions about the game's timeline, its relation to other Pokémon titles, and the potential return of beloved characters in this reimagined city.

That's where the community comes in.

For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone, the first Pokémon Legends game introduced time travel and explored the past of familiar locations from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. It also featured characters who were ancestors of those in other games, or in one case, a character from Pokémon Black and White who was seemingly placed in the past by a higher power. With this background, fans are keen to understand the setting of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, any 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 other Pokémon games, uncovering numerous intriguing links. The most evident connection is the presence of AZ, directly highlighted in the trailer. AZ, a character who gained immortality 3000 years before the events of Pokémon X and Y, appears to be running a hotel in Lumiose City in Z-A, looking noticeably happier with his reunited Floette.

az taller than a mf giraffe
by sam_90_ in pokemon

But there are subtler connections too. One fan-favorite discovery is the potential presence of the Looker Bureau in Z-A. Looker, the beloved detective who debuted in Pokémon Black and White and appeared in subsequent games, might be making a return. Fans have spotted an office in the trailer that closely resembles the Looker Bureau, suggesting that either Looker or his protégé Emma could be in Lumiose City.

Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A?
by PrimalPokemonPlayer in pokemon

Another wild theory circulating involves the protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. With the release of full character art, fans have noted striking similarities between the new protagonists and Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. This has sparked speculation about a time-travel scenario where these characters might be transported from Johto to a futuristic Lumiose City.

am i going crazy or the new mcs are literally ethan and lyra
by God-Kotsu in pokemon

Alternatively, another theory suggests the protagonists may resemble Professor Sycamore and Grace, the protagonist's mother from Pokémon X and Y. This theory, while a bit of a stretch, adds an interesting layer to the ancestry themes seen in the Legends series.

ZA protagonist relatives
by tismxtt in pokemon

What's fascinating about these theories is that they could coexist. The timeline of Pokémon Legends: Z-A remains a mystery, as Pokémon games often have 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 given his immortality and the futuristic look of Lumiose City. This could mean the protagonists and Looker Bureau occupants are descendants of the characters they resemble.

ITS A SEQUEL?!?
by Slyme-wizard in pokemon

Lastly, fans are intrigued by a mysterious woman in the key art who resembles a Hex Maniac, a trainer type from Pokémon X and Y. This character's appearance has reignited interest in the unresolved "Ghost Girl" mystery from Pokémon X and Y, where a Hex Maniac appears in a building, says "No, you're not the one," and vanishes. Her presence in Legends: Z-A could finally provide answers to this lingering enigma, especially if she's a ghost haunting Lumiose for centuries.

New hex?
by Webby_webs in pokemon

In the coming days, we can expect even more discoveries and connections to emerge from the footage, art, and news about Pokémon Legends: Z-A. With a release planned for "late 2025," there's plenty of time for fans to delve into these mysteries. You can catch up on all the announcements from today's Pokémon Presents, including updates on Legends: Z-A, mobile gaming, and Pokémon Champions, right here.