The Pokémon Company has officially revealed new details about the highly anticipated action RPG Pokémon Legends: Z-A, offering fans a deeper look at its setting, core characters, and evolving narrative. Centered entirely within Lumiose City—a location first introduced in Pokémon X and Y—this upcoming entry in the Pokémon Legends series brings significant updates to the cityscape and promises a narrative rich in both familiar lore and fresh mysteries.
Players will step into the shoes of a young trainer visiting Lumiose for sightseeing, only to become entangled in a series of incidents affecting the city. At the beginning of the game, players will choose their avatar’s appearance, which also determines whether they partner with Urbain or Taunie. Both characters are connected to Hotel Z and demonstrate considerable skill in Pokémon battles, providing narrative and strategic support throughout the story.
Hotel Z itself plays a central role in the unfolding events. Its owner, the towering and mysterious AZ, claims to be over three thousand years old—a figure well known to longtime fans of the franchise. AZ is accompanied by Eternal Flower Floette, a unique version of the Pokémon that holds a black flower and shares his apparent immortality.
The city of Lumiose is undergoing a major urban redevelopment initiative led by Jett, the CEO of Quasartico Inc. Her vision is to turn Lumiose into a place where both people and Pokémon can thrive together. She is supported by her secretary, Vinnie, who is known for his imposing presence and efficiency.
Not all characters have noble intentions, however. Corbeau, the head of the Rust Syndicate, stands as a formidable opponent in the Z-A Royale, a competition featuring powerful trainers. Specializing in Poison-type Pokémon, Corbeau is described as being involved in clandestine activities that may disrupt the city’s redevelopment goals.
Additional support characters enrich the gameplay experience. Mable, acting director of the Pokémon Research Lab, is investigating a sudden rise in Pokémon activity in Lumiose. Players can assist her research by capturing and evolving Pokémon to fill out their Mega Evolution Pokédex. Completing her tasks offers rewards such as Technical Machines (TMs), which can teach Pokémon new moves beyond what they would learn by leveling up.
Another returning character, Emma, now leads her detective agency in Lumiose. Known for her strong battling skills and investigative talent, she enlists the player’s help in solving various citywide problems, from recovering lost Pokémon to battling criminals.
Pokémon Legends Z-A World Map
The reimagined Lumiose City stands at the heart of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. While retaining the core identity fans remember from Pokémon X and Y, the city has been reshaped with modern architectural additions and greater integration of natural spaces, such as lush parks and scenic waterfronts. Prism Tower still dominates the skyline, symbolizing the city’s blend of heritage and innovation.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is scheduled to release on October 16, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch, with an enhanced version also launching for the Nintendo Switch 2. As a sequel to the sixth-generation titles Pokémon X and Y and a follow-up to Pokémon Legends: Arceus, this new installment seeks to merge the exploration-driven mechanics of its predecessor with a storyline that celebrates and deepens Kalos region lore.
