The Pokémon Company has unveiled a wealth of new information about the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A, highlighting the game’s starter Pokémon, Legendary Pokémon Zygarde, and the return of Mega Evolutions—including a newly revealed Mega Dragonite. These details shed more light on the world of Lumiose City and the deeper lore of the Kalos region ahead of the game’s scheduled release this October.
In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, players will embark on their journey in the heart of Lumiose City. A significant part of that journey will involve selecting one of three classic starter Pokémon—Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile. Each Pokémon brings distinct traits and abilities that will shape the early parts of a player’s adventure. Chikorita, the gentle Grass-type, can calm opponents with its soothing aroma. Tepig, a nimble Fire-type, uses its fiery nostrils to unleash bursts of flame. Meanwhile, Totodile, the spirited Water-type, is a fierce biter with a penchant for mischief, even toward its own Trainer.
The Legendary Pokémon Zygarde is set to play a central role in the narrative. As in previous games, Zygarde can shift between its three forms—10%, 50%, and Complete Forme—based on how many of its cell components are gathered. Each transformation alters not just its physical appearance and stats, but also reflects its mission to safeguard the ecosystem, a theme that appears to align with the new game’s environmental narrative.
Furthermore, Pokémon Legends: Z-A marks the return of Mega Evolution, a mechanic introduced in the sixth generation that allows Pokémon to temporarily attain a more powerful state. Mega Evolution will be a key tactical feature in battle, dependent on the bond between Trainer and Pokémon through the use of a Key Stone and Mega Stone. Several known Mega Evolutions are confirmed, including Mega Charizard X and Y, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Lucario.
The game also introduces Mega Dragonite, a new addition to the Mega Evolution roster. This powerful form draws inspiration from Dragonite’s pre-evolution, Dragonair, adopting head-mounted wings and a pearlescent tail. It retains Dragonite’s iconic Flying/Dragon typing and weighs in at 639.3 lbs with a height of 7 feet 3 inches. Mega Dragonite is described as both physically overwhelming and emotionally empathetic, known to dispatch foes quickly and come to the rescue of allies, even mid-battle.
These updates suggest that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will blend familiar gameplay mechanics with expanded lore and strategic depth. Whether players revisit Kalos for its nostalgic charm or explore its reimagined landscapes for the first time, the combination of returning features like Mega Evolution and story-driven changes to key Legendary Pokémon point to an ambitious evolution of the series.
Starter Pokémon
- Chikorita (Grass)
- Uses leaf on its head to sense temperature
- Gentle nature; calms foes with fragrance
- Tepig (Fire)
- Uses sense of smell to find food
- Agile and launches fireballs; burns berries if overexcited
- Totodile (Water)
- Rough personality; bites anything
- Trainers must be cautious of its strength
Legendary Pokémon: Zygarde Forms
- Zygarde 10% Forme
- Dragon/Ground type
- Fast runner, responds to threats quickly
- Zygarde 50% Forme
- Acts as protector of ecosystems
- Monitors regions for abnormalities
- Zygarde Complete Forme
- Fully assembled form with devastating power
- Emits destructive energy from its chest
Mega Evolution
- Activated via Mega Ring (Key Stone) + Mega Stone
- Changes Pokémon appearance and sometimes type
- Confirmed Mega-Evolved Pokémon include:
- Mega Charizard X and Y
- Mega Kangaskhan
- Mega Ampharos
- Mega Gardevoir
- Mega Sableye
- Mega Altaria
- Mega Absol
- Mega Lucario
New: Mega Dragonite
- Type: Dragon/Flying
- Height: 7’3″
- Weight: 639.3 lbs
- Features Dragonair-like traits
- Enhanced kindness and power in battle
- Responds swiftly to allies in need
Pokémon Legends: Z-A launches October 16, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, with an enhanced version also confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2.
