This morning, we were treated to an extensive preview of *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, Game Freak's innovative new Pokémon game set in the futuristic landscape of Lumiose City from *Pokémon X/Y*. The trailer showcased intriguing features like rooftop running, revamped battling mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, many questions linger about the game's timeline relative to other Pokémon titles and the potential return of beloved characters to Lumiose City.
That's where the vibrant Pokémon community steps in.
For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone, the first *Pokémon Legends* game introduced time travel and revisited locations from *Pokémon Diamond and Pearl*, set centuries in the past. It also featured ancestors of known characters and even a character from *Pokémon Black and White* mysteriously transported to the past. This history fuels fans' curiosity about when *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is set, whether time travel will play a role, and which familiar faces might appear in Lumiose City.
In the hours following the trailer's release, fans have been meticulously analyzing it for connections to other Pokémon games, uncovering several intriguing links. The most direct reference is to AZ, a character who gained immortality 3000 years before the events of *Pokémon X and Y*. In *Z-A*, AZ appears to be running a hotel in Lumiose City, seemingly happier now that he's reunited with his beloved Floette.
az taller than a mf giraffe
byu/sam_90_ inpokemon
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More subtle connections have also been spotted. One fan theory suggests the presence of the Looker Bureau in Z-A. Looker, a beloved detective character introduced in Pokémon Black and White, has appeared in various games. Some fans believe an office shown in the trailer resembles the Looker Bureau, hinting at the possible return of Looker or his protégé, Emma, in Z-A's Lumiose City.
Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A?
byu/PrimalPokemonPlayer inpokemon
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Another fascinating theory involves the protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Fans have noted their striking resemblance to Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, sparking speculation about a time travel plot that might bring these characters to a futuristic Lumiose City.
am i going crazy or the new mcs are literally ethan and lyra
byu/God-Kotsu inpokemon
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Alternatively, some fans believe the protagonists resemble Kalos scientist Professor Sycamore and the mother of the protagonist from Pokémon X and Y, Grace. While this theory is more of a stretch, it adds to the rich tapestry of speculation about the game's narrative.
ZA protagonist relatives
byu/tismxtt inpokemon
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These theories could coexist if Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set far in the future, given AZ's immortality and the advanced, expansive Lumiose City. This would mean the protagonists and any Looker Bureau operatives are descendants of the characters they resemble.
ITS A SEQUEL?!?
byu/Slyme-wizard inpokemon
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One character that has captured fans' attention is a mysterious woman in the key art, resembling a Hex Maniac from Pokémon X and Y. This trainer type adds an eerie element, particularly due to an unresolved mystery in Pokémon X and Y involving a Hex Maniac known as the "Ghost Girl." Her appearance in Legends Z-A suggests the possibility of finally solving this long-standing enigma.
New hex?
byu/Webby_webs inpokemon
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In the coming days, fans will likely uncover more easter eggs and connections within the Pokémon Legends: Z-A footage and art. With the game's release set for "late 2025," there's plenty of time to delve into these mysteries. You can stay updated on all the latest announcements from today's Pokémon Presents, including Legends Z-A news, mobile gaming updates, and more, right here.