Pokémon Fans Are Frantically Trying to Work Out How Pokémon Legends: Z-A Connects to Other Pokémon Games

This morning, we were treated to our first extensive look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak's innovative new Pokémon game set in the well-known locale of Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. The trailer showcased exciting features such as rooftop running, revamped battling mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, it left us with numerous questions about the game's timeline relative to other Pokémon titles and which beloved characters might reappear in Lumiose City. This is where the passionate Pokémon community steps in to help unravel the mysteries.

For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone, the first Pokémon Legends game introduced time travel and featured locations from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl set centuries in the past, along with characters who were ancestors of those in other games. Given this precedent, fans are eager to determine the setting of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, explore potential time travel elements, and identify any familiar faces that might appear in Lumiose City.

Since the trailer's debut, fans have been meticulously analyzing it for connections to other Pokémon games, uncovering a wealth of intriguing links. The most direct connection is the character AZ, highlighted in the trailer. Known for his immortality granted 3000 years before the events of Pokémon X and Y, AZ appears to run a hotel in Lumiose City in Z-A, looking much 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-favorite theory suggests the presence of the Looker Bureau in Z-A. Looker, the beloved detective from Pokémon Black and White, has appeared in several games. Fans have noticed an office in the trailer that closely resembles the Looker Bureau from past games, 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 wild theory circulating involves the protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. With the full character art released, fans have noted striking similarities between the protagonists and Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. This has sparked speculation about a time travel scenario where Ethan and Lyra might be transported from Johto 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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An alternative theory suggests the protagonists might be related to Professor Sycamore and Grace, the mother of the protagonist from Pokémon X and Y. While this theory stretches a bit, especially regarding Grace, it's fascinating in light of the ancestry themes explored in the Legends series.

ZA protagonist relatives
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What's intriguing is that these theories could coexist. The timeline of Pokémon Legends Z-A remains a mystery, with Pokémon games often featuring loosely sequential timelines, alternate realities, and time travel. Given AZ's immortality and the futuristic appearance of Lumiose City, Z-A might be set hundreds of years after Pokémon X and Y. This would mean the protagonists and other characters could be descendants of those they resemble.

ITS A SEQUEL?!?
byu/Slyme-wizard inpokemon

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Another character capturing fans' attention is a mysterious woman from the key art, resembling a Hex Maniac from Pokémon X and Y. This trainer type has been linked to an ongoing Pokémon mystery: the Ghost Girl. In Pokémon X and Y, a Hex Maniac appears in a building in Lumiose City, delivering a cryptic message before vanishing. With no explanation provided, fans are hopeful that Legends Z-A might finally shed light on this eerie enigma, especially if the Hex Maniac has been haunting Lumiose for centuries.

New hex?
byu/Webby_webs inpokemon

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In the coming days, more discoveries, easter eggs, and connections are sure to emerge from the footage, art, and news about Pokémon Legends: Z-A. With the game slated for release in "late 2025," fans have plenty of time to delve into the new information. You can catch up on all the announcements from today's Pokémon Presents, including Legends Z-A news, mobile gaming updates, and more, right here.