It’s always exciting to learn something new about a highly anticipated title, and for Pokémon fans, the time is now. In today’s Nintendo Direct, we got a brand new trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A that showcases more of what to expect.
This presentation focused mainly on the game’s overworld, Lumiose City, which was Pokémon X‘s setting and Pokémon Y‘s setting. More specifically, the attractions and events available in the city were put on full display.
The first major feature on show is the Wild Zones, numerous locations across the city where wild Pokémon roam free. These zones have a similar role to the tall grass areas in the mainline Pokémon titles, as this is where players will be free to catch Pokémon and train their own teams.
The trailer also revealed, however, that the Wild Zones are not the only places where wild Pokémon can appear, so players must stay vigilant and ensure they and their Pokémon companions are safe from any hostile Pokémon.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A also possesses a day and night cycle, and once night falls, the Z-A Royale begins. Across Lumiose, areas will appear called Battle Zones, and within them will be a myriad of talented trainers who were invited to test their skills in this battle royale.
As the player, you can approach trainer encounters during the Z-A Royale in several ways, such as challenging enemies head-on or sneaking up behind them for a surprise attack. Players will be informed of their stealth efficiency through a meter displaying enemy trainer awareness.
If the meter is filled, the trainer will immediately notice the player and challenge them to a Pokémon battle. If the meter doesn’t fill, the player can successfully launch a surprise attack, which will always deal critical damage. If a battle goes sideways, the player can attempt to escape by simply running away from their foe. After each encounter, players will receive updates to their rank, starting at Z and going all the way up to A.
While there is no specific launch date, the trailer revealed that Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to release towards the latter end of this year for the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2.
