Pokémon Legends: Z-A: Fans Decode Connections to Other Games

This morning, we got our first detailed glimpse at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the latest futuristic Pokémon adventure from Game Freak set in the iconic Pokémon X/Y locale of Lumiose City. The trailer showcased exciting features like rooftop running, revamped battling mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, many questions remain about the game's timeline in relation to other Pokémon titles and the potential return of familiar characters to Lumiose City.

This is where the Pokémon community steps in to fill the gaps with their theories and discoveries.

For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone, the first *Pokémon Legends* game introduced time travel and explored historical settings of *Pokémon Diamond and Pearl*. It featured characters who were ancestors of those in other games, and even included a character from *Pokémon Black and White* seemingly placed there by a higher power. With this precedent, fans are curious about the setting of *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, potential time travel elements, and the return of known characters to Lumiose City.

Since the trailer's release, fans have been meticulously analyzing it for connections to other Pokémon games and have unearthed numerous links. The most evident connection is AZ, mentioned directly in the trailer. Known for his immortality granted 3000 years before Pokémon X and Y, AZ now appears to be running a hotel in Lumiose City, looking much happier, especially with his Floette by his side.

az taller than a mf giraffe
byu/sam_90_ inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }Subtler connections have also been spotted. One intriguing find is the potential presence of the Looker Bureau in Z-A. Looker, a beloved detective character from Pokémon Black and White who has appeared in various games, seems to have an office in the trailer that closely resembles his bureau from past games, suggesting either Looker or his protégé Emma could be in Z-A's Lumiose City.

Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A?
byu/PrimalPokemonPlayer inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }A particularly wild theory revolves around the protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. With the full character art released, fans have noted striking similarities between the new protagonists and Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. This has sparked speculation about a time-travel scenario where Ethan and Lyra are transported from Johto to a futuristic Lumiose.

am i going crazy or the new mcs are literally ethan and lyra
byu/God-Kotsu inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }Another theory suggests the protagonists might be related to characters from Pokémon X and Y, such as Professor Sycamore and Grace, the mother of the protagonist. Though this connection is more speculative, it aligns with the ancestry themes seen in previous Legends games.

ZA protagonist relatives
byu/tismxtt inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }Interestingly, these theories could coexist within the game's narrative. The timeline of Pokémon Legends: Z-A remains a mystery, but with Pokémon's history of loose timelines, alternate realities, and time travel, anything is possible. AZ's presence suggests the game takes place after Pokémon X and Y, potentially far into the future, given Lumiose City's advanced development. This could mean the protagonists and other characters are descendants of familiar faces.

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

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }One character that has fans buzzing is the mysterious woman from the key art:

New hex?
byu/Webby_webs inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }This woman resembles a Hex Maniac from Pokémon X and Y, a trainer type that includes the infamous Ghost Girl. In Pokémon X and Y, the Ghost Girl appears in a building in Lumiose City, creating a spooky scene without any further explanation. Her presence in Legends: Z-A has fans hopeful that this long-standing mystery might finally be resolved, especially if she's a ghost haunting the city for centuries.

In the coming days, more discoveries and connections are likely to surface from the footage, art, and news about Pokémon Legends: Z-A. With a release planned for "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 updates, mobile gaming news, and more, right here.