The charming Kalos region and its city of Illumisawait you, offering you a view like you've never seen before... Come visit the city and meet lots of Pokémon inPokémon Legends: Z-A, released onNintendo Switch and Switch 2on October 16, 2025. Come explore this world inspired by Paris, where buildings and natural spaces coexist.
" The plot takes place in Illumis, where an urban redevelopment plan has been implemented to make the city a place that belongs as much to humans as to Pokémon. Compared to the Illumis that appeared in the Pokémon X and Pokémon Y games, released in 2013, this one is dotted with a multitude of green spaces alongside modern-looking buildings. In Illumis, places frequented by human beings, such as shopping arcades, cafés and restaurants, intermingle with natural spaces such as riverbanks and verdant parks. At its center stands proudly the symbol of the city of Illumis, the Prismatic Tower."
More than 10 years later, we're back in Kalos, in the city of Illumis, which was first introduced in the Pokémon X and Y games (2013). This city is clearly inspired by Paris, with its Haussmann-inspired architecture, its monuments, the river that runs through the city...
This city has been redeveloped by the Quazar company, who wanted to create wilder, more natural spaces, so that Pokémon would feel at home here. Travelers can fill up their Pokédexes as they explore the city... If they're clever enough.
Pokémon Legends Z-A introduces a new battle system, in which trainers have their part to play. Trainers must move in real time to avoid attacks and launch their defense at the right moment to be as effective as possible. Timing, terrain, team changes: these new mechanisms should make battles more technical and complicated.
To begin your adventure in Illumis, you can choose between three different starters: Germignon (plant), Gruikui (fire) or Kaiminus (water). Along the way, you may also encounter the legendary Zygarde.
This new game features a mega-evolution system: a stage beyond evolution that only certain Pokémon can temporarily reach. To get there, you'll need to take good care of your creatures, and use your Sesame Gem.
There's no rest for apprentice trainers: when night falls, the Royal Z-A begins: a competition in which trainers face off in an illuminated combat zone. The aim: to climb to the top of the rankings, from Z to A. Those who make it to the very top of this competition could see one of their wishes come true...
And during a Pokémon Presents event held on July 22, 2025, Pokémon Legends: Z-A was revealed in a little more detail. Players will join Team MZ, a peacekeeping organization, alongside colorful characters such as Boro, Cety, Rudi, and Inno. Note that several characters punctuate the adventure, such as Detective Millie, researcher Myosotis, and Corvault, leader of the Dérouillard Clan.
The Pokémon Presents presentation also provided an update on the aggressive Mega Pokémon. Investigation, battles, and mega evolutions will therefore be at the heart of the storyline. The Quazar company has tasked Team MZ with solving this mystery and calming the raging Mega-Ferox Pokémon. The reward: rare Mega Stones. One of the highlights of this presentation is the reveal of Mega-Dracolosse, a spectacular new form with increased speed and an appearance reminiscent of Draco, which will enrich the gaming experience.
We tested the game on Nintendo Switch Lite for a little over 9 hours.
One thing is certain: Pokémon Legends: Arceus differs from previous titles in the Pokémon franchise, particularly the most recent games. Here, there are no vast worlds to explore, no different ecosystems, and no trainers to battle along the way: the city of Illumis is our only playground.
The change is surprising, and the game may seem limited at first glance. This is especially true during the tutorial phase, which is very long and doesn't give us much leeway. But once you get past this stage, you can really enjoy and appreciate the game.
The city is beautiful, and the references to Paris are delightful nods that we enjoy discovering along the way. The city is divided into several districts, but they don't really have their own identity.
This game is fairly linear: time moves forward as you complete the main missions. To wander around and explore, it's best to wait a while and enjoy the day before pursuing the main objective. Otherwise, the days go by very quickly, and you don't really have time to play and progress. The side quests offer a little distraction, but they're not very innovative.
The city seems rather empty. You come across non-player characters everywhere, but most of them add nothing to the game: no battles, no side quests, barely a line of dialogue to give the world a little depth... Similarly, outside of the wild areas, Pokémon are few and far between.
These wild areas appear as you progress through the game. They vary in size, as do the Pokémon they contain. Some pocket monsters are only visible during the day or at night, so make the most of your day to explore these areas and complete your Pokédex.
The Royal Z-A, which opens every night, doesn't pose much of a challenge. The new combat system, which does away with turn-based combat and forces you to be more active, is the most innovative element of this title. This system takes some getting used to and can be frustrating, especially in the wild, when you're attacked by Pokémon that are out of your field of vision. Nevertheless, this new feature remains one of the game's major strengths, offering a more modern take on combat systems.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A offersus a glimpse of what a realistic Pokémon world could be like. In a city like Paris, we could walk around, watching Pidgeys fly away and Rattatas come out of trash cans... This game brings us closer to a Pokémon universe that resembles our own. However, it still feels a little too empty. We hope that this title is the precursor to a new line of Pokémon games that could build on the strengths of this game while offering us a little more content.
It's enough to make Pokémon fans salivate before the software's release... Ready for this new adventure?
Dates and Opening Time
Starts October 16, 2025
Prices
€59.99
Recommended age
From 7 years old
Official website
legends.pokemon.com
