This morning, fans were treated to an in-depth reveal of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak's latest venture into a futuristic setting within the iconic Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. The trailer showcased exciting features like rooftop running, updated battling mechanics, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, many questions linger about the game's timeline relative to other entries in the Pokémon series and the potential return of beloved characters to Lumiose City.
That's where the community comes in.
For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone, the inaugural Pokémon Legends game explored time travel, revisiting familiar locations from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl set centuries in the past. It also introduced characters who were ancestors of those seen in other Pokémon games, and even included a character from Pokémon Black and White transported to the past by a Pokémon deity. With this precedent, fans are eager to uncover the setting of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, any potential time-travel elements, and the possibility of seeing familiar faces in Lumiose City.
In the hours following the trailer's release, fans have been meticulously analyzing it for connections to other Pokémon games, uncovering a wealth of intriguing links. The most evident connection is the appearance of AZ, directly mentioned in the trailer. Known from Pokémon X and Y as an immortal character from 3000 years ago, AZ's presence in Z-A—where he operates a hotel in Lumiose City and seems to be reunited with his Floette—suggests that the game's timeline follows the events of X and Y.
az taller than a mf giraffe from r/pokemon
Yet, there are subtler connections that fans have unearthed. One of the most fascinating is the potential presence of the Looker Bureau in Z-A. Looker, a beloved detective character introduced in Pokémon Black and White and seen in subsequent games, may return as an office in the trailer closely resembles his bureau from past titles. This has led fans to speculate about the return of Looker or his protégé Emma in Z-A's Lumiose City.
Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A? from r/pokemon
Another wild theory circulating involves the protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. With the full character art revealed, some fans have noted striking resemblances to Ethan and Lyra, the protagonists from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. This has sparked speculation that Z-A might feature a time-travel plot where these characters are transported from Johto to a futuristic Lumiose City.
am i going crazy or the new mcs are literally ethan and lyra from r/pokemon
Alternatively, another theory suggests that the protagonists might be related to Professor Sycamore and Grace, the mother of the protagonist from Pokémon X and Y. While this theory stretches the imagination, it's intriguing given the series' history of exploring ancestry.
ZA protagonist relatives from r/pokemon
What's fascinating is that these theories could coexist, given the ambiguity surrounding Pokémon Legends Z-A's timeline. Pokémon games often operate on a loose timeline with occasional alternate realities and time-travel elements. AZ's hotel operation suggests the game is set after Pokémon X and Y, but his immortality could mean hundreds of years have passed, as evidenced by Lumiose City's futuristic transformation. This would imply that the protagonists and the Looker Bureau's occupant are distant descendants of the characters they resemble.
ITS A SEQUEL?!? from r/pokemon
There's also buzz around a mysterious woman seen in the key art, resembling a Hex Maniac from Pokémon X and Y. This character type has been tied to an unresolved mystery in the original games—a ghostly encounter that has puzzled fans for years. The reappearance of a Hex Maniac in Legends Z-A has sparked hope that this eerie thread might finally unravel, especially if the ghost continues to haunt Lumiose City centuries later.
New hex? from r/pokemon
In the coming days, more discoveries, easter eggs, and connections are likely to emerge from the footage, art, and news surrounding Pokémon Legends: Z-A. While the game's release is slated for "late 2025," there's plenty of new information to delve into. You can stay updated on all the announcements from today's Pokémon Presents, including details on Legends Z-A, mobile gaming, and Pokémon Champions, right here.
