Pokemon Legends Arceus has proven to be a resounding success since it was released in 2022, offering an experience that many fans had been requesting for years. From dynamic gameplay mechanics to engrossing open-world(-ish) exploration, the franchise struck gold with this experimental approach to its usual formula. Fans have been clamoring for a Pokemon Legends: Arceus sequel ever since, and that wish was finally granted with the reveal of Pokemon Legends Z-A. Now fans just have to wait to learn more about the next installment in Pokemon's newest series.

Pokemon Legends Z-A is taking the series to a region few expected to return so soon, Gen 6's Kalos. Gen 6 is marked by a great amount of ambition, as its narrative introduced a considerable amount of lore, and its gameplay revolutionized Pokemon as a whole. While there's no knowing what Game Freak has in store for Legends Arceus' sequel, there are some mechanics that could greatly elevate the game beyond its predecessor.

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Pokemon Legends Z-A Can Finally Answer So Many X and Y Mysteries

Pokemon Legends Z-A has the opportunity to pick up where Pokemon X and Y left off, tie up some curious loose ends, and solve some mysteries.

New Mega Evolutions

The Mega Evolution symbol from the trailer for Pokemon Legends: Z-A

The star of Pokemon X and Y was its Mega Evolutions, and Pokemon Legends Z-A has already teased their return. It's unclear how Mega Evolutions will manifest this time around, but Pokemon Legends Z-A has an opportunity to introduce new Mega Evolutions for the first time in many years. While very popular, the game mechanic was abandoned several games ago in favor of other experimental features, which is the case for practically every generation since. Now that it's making a comeback, several Pokemon have a chance to receive a new Mega Evolution and add complexity to team-building and battling. It's impossible to say which Pokemon will get new Mega Evolutions, but if the game relies on some fan-favorites and introduces even more, it's going to be a great time for the franchise.

Multiplayer Exploration

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From the very beginning, Pokemon has encouraged players to connect with others to trade and battle, whether it's in person through a link cable or online. Only recently, though, have players been able to explore the world of Pokemon with other trainers. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduced the ability to explore the open world with up to three friends, and Pokemon Legends Z-A could expand on this feature by allowing more players to join at once. If Lumiose City is going to feel dense and full of life, letting players dive into a session of five or more trainers could go a long way towards accomplishing that.

A Seamless Open World

A screenshot from Pokemon Legends Z-A's trailer showing Prism Tower.

Fans have been waiting for Pokemon to go open world for over a decade, and with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet finally granting that wish, Pokemon Legends Z-A should continue that progress with a seamless Lumiose City. Pokemon Legends: Arceus provided a handful of open areas for players to explore, but Pokemon Legends Z-A could feel even more grand by going truly open world. It's unclear exactly what state the city will be in given the urban redevelopment trailer teased, and allowing players to travel from one side of Lumiose to the other could make its future growth feel more tangible.

Pokemon Legends Z-A is shrouded in mystery, likely remaining that way for some time. With its 2025 release window, The Pokemon Company may not be ready to reveal new features for a while, but if Pokemon Legends: Arceus is any indication, it will likely be an ambitious project. Pokemon Legends: Arceus was a breath of fresh air for many fans, offering one of the most intriguing and adventurous Pokemon experiences in recent memory. Pokemon Legends Z-A will have a high bar to clear as a result, but if it has any number of the above features as well as the ones that made Arceus so successful, then it should be in good shape.