Gameplay and Battling
Whether you’re a die-hard Pokémon fan or about to toss your first Poké Ball, Pokémon Legends: Z-A has plenty to offer for Trainers of all types. Experience classic gameplay with modern twists that are sure to revolutionise your Pokémon RPG experience.
A Series First: Real-Time Pokémon Battles
In previous Pokémon video game series titles, Pokémon’s actions were turn-based. But in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Trainers and their Pokémon will move around in real time during battles, and Pokémon will unleash their moves at their Trainer’s command.
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Enter the wilds of Lumiose City
As part of Lumiose’s urban redevelopment plan, driven by a large corporation called Quasartico Inc., the city has been outfitted with "wild zones" in an effort to help humans and Pokémon share the city.
These areas are constructed using cutting-edge technology to give Pokémon places to live.
Within wild zones, you can battle Pokémon and catch them by throwing Poké Balls.
Make Pokémon Your Allies
You can catch wild Pokémon living in wild zones or out and about in Lumiose City by aiming a Poké Ball at them and letting it fly. If the Pokémon doesn’t pop back out of the ball, you’ve successfully caught it!
Some Pokémon will flee immediately if they spot you, so hide out of sight or approach from behind to make yourself harder to notice. You can also battle Pokémon to lower their HP, making them easier to catch.
Red-Hot Battles in Lumiose
The sun goes down as the heat of battle rises! Whenever night falls on Lumiose, a "battle zone" bordered by high-tech holograms appears within the city. Take care when you foray into an area that’s fenced off in red after dark—Trainers and their Pokémon lie in wait, ready for a challenge. It’s inside battle zones that you’ll earn your stripes as a Pokémon Trainer through a fierce competition called the Z-A Royale.
In the Z-A Royale, skilled Pokémon Trainers are invited to compete in a high-stakes test of strength. Those who accept this challenge start at Rank Z and can climb the ranks by winning Pokémon battles against other competitors. But for those aiming to reach the top, Rank A promises more than just bragging rights as the strongest Trainer in town—it offers the chance to be granted one wish.
Once you’ve proven your own Pokémon battling skills, you’ll find yourself competing in the Z-A Royale alongside a familiar face—either Urbain or Taunie. As you battle your way through the ranks, ask yourself one question: What would you wish for?
Your Eyes Meet in Battle
As you maneuver through battle zones, stay aware of your surroundings. If you’re spotted by an opposing Trainer, you’ll be thrust into a Pokémon battle—and your own Pokémon might be caught off guard, putting you at an immediate disadvantage.
But if you manage to avoid detection by hiding behind objects, you’ll be able to land a surprise attack and gain the upper hand with a critical hit!
Climbing the Ranks from Z to A
Patience is key when competing in a battle zone from dusk till dawn—and if you want to reach Rank A, it’s just as important to manage your time during the day. Before the sun sets and a battle zone appears, you’ll want to spend your mornings and afternoons catching Pokémon in wild zones, training up your team, and using your hard-earned winnings to stock up on important items for another night of epic battles.
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Your Ticket to Climb
Before you can take on a promotion match, you’ll first need a Challenger’s Ticket. You can get one after you’ve earned enough Ticket Points, which are acquired by defeating the Pokémon Trainers found in battle zones.
To earn even more Ticket Points, try picking up bonus cards from around battle zones and fulfilling the special conditions listed on each!
Discover More
Visit Lumiose City
The story is set in Lumiose City, where an urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon.
See Map
Pokémon
Learn more about some of the Pokémon you can expect to meet throughout your journey in Lumiose City.
See Pokémon