Unlocking the Mystery: How Pokémon Legends: Z Connects to the Pokémon Universe – Insights for Fans!

This morning, we finally got a good look at Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak’s new game set in the familiar Lumiose City from Pokémon X/Y. While we saw some exciting features like rooftop running, new battle styles, and Mega Evolution, many questions remain about when this game takes place and which characters we might encounter.

That’s where fans come in.

Historically, Pokémon games usually stand alone. However, the first Pokémon Legends title took players back in time, exploring locations from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl hundreds of years prior. This blend of history and familiar faces left fans curious about the timeline of Z-A and whether time travel will play a role again.

Since the trailer dropped, fans have been busy digging for connections to other games, and there are some interesting finds. For instance, AZ, a character who gained immortality 3,000 years before Pokémon X and Y, is featured in Z-A. He now appears to run a hotel in Lumiose City, looking quite content with his long-lost Floette at his side.

There are also subtler nods that fans have pointed out, like the possible return of the Looker Bureau. Looker, a beloved detective introduced in Pokémon Black and White, may have a presence in Z-A. One scene in the trailer shows an office that closely resembles the Looker Bureau, sparking excitement about whether Looker or his apprentice Emma will appear.

Another wild theory involves the main characters, who fans think might resemble Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. Speculation is swirling that Legends: Z-A could involve time travel, pulling these characters from Johto into a futuristic Lumiose.

Additionally, some fans see connections to Professor Sycamore and Grace, the main character’s mother in Pokémon X and Y, hinting at possible ancestry themes. However, this idea is a bit more of a stretch, given the series’ focus on family ties.

Intriguingly, the game’s timeline remains a mystery. Pokémon lore has always included alternate realities and time travel. If AZ is indeed in Z-A, it suggests this game occurs after Pokémon X and Y, possibly hundreds of years later. The advanced look of Lumiose City supports this theory, indicating a long passage of time.

There’s also a mysterious woman featured in the key art. She resembles a Hex Maniac, a character type first seen in Pokémon X and Y. Fans recall an eerie scene in Lumiose City where a Hex Maniac appears, leaving a lasting impression due to its unexplained nature. Seeing a Hex Maniac again in Z-A has many hoping to finally unravel that mystery.

In the coming days, more Easter eggs and connections are sure to surface from the new footage and artwork. Although we’ll have to wait until late 2025 for the game’s release, there’s plenty of exciting content to explore in the meantime.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Connect with her at rvalentine@ign.com.