Pokémon Fans Are Frantically Trying to Work Out How Pokémon Legends: Z-A Connects to Other Pokémon Games

This morning, fans were treated to an extensive preview of *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, Game Freak's latest venture into the future of the Pokémon universe, set in the iconic Lumiose City from *Pokémon X/Y*. The trailer showcased exciting new features like rooftop running, revamped battling systems, and the return of Mega Evolution. However, it also left us with many questions about the game's timeline relative to other Pokémon titles and the potential return of beloved characters to Lumiose City.

That's where the vibrant Pokémon community steps in.

For context, while most Pokémon games are standalone experiences, the original *Pokémon Legends* game delved into time travel, revisiting familiar locations from *Pokémon Diamond and Pearl* set centuries in the past. It also featured characters who were ancestors of those from other games, and even included a character from *Pokémon Black and White* who was mysteriously transported to the past. With this precedent, fans are eager to uncover when *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is set, whether time travel is involved, and which familiar faces might grace Lumiose City in this new timeline.

In the hours following the trailer's release, fans have been meticulously analyzing it for links to other Pokémon games, uncovering a wealth of connections. The most evident tie is the presence of AZ, directly mentioned in the trailer. AZ, granted immortality 3000 years before the events of *Pokémon X and Y*, is now seen running a hotel in Lumiose City, appearing much happier alongside his cherished Floette.

az taller than a mf giraffe
byu/sam_90_ inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }

But there are subtler connections too. One intriguing find is the potential reappearance of the Looker Bureau in Z-A. Looker, a fan-favorite detective who debuted in Pokémon Black and White and has since appeared in various games, might be back. Observant fans have noted that an office in the trailer resembles the Looker Bureau from previous games, hinting at the presence of either Looker or his protégé Emma in Z-A's Lumiose City.

Looker confirmed for Legends Z-A?
byu/PrimalPokemonPlayer inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }

Another wild theory suggests a connection between the two main protagonists of Pokémon Legends: Z-A and other familiar characters. With the release of full character art, fans have noted striking similarities between the protagonists and Ethan and Lyra from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. This has sparked speculation that Legends: Z-A might involve a time travel scenario where Ethan and Lyra are transported from Johto to a futuristic Lumiose.

am i going crazy or the new mcs are literally ethan and lyra
byu/God-Kotsu inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }

Another theory proposes a different origin for the protagonists, suggesting they resemble Kalos scientist Professor Sycamore and the mother of the protagonist in Pokémon X and Y, Grace. While this theory, particularly the connection to Grace, is a bit of a stretch, it's an intriguing possibility given the series' history of exploring ancestry.

ZA protagonist relatives
byu/tismxtt inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }

What's fascinating is that these theories could coexist. The exact timeline of Pokémon Legends Z-A remains a mystery, and Pokémon games often play fast and loose with timelines, occasionally dipping into alternate realities and time travel. Given AZ's immortality, the game could be set hundreds of years after Pokémon X and Y, with Lumiose City's futuristic appearance supporting this idea. This would mean the protagonists and others, like those at the Looker Bureau, could be distant descendants of characters they resemble.

ITS A SEQUEL?!?
byu/Slyme-wizard inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }

Another character drawing fan attention is a mysterious woman featured in the key art:

New hex?
byu/Webby_webs inpokemon

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }

This woman resembles a Hex Maniac from Pokémon X and Y. Among the returning trainer types spotted in the trailer, this character stands out due to the ongoing mystery of the Ghost Girl. In Pokémon X and Y, a Hex Maniac appears in a building in Lumiose City, delivering a cryptic message before vanishing. This unexplained event has intrigued fans for years, and the Hex Maniac's presence in Legends Z-A suggests that this mystery might finally be resolved. If she's a ghost, she could have haunted Lumiose for centuries.

In the coming days, fans will likely uncover more connections, easter eggs, and discoveries from the footage and art revealed at today's Pokémon Presents. With *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* slated for release in "late 2025," we have plenty of time to delve into the new information. Catch up on all the announcements from today's event, including *Legends Z-A* news, mobile gaming updates, and more, right here.