Pokemon Legends: Z-A is set to continue the ambitious narrative style established by its predecessor through introducing players to a revamped version of Lumiose City. It's still not known whether the diverse approach to starter Pokemon in Legends: Arceus will return in its follow-up, but it would be an opportunity for several starters of past generations to be revisited once again. With Chikorita arguably having become the most overlooked of them all, Pokemon Legends: Z-A could finally do justice to its entire evolutionary line.
Despite the undeniable initial charm of Chikorita, this species has often been considered one of the least favorable choices of starter Pokemon due to its limitations in gameplay when compared to others. With the possibility of new forms and Mega Evolution in Pokemon: Legends Z-A on the horizon, however, there is now the potential for this underappreciated Grass-type to be brought up to a similar level of popularity as the likes of Bulbasaur after decades of increasing obscurity.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Should Uphold One Protagonist Trend PL: Arceus Followed
The protagonist of Pokemon Legends: Arceus stands out in one way from most in the series, and Legends: Z-A would do well to take notes.
Pokemon Legends Can Give Less Popular Starter Pokemon a Second Chance
The Starters of Pokemon Legends: Arceus Were Already Fan-Favorites
The Legends series seems poised to continue focusing on reimagining familiar Pokemon in new forms and settings following the precedent set by Pokemon Legends: Arceus' Hisui region. The regional variants of well-known starter evolutions allowed players to experience beloved Pokemon in new ways, contributing to the game's overall revitalization of the greater franchise in a way that isn't likely to stop.
Hisuian Forms Still Breathed New Life into Older Generations
With Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott all being popular starters from different generations who received new regional forms, they were able to appeal to the tastes of players both old and new. The dual typings that accompany these Hisuian Pokemon forms see these familiar concepts embracing new identities in a way that can still appeal to long-time fans, and that formula should extend to the starter Pokemon that needs this treatment the most.
Chikorita and Its Evolutions Deserve More as One of the Most Underrated Starter Pokemon Lines
How Pokemon Legends: Z-A Could Redeem Meganium
The disappointment surrounding Meganium as a final evolution has always cast a shadow over Chikorita as a choice of starter, as it is largely outclassed by its peers in terms of type advantages while progressing through Gold and Silver. If Legends: Z-A gives a new regional variant to Meganium, however, an additional typing, like Fairy, could elevate it to a more viable status when it comes to gameplay and general novelty. If the teased Mega Evolutions end up being a major focus as well, there's even the potential for a Mega Meganium in Legends: Z-A to feature another new typing for the Chikorita line on top of that. It would be a first for the series to include a Mega regional form, but this evolutionary line could act as an ideal blank slate for that kind of experimentation.
Letting One of the Franchise's Cutest Starters Thrive in a 3D Environment
With an adorable design beloved by many, Chikorita could showcase its interactions with the world and trainers in more realized ways if it acts as one of Pokemon Legends: Z-A starters. In a more immersive environment enhanced by a 3D depiction of Lumiose City, this Pokemon line has the chance to shine regardless of what additions Meganium gets. The major roles that all members of the line have had in the anime already associate them with heartfelt scenarios, and having them fully realized throughout a journey in an urban setting could serve to complement Legends: Z-A's possible focus on themes of adaptation and change.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
- Released
- October 16, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
WHERE TO PLAY
LIVE THE LIFE OF A POKÉMON TRAINER IN THE STREETS OF LUMIOSE CITY
Whether you’re a die-hard Pokémon fan or about to toss your first Poké Ball, the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game has plenty to offer for Trainers of all types. Experience classic gameplay with modern twists that are sure to revolutionize your Pokémon RPG experience.
CATCH, BATTLE, AND MEGA-EVOLVE—ALL IN REAL TIME!
Step onto the battlefield and command your Pokémon directly—there are no turns! For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, Trainers and their Pokémon can both move around in real-time battles, and your Pokémon will unleash their moves when you tell them to. Strategically swapping out your Pokémon and accounting for each move’s timing and area of effect will greatly help you in this new style of battle.
HARNESS THE POWER OF MEGA EVOLUTION
When Trainers have a strong bond with their Pokémon, a Key Stone worn by the Trainer resonates with a Mega Stone held by their Pokémon, allowing Mega Evolution to take place.
ROGUE MEGA EVOLUTION
Rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon are threatening Lumiose City. These Pokémon are extra tough to beat, but if you do manage to defeat them, you'll receive valuable Mega Stones as a reward.
RISE THROUGH THE RANKS OF THE Z-A ROYALE
You’re invited to join the Z-A Royale, a competition for Pokémon Trainers to test their skills and determine who’s strongest.
Each night, a battle zone for the competition will appear. Prepare yourself by spending the day in wild zones, catching and training Pokémon, then venture into the battle zone and take on other Trainers.
Be strategic and complete bonus card challenges as you battle to speed up your climb from Rank Z to Rank A. Can you climb the ranks and reach the top?
WELCOME TO LUMIOSE CITY
Visit shops, restaurants, and more, all centered around Prism Tower. An urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon.
BATTLE WITH TRAINERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
With a Nintendo Switch Online membership*, you can battle up to three other Trainers at once, locally or online, in frenetic real-time battles!
- Franchise
- Pokemon
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
