Summary
- The Gen 6 starter trio will likely remain starters in Pokemon Legends Z-A, but with some unique twists.
- Possible new designs and typings for the returning starters in Pokemon Legends Z-A have leaked.
- Considering that Pokemon Legends: Arceus gave its starters similar makeovers, this leak seens believable, though as always should be taken with a grain of salt.
In the lead-up to the release of Pokemon Legends: Z-A, a couple of prominent Pokemon leakers are pointing to the Gen 6 starter trio sticking together as the starters for their second game. While Chespin, Froakie, and Fennekin are all expected by some to be options for players' first Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, according to the rumor, they will come with a twist.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A was announced for Nintendo Switch in late February, following up on the success of 2022's Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Set in the Kalos region, which was originally introduced in Pokemon X and Y and mirrors real-life France, the game has already been revealed to bring the Mega-Evolution mechanic to the Legends spin-off series, and its name suggests that the story will be centered around legendary Pokemon Zygarde.
One Leaked Pokemon Legends: Z-A Mega Evolution Would Join a Very Exclusive Club
If the recent Game Freak leaks do pan out, then one popular Pokemon is going to receive a very noteworthy Mega Evolution in Pokemon Legends Z-A.
A leak from late October suggested that the starter trio in Pokemon Legends: Z-A would again consist of Chespin, Froakie, and Fennekin, the three Pokemon available at the start of the original pair of games set in the Kalos region. That rumor, shared by prominent Pokemon leaker CentroLeaks, has now been bolstered, as a new post on their Twitter account now claims that a cryptic message from fellow Pokemon leaker Riddler Khu alludes to the Gen-6 starters sticking around as the starters for the upcoming Legends game. However, according to CentroLeaks, the message from Riddler Khu suggests that the returning starters will have "something different" about them.
Pokemon Legends Z-A Starters Rumored as Altered Gen-6 Starters
If the rumors are eventually confirmed, it's likely that all three of the starter Pokemon will be getting new designs and typings. The starters in Pokemon Legends: Arceus — Rowlett, Cyndaquil, and Oshawatt — all originally came from different generations, and none of them started out in the region where both Legends: Arceus and the trio of Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum were set. But the Legends: Arceus starters were all changed from their original forms by their final evolution, with Hisuian Decidueye swapping its Flying secondary type for Fighting, Hisuian Typhlosion adding a secondary Ghost typing, and Hisuian Samurott picking up a secondary Dark typing.
It should be noted that Riddler Khu's cryptic posts have led to some differing assumptions about the upcoming starter trio in the past, such as a post from early October that simply read "3 5 8," leading some fans to believe that the next round of starters would be from the third, fifth, and eighth generations of starter trios. There have been plenty of other theories about the Pokemon Legends: Z-A starters, including one pointing to Totodile, Turtwig, and Litten, based on the cover stars of trading card booster packs in an official Pokemon Advent calendar.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
- Released
- October 16, 2025
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!
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
- Franchise
- Pokemon
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
