Pokemon Legends: Z-A is bringing back poison damage outside of battles as a mechanic that trainers must be aware of once the game launches on October 16. Though poison damage in Pokemon Legends: Z-A can still be remedied via items and Pokemon Centers, its effects as a hazard outside of combat have not been felt for multiple game generations.
Throughout the Pokemon franchise, some Pokemon moves or abilities can inflict a Status Condition, a debuff that affects its target in different ways. While the Poison and Burn conditions deal damage over time, a Burn also has the added side effect of cutting the physical attack potency of the afflicted Pokemon. Status Conditions like Sleep, Paralysis, and Frozen do not deal extra damage but instead can render a Pokemon unable to make a move in a battle. Status Conditions in the Pokemon series can be removed either by using an item like an Antidote or a Full Heal, or by healing up at a Pokemon Center.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Makes Big Change to Mega Evolutions
It seems as though the upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A is making a rather noteworthy change to how Mega Evolutions work.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Is Bringing Back Poison Damage Outside of Battles
As details about Pokemon Legends: Z-A made the rounds on social media, an attendee of the 2025 Pokemon World Championships noticed a detail for trainers to bear in mind. Pokemon content creator MunchingOrange posted a short video on Twitter from the Pokemon Legends: Z-A demo kiosk. In the clip, MunchingOrange confirmed that the Poison status condition will now deal damage outside of battles. This particular side effect has not been a factor in the Pokemon series since Pokemon Black and White, although its effects in a Pokemon battle have remained consistent. MunchingOrange's video showed two Pokemon, Mareep and Fletchling, still affected by Poison after a battle. Every three seconds, Mareep and Fletchling lost one HP, but the damage-over-time effect did not cause either of them to drop to zero.
MunchingOrange also stated that Poison damage outside of battle does not tick down when a Pokemon is in a Poke Ball, meaning only the active Pokemon on the field would take damage. In past games like Pokemon Red and Blue, a Pokemon afflicted with Poison could still faint from the lingering damage, and a screen effect would notify players whenever damage was taken.
However, it is currently unclear if a Pokemon with a Burn will suffer a similar damage-over-time effect outside of battles in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. With Pokemon Legends: Z-A taking players across a changed Lumiose City, it remains to be seen what other gameplay mechanics will be altered for the upcoming title.
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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
- Nintendo Switch Release Date
- October 16, 2025
- Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date
- October 16, 2025
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
