Pokemon Legends Arceus notably featured multiple expansive collection quests which challenged players to fully explore the Hisui region in order to obtain certain Pokemon. While Pokemon Legends Z-A will almost certainly use collecting Zygarde Cells as the replacement for Arceus' Spiritomb Wisps, what Pokemon will replace the Unown is less clear. While the alphabetical theming of Pokemon Legends Z-A and its generation could mean that the Unown themselves will see a return appearance, there are several Kalos Pokemon that could take up their role.
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Pokemon Legends Z-A's Alphabetical Theme Means The Unown Could See A Return
In Pokemon Legends Arceus, players had to decipher messages written in "Unown script" to determine the location of the 28 Unown hidden throughout the Hisui region. After obtaining all the hidden Unown, players would then be able to catch Unown - including possible Shiny variants and even Alpha Unown - in the Solaceon Ruins area.
The Kalos region has always had an alphabetical theming, with the original games being named Pokemon X and Y and featuring the Legendary Pokemon Xerneas and Yveltal . The name of Pokemon Legends Z-A follows that trend; the game is theorized to focus heavily on Zygarde because of its "Z" name, although the meaning of the "A" is currently less clear. Because the alphabet plays a role, it is possible that the letter-shaped Unown will return again and once again need to be hunted down by players, this time around Lumiose City. Unown shaped like the letters "Z" and "A" could even potentially play a role in the plot, or unlock some special bonus when caught.
Kalos Pokemon That Could Potentially Replace Unown
However, there are several Pokemon native to the Kalos region that could replace Unown as the subject of a large collection quest in Pokemon Legends Z-A. Pokemon X and Y had a major color and fashion focus to reflect the fact that France, particularly Paris, inspired the region. This use of fashion was not limited to snazzy outfits for the player character, but was reflected in several Pokemon of the generation as well.
Vivillon
The most obvious choice would be Vivillon, a butterfly- or moth-like Pokemon that evolves from Spewpa. The pattern on Vivillon's wings varies, representing different terrain and biomes such as River, Tundra, or High Plains. There is even a Poke Ball-inspired pattern that was distributed during several special events. With 20 known Vivillon patterns, this Pokemon would be the perfect choice for players to seek out around Lumiose City.
Flabebe, Floette, and Florges
Two other Kalos Pokemon do not have nearly as many variations as Unown or Vivillon, but could still be utilized as part of an extensive collection quest. The first is the evolutionary line beginning with Flabebe and also containing Floette and Florges. Each Pokemon in this line has five forms based on the color of its flower, leading to a total of fifteen for players to collect if all three evolutions are included. Notably, Flabebe is one of the very first Pokemon seen in Legends Z-A's launch trailer, which may indicate that it plays a role of some importance.
Furfrou
The second is Furfrou, a non-evolving Pokemon which can change its fur style. It has ten different "trims" which are typically obtained by grooming (but are available in different regions in Pokemon GO.) Because any game set in Lumiose City will certainly have plenty of fashion and style options for the player character, a potential Furfrou quest could tie in with that. Perhaps players could be required to visit different salons and shops around Kalos to find different Furfrou trims, similar to the stamp rallies run by real-world businesses, or take a single Furfrou to multiple salons in order to unlock all of its fur styles.
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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
