Summary
Given a return to Kalos and the central role Zygarde is predicted to play,Pokemon Legends: Z-Acould see certain mechanics from Gen 7 and Gen 9 games make a comeback, depending on how this Legendary Pokemon is utilized. Starting withPokemon’s second generation, the series has almost always featured a Legendary or Mythical Pokemon as a mascot for each of its games, even including the likes ofPokemon Legends: Arceus. So, even without official confirmation of its return inLegends: Z-A, many players are already convinced thatZygarde is finally getting the spotlightafter being the overlooked third member ofPokemon XandY’s Legendary trio.
However, the ways and extent to which these Legendary mascots get used vary wildly, ranging from Arceus' background role in the firstPokemon LegendstoPokemonScarletandViolet’s ride functionality for Koraidon and Miraidon. But despite the apparent involvement of Zygarde inPokemon Legends: Z-A, the fact that Game Freak’s announcement didn’t include it or any other Legendary Pokemon as a mascot hints at something else going on. Between Gen 9’s ride mechanic and Zygarde-specific gimmicks from past Gen 7 games, it might be possible to piece together howLegends: Z-Awill use its mascot Legendary Pokemon.
Predicting Zygarde’s Potential Role in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Though it’s possible thatLegends: Z-Acould feature Zygarde in a traditional capacity, serving either as the cause or goal of the player’s journey throughout the game,Pokemon’s most recent generations suggest that Game Freak is experimenting with these expectations. For instance, inPokemonUltra SunandUltra Moon, Solgaleo and Lunala were the first Legendary Pokemon in the series to be part of an evolution line, whileScarletandViolet’s Legendary Pokemon were revealed to be Paradox forms of Cyclizar. Therefore, it seems likely that Game Freak will continue this experimental trend alongside the othertraditionsLegends: Z-Ahas so far broken.
Pokemon’s Gen 7 and Gen 9 Games Could Reveal Zygarde’s Potential Role
Beyond the potentialdirection of Gen 9’s Legendary Pokemon toLegends: Z-A, Zygarde might be better known for its unique appearance inPokemon’s Gen 7 games. Players can easily obtain their own Zygarde by collecting cells and cores scattered throughout bothSunandMoonand their follow-up games, including not just its original form introduced inXandY,but also its new 10% and Complete forms. While it might have been possible to dismiss this as a gimmick exclusive to Gen 7, that doesn’t seem as plausible anymore after the feature resurfaced withPokemon GOwhen it also added Zygarde.
With the added coincidence that both Gen 7 and Gen 9 allowed players to ride their Legendary Pokemon mascots, it is becoming harder to ignore the possibility thatLegends: Z-Awill build upon these gimmicks when it comes to Zygarde’s role.ScarletandVioletset the precedent for players being gifted the mascot Legendary as a partner, andPokemon GOproved that Zygarde’s collect-a-thon gimmick wasn’t limited to Gen 7. Based on this newfound role of Legendary Pokemon partners and Zygarde’s cell-collected forms, this could beLegends: Z-A’s key to improve on its predecessor,Legends: Arceus.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Could Partner Players With Zygarde
Putting everything togetherpredicts an ambitious role for theLegends: Z-ALegendary Pokemonmascot, presuming that it is Zygarde. Given that Game Freak has yet to confirm Zygarde’s involvement, it might plan to take advantage of its three forms. For example, the 10% form’s dog-like appearance already evokes the idea of man’s best friend, and it could be the first Zygarde form players receive at the start ofLegends: Z-A. Then, as the game progresses, Zygarde becomes more powerful with the cells and cores the player collects, all while tying back intoLegends: Z-A’s larger story.
Pokemon Legends Z-A
The sequel to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes Pokemon trainers back to the Kalos region’s Lumiose City.
