[PRE-ORDER] Nintendo Switch Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Ships from 16th October)

Mega Evolution goes beyond the limits of standard Evolution, imparting even greater power by temporarily unleashing a Pokémon’s hidden energy. Pokémon will change their appearance when they Mega Evolve—and certain ones may even change types—but they’re still your same trusty partners!

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. Eventually, you’ll wear a Mega Ring with a Key Stone of your own embedded in it. Other Trainers you meet may wear their Key Stones in different ways.​

In previous Pokémon video game series titles, Pokémon’s actions were turn-based. But in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Trainers and their Pokémon will move around in real time during battles, and Pokémon will unleash their moves at their Trainer’s command.

With the introduction of real-time battles, new gameplay mechanics to consider will include the precise timing for swapping out Pokémon or using moves, as well as moves having different reaches, areas of effect, and times needed to take effect. This unprecedented style of Pokémon battling brings a thrilling new level of action to the classic Pokémon RPG experience.

As part of Lumiose’s urban redevelopment plan, driven by a large corporation called Quasartico Inc., the city has been outfitted with "wild zones" in an effort to help humans and Pokémon share the city.

These areas are constructed using cutting-edge technology to give Pokémon places to live.

Within wild zones, you can battle Pokémon and catch them by throwing Poké Balls.

You can catch wild Pokémon living in wild zones or out and about in Lumiose City by aiming a Poké Ball at them and letting it fly. If the Pokémon doesn’t pop back out of the ball, you’ve successfully caught it!

Some Pokémon will flee immediately if they spot you, so hide out of sight or approach from behind to make yourself harder to notice. You can also battle Pokémon to lower their HP, making them easier to catch.

As you maneuver through battle zones, stay aware of your surroundings. If you’re spotted by an opposing Trainer, you’ll be thrust into a Pokémon battle—and your own Pokémon might be caught off guard, putting you at an immediate disadvantage.

But if you manage to avoid detection by hiding behind objects, you’ll be able to land a surprise attack and gain the upper hand with a critical hit!

Patience is key when competing in a battle zone from dusk till dawn—and if you want to reach Rank A, it’s just as important to manage your time during the day. Before the sun sets and a battle zone appears, you’ll want to spend your mornings and afternoons catching Pokémon in wild zones, training up your team, and using your hard-earned winnings to stock up on important items for another night of epic battles.

Battling your way to the top may sound as simple as Z to A...but in the Z-A Royale, climbing the ranks means winning a promotion match. The skilled Trainers you’ll face in promotion matches are working toward the same goal as you—being the very best—so make sure you and your Pokémon are prepared for a challenge.

Before you can take on a promotion match, you’ll first need a Challenger’s Ticket. You can get one after you’ve earned enough Ticket Points, which are acquired by defeating the Pokémon Trainers found in battle zones.

To earn even more Ticket Points, try picking up bonus cards from around battle zones and fulfilling the special conditions listed on each!