Pokémon Legends Za: Kalos Starters, Mega Evolutions, and What We Know So Far

It’s Been 8 Months Since Pokémon Legends Za Was Revealed. Could We Finally Know the Starters?

Ever since the reveal trailer for Pokémon Legends Za, fans have been buzzing with speculation about the starters. The game’s unique take on the Pokémon world promises something exciting, and today, we might have the biggest clue yet: the leaked artwork for the 2025 Pokémon World Championships.

Let’s break down what this means—not just for the Pokémon Legends Za starters, but also for the potential release date of Legends Za.

The Clue Is in the Key Art

The Pokémon World Championships are an annual event where trainers from all over the globe compete in battles and trading card tournaments to crown the ultimate champion. Each year, the event features unique artwork themed around the host city or country. But what’s most intriguing is the Pokémon featured in these designs—they often tie directly to the latest mainline Pokémon game.

For 2025, the leaked artwork showcases Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie—the starters from Pokémon X and Y. On the surface, this might seem like a random choice. But let’s dive deeper into what this could mean.

Why This Artwork Could Reveal the Legends Za Starters

Historically, Pokémon featured in the World Championships artwork reflect the latest game release. Here’s a quick recap of past championships:

• 2023: Paldian starters from Scarlet and Violet.
• 2022: Galarian starters from Sword and Shield (delayed due to COVID).
• 2017: Alolan starters from Sun and Moon.

But here’s where things get interesting: the starters from Pokémon X and Y—known as the Kalos starters—were never featured in championship artwork… until now. Could this finally be their moment in the spotlight? And if so, does that mean they’re the starters for Legends Za?

Release Date Speculation: When Is Pokémon Legends Za Coming Out?

The Pokémon World Championships for 2025 will be held in August, in Anaheim, California. If the key art is tied to Legends Za, then the game will likely release before August—possibly in late spring or early summer.

This lines up with a cryptic hint from Pokémon insider Riddler Khu, who teased a release window between A and J. While some fans debated whether this meant August to January, it now seems clear that it points to April to July.

What About Mega Evolutions?

Leaks suggest that Legends Za will bring back Mega Evolutions, possibly with brand-new designs. If true, this could be another reason the Kalos starters take center stage—they already have Mega Evolutions in Pokémon X and Y. Expanding on this mechanic would make sense for a game set in Kalos or tied to its lore.

Why Mega Evolutions Fit the Story

In Pokémon X and Y, Mega Evolution was introduced as a new discovery. However, Legends Za could take place in the near future, where more Mega Stones have been found and additional Pokémon gain access to this feature. Alternatively, the game could explore an alternate timeline where Mega Evolution has existed for centuries.

What If Legends Za Mixes Things Up?

Many fans loved the mixed bag of starters in Pokémon Legends Arceus, where we got regional forms of Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott. Could Legends Za surprise us with a similar twist? Imagine the Kalos starters alongside new regional forms or even a mix of Pokémon from other regions.

While this would be exciting, recent leaks suggest Game Freak might focus solely on Mega Evolutions to keep development streamlined. Given their tight schedules and crunch for time, it’s plausible they’d prioritize one major feature instead of introducing both new forms and Megas.

A Future-Focused Storyline?

Another theory is that Legends Za could take place in a cyberpunk-inspired future. This idea stems from the aesthetic of the reveal trailer, which featured neon lights and futuristic vibes. If true, this could explain how new Mega Evolutions come into play—they could be part of an advanced technology era.

What Does This Mean for Competitive Play?

One burning question is how Legends Za will integrate into competitive Pokémon battles. If the Kalos starters feature prominently in the 2025 Pokémon World Championships, it means Pokémon from Legends Za will likely be playable in official tournaments. However, this raises another issue: how will Mega Evolutions coexist with mechanics like Terastalization from Scarlet and Violet?

Will we see a return to separate formats, or will Mega Evolutions simply replace Terastalization in competitive play? Only time will tell.

When Can We Expect the Next Trailer?

Based on past patterns, we might not have to wait long for new footage. The second trailer for Pokémon Legends Arceus dropped around six months after the first reveal, with the game launching another six months later. If Legends Za follows this schedule, a new trailer could arrive before the end of the year, setting the stage for a summer 2025 release.

Are You Ready for Legends Za?

If the Kalos starters do return, it’s not just a nostalgic nod—it’s a chance to dive deeper into one of Pokémon’s most beloved regions. Whether we get new Mega Evolutions, regional forms, or a mix of both, Legends Za has the potential to deliver something truly special.

So, what do you think? Are you excited about the Kalos starters making a comeback? Or would you prefer a fresh mix of Pokémon with new regional forms? Let me know in the comments below!