A Pokemon Legends: Z-A gameplay demo event was conducted at the Pokemon World Championships 2025, allowing players to engage with the game for around 20 minutes. The demonstration disclosed new gameplay features, core mechanics, and more insights into Mega Evolutions, informing fans about what they can anticipate from Pokemon Legends: Z-A upon its launch on October 16.

Major Details Revealed in Pokemon Legends: Z-A Gameplay Demo

Participants at the event, including Game Rant’s Editor-in-Chief Anthony Taormina, recorded and shared their experiences of the Pokemon Legends: Z-A live demo. It was highlighted that Lumiose City’s map comprises 10 distinct sections, with a minimum of 6 Wild Areas and 9 Pokemon Centers, although the count and nature of Wild Areas may evolve throughout the storyline. Caught Pokemon will appear on the map when hovering over different areas.

In-game menu navigation suggests that Pokemon will lack abilities, but Natures and Held Items will remain present. The menu also allows players to manage TM Moves and relearned moves, affirming previous leaks regarding Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Certain locations seem obstructed by rock formations, likely necessitating tools like ‘Rock Smash’ to access them. Mega Stones may be acquired by gathering Mega Shards or defeating bosses.

Combat mechanics appear to utilize individual cooldown timers for moves, requiring extended durations for more powerful actions. Switching during battles is instantaneous, while bag items can be employed mid-battle with a cooldown period of around 10 seconds. Stat changes for Pokemon will be indicated below the health bar, augmented with arrows to denote increases or decreases. Experience points are shared across party members, with a bonus awarded to the Pokemon that deals the final blow. Moreover, achieving a sneak attack triggers the ‘First Strike’ bonus for increased damage.

The demonstration’s second segment elaborated on how Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokemon will function in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Exclusive to Mega-Evolved Pokemon appears to be the ability to cause significant damage to Rogues. Furthermore, Mega Evolution in Z-A seems to require filling a meter through collecting orbs that drop from Rogues upon receiving damage. Trainer Pokemon can Mega Evolve multiple times in a single combat scenario, though each evolution is initially bound by a one-minute cooldown, which can be prolonged by acquiring additional orbs. Players will receive Mega Stones of the appropriate type when they conquer a Rogue.