ZA starters may have been leaked

Pokemon developer Game Freak has been dealing with a series of leaks in recent weeks, revealing all sorts of details about upcoming projects like Generation 10, unannounced multiplayer spin-offs and the upcoming Pokemon Legends: ZA. In fact, a number of new leaks have surfaced today that give us more information about the latest title, including possibly which Pokémon will be included as the game's starters.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus added a bit of variety with its starter Pokemon, giving players different generations of starters to choose from. They had the choice of Cyndaquil, Rowlett, or Oshawott, representing Generations 2, 7, and 5 respectively, so there were a lot of questions about whether Pokemon Legends: ZA would do the same. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case.

Pokemon Legends: ZA starters may have been leaked

In a new post from Centro Leaks, a Twitter account that has been regularly sharing leaked information in recent weeks, they reveal some artwork that could serve as marketing material for next year's Pokémon World Championships. A variety of Pokémon can be seen in the artwork, including Machamp, Jigglypuff, Meowth, and the ubiquitous (but not the most popular) Pikachu.

You can also see three starter Pokemon in the graphic, namely Chespin, Froakie and Fennekin, all three of which were the starters for Pokemon X and Y. Since we know that Pokemon Legends: ZA is set entirely in Lumiose City as the capital of the Kalos region, it's not too surprising that Game Freak decided to stick with the X and Y starters, even if it's a bit disappointing.

It's also worth noting that while these three will most likely be the game's starters, this isn't fully confirmed yet. However, starters for games released in the same year as a Pokémon World Championship are almost always included in the artwork, as was the case with the 2023 Pokémon World Championships in Japan, which featured Sprigatito, Quaxley, and Fuecoco from Scarlet & Violet performed.

It's a little sad to see Game Freak sticking with the 6th generation starters for Pokemon Legends: ZA, but here's hoping all three get cool new forms like the starters did in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. It's possible that all three will receive Mega Evolutions, as we know the feature is returning in Pokemon Legends: ZA, but we won't know for sure until Game Freak confirms it themselves.

Pokemon Legends: ZA is an ambitious new entry to the Pokemon video game series, releasing simultaneously worldwide in 2025. A new adventure awaits you in Lumiose City, where an urban redevelopment plan is underway to make the city a place that belongs to both humans and Pokémon.