The story of Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set in Lumiose City, where an urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon. After arriving in Lumiose, players will befriend a Pokémon that will become their first partner Pokémon—Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile—thus beginning their journey as a Pokémon Trainer.

A Pokémon Series First – 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 when their Trainers command them to. In addition to type matchups, 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.

The People and Pokémon of Lumiose City – While visiting Lumiose City, players will stay at an old hotel named Hotel Z. This hotel will serve as their base of operations as they tackle all sorts of incidents in the city alongside new and exciting characters. Throughout these adventures, players will make a friend—either Urbain or Taunie—who lives and works at Hotel Z. The appearance players choose for themselves at the beginning of the game will determine which of the two they’ll meet.

Mega Evolution – In Lumiose City, Trainers will sometimes be able to see Pokémon undergo Mega Evolution—a kind of Evolution that transcends standard Evolution. Effectively using Mega Evolution will likely be key to victory in Pokémon battles.

Rogue Mega Evolution – In Lumiose City, a strange phenomenon dubbed Rogue Mega Evolution—in which wild Pokémon Mega Evolve on their own—has begun to appear. Ordinarily, a Trainer would have a Pokémon that can Mega Evolve hold a Mega Stone, and then the Pokémon would be able to Mega Evolve if it has a strong bond with its Trainer. However, some Pokémon in Lumiose City have been undergoing Rogue Mega Evolution and going on rampages—seemingly in pain.

Wild Zones: Habitats for Wild Pokémon – 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, players can battle Pokémon and catch them by throwing Poké Balls.

Make Pokémon Your Allies – Players 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. Some Pokémon will flee immediately if they spot the player, meaning players should hide out of sight or approach from behind to make themselves harder to notice. Players can also battle Pokémon to lower their HP, making them easier to catch.

Compete in the Z-A Battle Club – Compete against up to three other players in the Z-A Battle Club’s Link Battles. During these matches, use all the moves and Mega Evolutions at your disposal to defeat as many Pokémon as you can within a three-minute time limit. Defeating an opponent’s Pokémon earns you a point, and these points determine your ultimate ranking.

Adventure in Your Own Style – Lumiose City is known as a hub for the latest fashions, dating back to the events of Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, where you may fondly remember customizing your character with glee. This trend continues in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. You can make changes to your character’s lip color, eyelashes, and more to look the way you want to look. You can also change your hairstyle, hair color, eyebrows, and more at salons. In addition to solid colors, you can customize your hair color with color blocking and balayage.