Surprise attacks, ranking battles, night mechanic: What to expect in 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A'

The Pokémon series is once again pushing the boundaries of the franchise with its bold new entry, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set in the bustling heart of Lumiose City. This time, the action heats up after dark, as Trainers enter an exclusive, high-tech battleground known as the Z-A Royale, a nightly tournament that transforms the city into an arena of fierce competition and unexpected twists.

Every night, Lumiose transforms. Holographic red fencing marks the Battle Zone, a space where only the toughest Trainers gather. In this new underground competition, all participants begin at Rank Z, fighting their way up to the prestigious Rank A. But it’s not just about status—one wish may be granted to the top Trainer, raising the stakes for those hungry for more than just victory.

Trainers won’t be alone on their journey. Depending on the player’s chosen appearance, they’ll team up with either Urbain or Taunie, fierce competitors with their own ambitions in the Z-A Royale. As the sun sets, they’ll stand beside you as you step into this electrified new arena.

Strategy meets stealth

A new mechanic in Pokémon Legends: Z-A brings an edge to nighttime showdowns. Players can sneak up on opponents using stealth, hiding behind objects to avoid detection. Time it right, and you can land a surprise attack, guaranteeing a critical hit that could knock out your opponent’s lead Pokémon before the real battle even begins.

However, the same goes in reverse — get spotted first, and your Pokémon could be caught off guard. Managing approach tactics becomes as important as the strength of your team.

Ranking up: How to reach the top

Climbing the ranks in the Z-A Royale isn’t easy. To challenge a higher tier, you’ll need to win promotion matches, which require Challenger’s Tickets. These tickets are earned through Ticket Points, gained by battling other Trainers in the zone.

Boost your earnings by completing bonus cards scattered across the battle zone. These challenge-based side quests add layers of strategy, encouraging players to think beyond standard battle formats and take risks for faster progression.

The day-night cycle in Pokémon Legends: Z-A plays a critical role in your success. By day, players are free to train, catch wild Pokémon, and stock up on supplies using prize money earned from nightly battles. Every day is a chance to grow stronger, preparing for the next round in the Z-A Royale.

Time management is key—train wisely during the day, and battle smartly at night. With limited hours and increasingly tougher opponents, only the most strategic Trainers will rise through the ranks.