Fans are still waiting for further news aboutPokemon Legends: Z-Aand hopes for the game remain high. The originalPokemon Legends: Arceuswas a surprise hit with a number of fans despite some obvious technical shortcomings, offering a meaningfully different twist on the normalPokemongameplay and setting while retaining much of the quality associated with Game Freak’sPokemongames. WhatPokemon Legends: Z-Awill add to that is currently unknown, but thanks toPokemon ScarletandVioletsuccessfully crafting a true open world in the interim, there’s reason to be excited about this title’s potential.
All that remains is for a new trailer to launch and tell fans whatPokemon Legends: Z-Aactually is. For better and for worse, rumors paintLegends: Z-A’s release date as later in 2025, so it could take some time to get there. In the meantime,Pokemonfans have been squeezing the CG teaser and brief description of the game for every last drop of possible information. If one theory about players contributing to construction efforts in Lumiose City proves correct, thenPokemon Legends: Z-Awould be well-served by taking a page out ofPalworld’s book.
How Pokemon Legends: Z-A Relates To Palworld
Comparing the darkly comedicPalworldto its all-ages inspirationPokemonisn’t as fruitful as it seems, but these franchises could find common ground inPokemon Legends.Palworldhasplenty of Pal designs that draw fromPokemon, as well as some shared concepts and monster-catching mechanics, but its survival-crafting gameplay sets it apart. Even more so than its real-time combat,Palworldis defined by gathering, crafting, and base-building elements, which its Pals are literally in service of.
The accessible and automated way that Pals support construction has proven to be the unsung hero ofPalworld’s gameplay loop and one of the secrets to its success.
Where Palworld Could Inspire Pokemon Legends: Z-A
AssumingPokemon Legends: Z-Ais focused on the player contributing to the Lumiose City urban redevelopment project teased in its first trailer, it would be best realized with something likePalworld’s building system. The more unethical elements fromPalworldwould be cut forPokemon Legends, but that would leave room forPokemon’s more detailed combat, exploration, and storytelling to take its place. Different Pokemon using their natural strengths to aid in building future homes for humans and themselves would fit perfectly, and there’s plenty thatPokemon Legends: Z-Acould do with that.
Implementing Palworld’s Building In Pokemon Legends: Z-A
There are several ways to justify a Pokemon-led building system inLegends: Z-A, starting with thePokemon-catching focus established in the firstPokemon Legends. WithLegends’ heightened catch rate, framing Pokemon as a temporary workforce that later moves into what they’ve built in the story, and as a special currency in gameplay, could helpPokemon Legends: Z-A’s narrative and Pokemon storage system synergize. On top of a plot-motivated general building project, there could also be particular areas where players get finer control over what is built and where. If nothing else, players should at least be able to commission and design their own apartments.
Adding Depth To Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s Construction
LikePalworld, different Pokemon Types and species can specialize in specific tasks. The end goal for the Lumiose City redevelopment plan is to ensure the city is equally habitable for both people and Pokemon, so specific Pokemon could apply the elements they need to construction spaces.
For instance, Water Pokemon could make ponds, rivers, or a long-term project lake, while Grass Pokemon handle regular greenery, food, and forested areas. A lot of nuance could go into this, andhaving a mainlinePokemongamewhose defining gimmick wasn’t combat-related would also helpZ-Astand out. There’s no guarantee thatPokemon Legends: Z-Awill head in this direction, but if it does, learning fromPalworld’s approach won’t lead it astray.
