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How It Works • Games & Tech

Pokémon Legends

Pokémon Legends is a sub-series of the Pokémon video game franchise.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Pokémon Legends is a sub-series of the Pokémon video game franchise, starting with Pokémon Legends: Arceus in 2022 and expanding with Pokémon Legends: Z-A in 2024.

What it is

Pokémon Legends is an action role-playing sub-series within the core Pokémon franchise. It currently includes two games: Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The series explores different time periods in the Pokémon world, with Arceus set in the Hisui region (a historical version of Sinnoh).

Key details

Pokémon Legends: Arceus was announced on 26 February 2021 and released for Nintendo Switch on 28 January 2022. Pokémon Legends: Z-A was announced on 27 February 2024 and introduces real-time battle movement and commands, replacing the traditional turn-based combat. Both games are developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.

Why it matters

Pokémon Legends: Z-A marks a major gameplay shift for the franchise, moving from turn-based to real-time battles. The sub-series is available on Nintendo Switch, a popular platform in Canada, and the Pokémon franchise has a large Canadian player base and retail presence.

In short

  • Pokémon Legends is a sub-series of the core Pokémon franchise, starting with Arceus in 2022.
  • Pokémon Legends: Z-A uses real-time battles instead of turn-based combat.
  • Arceus is set in the Hisui region, a past version of Sinnoh.
  • Games are developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.
Canadian angle

The Pokémon Legends games are available on Nintendo Switch, a major platform in Canada, and the Pokémon franchise has a large Canadian player base and retail presence.

Quick questions

What is Pokémon Legends?
Pokémon Legends is a sub-series within the Pokémon video game franchise, beginning with Pokémon Legends: Arceus and later including Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Is Pokémon Legends turn-based?
Pokémon Legends: Z-A uses real-time battles rather than the traditional turn-based system. Pokémon move around during battles and use moves at their Trainer's command.
Where is Pokémon Legends: Arceus set?
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set in the Hisui region, which is a past version of Sinnoh.

Sources

  1. The Pokémon Company — https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us/gameplay
    Supports: Real-time battle system in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
  2. Pokémon Wiki (Fandom) — https://pokemon.fandom.com/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Legends_(series)
    Supports: Pokémon Legends as a sub-series; Arceus as the first entry; Z-A announcement as second entry.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Legends:_Z-A
    Supports: Real-time battle mechanics in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
  4. Bulbapedia — https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Legends:_Arceus
    Supports: Hisui setting; player characters and starter Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
  5. Wikipedia (Portuguese) — https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Legends:_Arceus
    Supports: Development by Game Freak and publication by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo; release date for Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
  6. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Legends:_Z-A
    Supports: Pokémon Legends: Z-A as the second game in the sub-series and its announcement date.
  7. Nintendo Fandom — https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Legends:_Arceus
    Supports: Arceus as an action role-playing game released for Nintendo Switch; Hisui/Sinnoh historical setting.