Pokémon Legends: Z-A Set to Introduce a Reimagined Lumiose City

Pokémon is a pillar of what shaped everyone's childhood. Not only the anime, but also Pokémon has stamped its authority in the gaming world like no other. After Pokémon Legends: Arceus's success, Game Freak is bringing us back to the Pokémon party. Pokémon Legends: Z-A looks like a worthy successor to a title that needs no introduction. As the launch date of October 16 gets nearer, rumors are bound to circulate.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A holds the capability to break the charts. Historically, the Pokémon franchise has always delivered, most notably with the success of X and Y, but here comes Z-A, which shifts the franchise's focus back to Lumiose City within the Kalos region. Z-A is going to change the game for Pokémon's open-world exploration with secrets that you will unfold going back to Lumiose City.

The day before the Pokémon Presents, a post called "Rumors" was posted by a 4chan user by the name of Raptor. Before we proceed, you have to keep in mind that it was posted on 4chan. That should tell you enough, but wait, there's a twist here—what sets this apart from the other random 4chan posts is that the first message of this 4chan post got everything spot on to the tee in regards to what was in the Pokémon Legends: ZA trailer.

While we also have to take into consideration that it may have been a hunch, let's get this straight: this user getting everything could not have been on the basis of a guess; we have to give them that. There were perhaps a few hints that we were going to see the likes of Mable and rogue Mega Evolutions, but they got it right, proving this person has some credibility there. 

So this leak says Pokémon Legends: Z-A reveals Mega Dragonite, which it did on the day of the Presents. You may or may not be a fan of Mega Dragonite, but hey, it was revealed during the Pokémon Presents. If that wasn't enough already, the post leaked the reveal of Professor Mable, whom we also saw.

You may want to sit down for this one, because it will leave you jolted. Mega Absol was also mentioned in the post, which we also saw. Mega Absol, being a rogue Mega Evolution, was shown, which is possibly going to be the first boss we face. We also saw Tyranitar amongst many other Pokémon revealed.

The first line they posted is all true, which is what gives this news credibility. Mega Dragonite may not have been much of a surprise; there were plenty of rumors already surrounding it. People wanted Mega Dragonite. They got it. Now they also got Professor Mabel right. That stands out the most amongst all the leaks. Mega Absol, being a rogue boss, was also somewhat discussed, but getting all three on the dot is impressive regardless of prior rumors. 

Apart from what rumors we already had some idea of, they also dropped extra intel in this Pokémon Legends: Z-A leak. Apparently, we'll see Mega Chesnaught, Mega Delphox, and Mega Greninja in August or September. The mention of August or September here is interesting. With Worlds being next week, they could easily reveal them then. We also have a Nintendo Direct in September, where they could also reveal them.

Prepare to have sleepless nights over the next two months, as they're saying Gen 6 Mega Evolutions may also be revealed. The starter Mega Evolutions Game Freak wouldn't want to be disclosed are Meganium, Emboar, and Feraligatr, since those are the actual starters in the game. 

Chesnaught, Delphox, and Greninja, on the other hand, are Gen 6 starters, although not for this title. Despite them not being as important to the plot, fans want to see their Mega Evolutions. Revealing them at Worlds would be marketing genius. It would also explain why we only saw Mega Dragonite in the Presents because they might not be playing all their cards just yet.

Mega Chandelure is rumored to be revealed before release, too—Pokémon Legends: Z-A drops in October, on time for Halloween. So Chandelure is a Ghost-type Pokémon, perfect for the occasion. This could be your average speculation, but that's boring; maybe this guy does actually know a thing or two. 

Rumors intensify, stating that Lysandre was resurrected by Zygarde. There's no confirmation, but it most definitely does fit the pattern. In the leaks, they seem to be allies, which would explain why they can communicate somehow. From Sword and Shield's DLC, we know that legendary Pokémon can communicate through characters, which you'd know if you knew of Calyrex. It's also implied that the ultimate weapon was made by studying Zygarde. Again, we don't know for sure, but this could be content specific to Legends Z-A.

Will the game have a free update? Yes, the rumor says so. Legends: Arceus got a free update too so that it wouldn't be earth-shattering news. DLC for Pokémon Legends: Z-A in June of this year was supposed to drop, but then delays spoiled the party. Or maybe the DLC is what we are going to get as a free update. That would keep you in the loop until Gen 10's expected release in November.

So that's the Pokémon Legends Z-A portion of the rumor. The rumors do sound feasible, and if proven true, could send shockwaves across the community. This may just take the cake as the most convincing 4chan rumor we've had about Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

A few pointers about Gen 10 and Horizons were also mentioned. Gen 10, which is codenamed "Gaia," apparently will be directed by both Ohmori and Iwao because it's too much to handle individually. Now this is groundbreaking news. It would be a massive installment to the series, if true, which is reportedly inspired by Wind Waker. 

"Turn-based combat will be abandoned", the rumor states. It's why Champions exists, so it'll be a major shift if it ends up happening. If the Gen 6 starters, Chandelure, and the Lysandre–Zygarde connection all happen, then this change might also be on the cards. That would mean continuing the real-time battle system from Pokémon Legends: Z-A, a move that could be a gamble for the franchise. If Legends Z-A does not deliver on October 16, it could hurt Gen 10's reception.

Skepticism is still warranted, but the accuracy of the post's early predictions is not to be taken lightly. If Chesnaught, Delphox, and Greninja are revealed at Worlds or in September, this rumor may end up becoming "earth-shattering news." The post may end up being 4chan folklore or lost in time, like thousands of gaming leaks we come across on the internet. Interesting times ahead for a Pokémon fan, regardless.