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Pokémon Legends

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

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pokémon Legends is a sub-series of the Pokémon video game franchise. The series began with Pokémon Legends: Arceus in 2022 and later expanded with Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces real-time battle movement and commands in place of the traditional turn-based battles.

Overview

Pokémon Legends is a Pokémon game sub-series focused on action role-playing gameplay within the broader core series. It currently includes Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Development and release

The sub-series began with Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which was announced during the Pokémon Presents 25th Anniversary showcase on 26 February 2021. It was released for Nintendo Switch on 28 January 2022. Pokémon Legends: Z-A was announced on 27 February 2024 and is positioned as the second entry in the sub-series.

Gameplay

Pokémon Legends: Z-A changes battle flow by having Trainers and Pokémon move in real time while Pokémon execute moves on command. This differs from the traditional turn-based system used in earlier Pokémon titles.

Setting and story themes

Pokémon Legends: Arceus takes place in the Hisui region, a historical version of Sinnoh, and features early-era characters and factions tied to that setting. The series is known for exploring different time periods or city settings within the Pokémon world.

Key facts

  • Pokémon Legends is a sub-series of the core Pokémon franchise.
  • The series began with Pokémon Legends: Arceus, announced in February 2021 and released in January 2022.
  • Pokémon Legends: Z-A uses real-time battles rather than traditional turn-based combat.
  • Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set in the Hisui region, an earlier version of Sinnoh.
  • The games are developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.
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Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pokémon Legends?
Pokémon Legends is a sub-series within the Pokémon video game franchise. It began with Pokémon Legends: Arceus and later included Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
What was the first Pokémon Legends game?
The first game in the sub-series was Pokémon Legends: Arceus, announced in February 2021 and released in January 2022.
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.
Who develops Pokémon Legends games?
The games are developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.
Where is Pokémon Legends: Arceus set?
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set in the Hisui region, which is a past version of Sinnoh.
Is Pokémon Legends a main-series Pokémon game?
It is described as a sub-series of the core Pokémon franchise, meaning it belongs within the main Pokémon game line but is grouped separately as a distinct series.

References

  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.