The Mystique of Pokémon Starters in Legends: Z-A
Pokémon fans are on the edge of their seats as the countdown to Pokémon Day continues, eagerly awaiting the reveal of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. One of the most exciting aspects of any new Pokémon game is the trio of starter Pokémon, and this time is no different. The speculation and theories surrounding the starters have left many fans, including myself, feeling the strain, much like a Psyduck with a headache. With the game’s release date and more details expected to be announced during the Pokémon Presents, the anticipation is at an all-time high. In the meantime, I’ve delved deep into the logic behind the potential starters, mapping out the possibilities and trying to make an educated guess.
Eliminating the Obvious Choices
The return of Mega Pokémon in Legends: Z-A, teased in last year’s Pokémon Day presentation, has narrowed down the list of potential starters considerably. Mega evolutions are a significant feature, and it would be logical for the starters to have these forms as well. This immediately rules out the Kanto trio of Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur, along with the Hoenn trio of Blaziken, Swampert, and Sceptile, as they already have their Mega forms from Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Additionally, the Paldea trio of Fuecoco, Quaxly, and Sprigatito, who were recently in the spotlight, are also off the table. The same goes for Cyndaquil, Oshawott, and Rowlet, who were the starters in Legends: Arceus and have Hisuian forms for their final evolutions.
Narrowing Down the Choices
Beyond these clear eliminations, the choices get more complex. The Galar trio—Scorbunny, Sobble, and Grookey—had their final evolutions receive Gigantamax forms in Sword and Shield, which might exclude them from being starters in Legends: Z-A. However, this is not a definite no, and their inclusion would be a pleasant surprise. Moving to the Sinnoh and Kalos regions, things become even trickier. Sinnoh’s trio of Chimchar, Piplup, and Turtwig have seen a resurgence in recent years, appearing in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, as well as Legends: Arceus as wild spawns. This raises the question: does their recent presence rule them out as starters? Similarly, since Legends: Z-A is set in the Kalos region, will the game follow the same pattern as its predecessor and have the Kalos starters, Fennekin, Froakie, and Chespin, as wild spawns? If this is the case, the list of potential starters becomes even more limited.
The Remaining Contenders
If we rule out the Sinnoh and Kalos starters, the potential choices become clearer. For the fire type, the remaining options are Tepig and Litten. Litten, in particular, stands out as a strong candidate, and a Mega Incineroar would be a highly sought-after form. For the water type, the remaining choices are Totodile and Popplio. Totodile, with its strong presence and popularity, is the better choice and pairs well with Litten, which would likely exclude Popplio. This leaves us with the grass type starters, where the remaining options are Snivy and Chikorita. A Mega Serperior would be a fantastic addition, but personally, I would love to see a Mega Meganium, as Chikorita is one of my favorite starters and the line is often overlooked.
The Case for Sinnoh and Kalos
If we consider that Sinnoh is not entirely ruled out, a Mega Torterra would be an awesome choice, adding a new layer of depth to the game. This scenario would present a unique twist, as it would allow players to experience the starters in a new light, with new abilities and forms. However, this is a less likely scenario given the game’s focus on the Kalos region. The inclusion of the Sinnoh starters would be a significant departure from the usual pattern, making it a bold and exciting choice.
The Final Verdict and Speculation
Despite the thorough analysis, the final trio of starters for Pokémon Legends: Z-A remains a mystery. My confidence lies with Litten and Totodile for the fire and water types, respectively. However, the grass starter is the wild card. I wouldn’t be surprised if a curveball is thrown, and the final choice is something entirely unexpected. Thankfully, the wait will be over soon, and the official Pokémon Presents will likely provide the answers fans are craving. For now, the speculation and excitement continue, and the Pokémon community is more engaged than ever, eagerly awaiting the reveal of the trio that will guide them through the Kalos region.
