Pokemon Legends: Z-A is a relatively new Pokemon title, but fans are slowly starting to unearth tons of Pokemon references and lore. Some are obvious easter eggs, while some are very subtle.
You can stumble on these accidentally, or you can try your best to be a Poke-detective and look for them yourself, but one thing is for sure: when you discover them, it's epic. If you watched the Pokemon anime or played the Generation 6 Kalos games, you'll find something delightful here.
What Are The Best Easter Eggs & References In Pokemon Legends: Z-A?
Honestly, with how detailed Pokemon Legends: Z-A is, there are plenty, and these aren't just easter eggs carelessly thrown in haphazardly. They are elaborately woven into the story, and that's what makes them so awesome.
Absol, The Danger Ranger
The very first Pokemon that you face as a Rogue Mega Evolved Pokemon is Absol, and if you don't think that's perfect, then you aren't a fan of Absol's Pokedex entry.
Absol is known as the Disaster Pokemon because of its innate ability to predict incoming disasters and calamities. Some NPCs are even afraid of Absol because its presence is a sign of impending danger. Maybe this is a sign of things to come in the game?
Lumiose Art Is Real Life Art
Visiting the Lumiose Museum in Hisui, the setting of the Switch title, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, you will see some pieces that are actually inspired by real-life art.
A painting of Diancie is actually based on Girl With a Pearl Earring, while another showing the Kalos King's late brother with a Mew is based on Young Woman with Unicorn. There's also a Tsareen painting copying the famous Woman with a Parasol painting.
Team Flare Forever!
There are two characters in the Legends Z-A game who will recurringly appear, namely Grisham and Griselle, ex-Team Flare members who have seemingly reformed into the simple life of baristas.
In a scene where you see them battle, they still rock the pose they use when there were still active Team Flare members. You know what they say, once Team Flare, always Team Flare!
Leon In Kalos?
If you are a Galar fan, you know that there are many NPCs scattered around Pokemon Legends: Z-A that casually mention the name "Leon". Leon, if you didn't know, is the Pokemon League Champion of the Galar Region. Even his rival, Raihan the Dragon and Weather Specialist, is mentioned.
Makes you wonder if Leon and Raihan ever joined the Z-A Royale and if they ultimately won, right? Although it is never outright confirmed, it is exciting to think about it regardless.
Gotta Ketchum All!'
Now, if you're a Pokemon anime fan and idolize Ash Ketchum, then you'll love Side Mission 107. Side Mission 107 tasks you with defeating a kid trainer named Pikami, who has Pikachu that holds a Light Orb.
The funny and suspicious thing about this encounter is that the kid wears a blue and green jacket, a red cap, jeans, and has a loyal Pikachu by his side. You can't tell me this isn't a reference to Ash Ketchum!
Sky Battles Are Back?
If you played Pokemon X and Y back on the Nintendo 3DS, you will be familiar with the unique battle mechanic introduced in those games called Sky Battles. This battle type only allows trainers to use Flying-type Pokemon, and the battlefield changes into a cliff or open air.
In Legends Z-A's Side Mission 69, a traveler describes how much he misses Sky Battles and challenges you to one. In fact, he will only battle you if the only Pokemon in your team are Flying-types, as he only brings Flying-types himself.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A is a special game not only because it is visually appealing or because its battle mechanic is epic, but because it knows how to tickle us with nostalgia while honoring Pokemon history with its subtle yet equally fun Easter eggs.