Pokemon Legends: Z-A is stirring up quite the conversation with its choice of starter Pokémon: Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile in the Kalos region. While some gamers are thrilled to see these familiar faces making a comeback, others are a bit puzzled by the absence of Cyndaquil, a fan-favorite from past generations.
During the 2025 Pokémon Day event, fans got a deeper look at what Pokémon Legends: Z-A has to offer with a new trailer debuting at the tail end of Pokémon Presents. This sneak peek reaffirmed some juicy details, such as its anticipated release for late 2025. Players will get to explore the bustling and tech-infused metropolis of Lumiose City in Kalos, teaming up with their starter Pokémon—Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile—to navigate challenges and maintain harmony between humans and Pokémon.
Unfortunately, what we didn’t see in the trailer were any new forms or abilities for these starters, which has left some fans feeling a tad uncertain. A spirited debate has sprung up on forums like Reddit, where user Abinabin1 initiated a lively discussion about the peculiar decision to choose two Johto starters. Many chimed in with their thoughts, one popular theory being that new Mega Evolution concepts might have influenced this choice.
The choice of Tepig as the fire starter over Cyndaquil—considering that Cyndaquil got its moment in Pokémon Legends: Arceus with its unique Hisuian Typhlosion form—hasn’t gone unnoticed. Despite opinions that Tepig and Chikorita might be “underdogs” statistically, some fans defend them by pointing out that these Pokémon deserve their time in the spotlight.
At present, it remains a mystery if these Pokémon will evolve into new forms as the game’s full scope hasn’t been completely unveiled yet. Although it’s noted that Chikorita has learned the Fairy-type move Disarming Voice, there’s still much we don’t know about what’s in store for this starter trio.
As new snippets and trailers drop, the Pokémon community eagerly awaits to see what adventures and evolutions Pokémon Legends: Z-A will introduce, keeping excitement levels high across the gaming world.
