Held items are returning in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. This mechanic was absent from Pokemon Legends: Arceus and has been restored. This may seem obvious, as Pokemon must hold a Mega Stone to Mega Evolve, but The Pokemon Company and Game Freak could have implemented a different method for Mega Evolution.
Leaks revealed this information, and it appears items will be on a cooldown in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. This is in line with how Pokemon moves work and will prevent players from just spamming potions or other items. However, it is a little unclear if this cooldown applies to both held items and regular items.
While many players are happy to see held items return in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, some are disappointed that abilities are still absent. Abilities are a pivotal part of how Pokemon function in the mainline games. Balancing these with Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s new battle system may have proved too challenging during development, and this may be why abilities were left out.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A features a focus on battling, unlike Pokemon Legends: Arceus’ focus on exploration. This is likely another main reason why held items are returning in this spin-off series, outside of the necessity for Mega Evolution. Held items can have a huge impact on a battle in the mainline game, and this may also be true in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
While fans wait for Generation 10, Pokemon Legends: Z-A will be a fun and unique experience. It is doubtful that its battle system will replace the mainline battle system, but it is a fun experiment. Pokemon Champions is also on the horizon and will see the reintroduction of Mega Evolution to competitive Pokemon.
Are you excited for Pokemon Legends: Z-A? Share your feelings in the comments below, we’d love to talk about it with you!
