Three Most Likely Starters For Pokémon Legends: Z-A

With Pokémon Legends: Z-A just around the corner, one of the biggest questions is regarding which starters will be featured. While a classic Fire, Water, and Grass trio will likely remain in Legends: Z-A, these starters will probably have a similar twist to the one seen in Legends: Arceus. Because Legends: Z-A is set in the Kalos region from Pokémon X and Y, it's likely that the starters will get Kalos regional variants never seen before. Much like the starters in Legends: Arceus, though, they may be starters from previous generations with a special connection to the region.

Following Arceus' journey through the historical Hisui region (Gen 4's Sinnoh), this new title seemingly ventures into the future Kalos region from Gen 6. If it follows Legends: Arceus' method, then the starters of Legends: Z-A will come from somewhere other than the Kalos region but be Pokémon previously seen in a past gen. Because Kalos is based on real-world France, the starters will ostensibly be tied to French history or culture.

Grass Starter: Snivy From Pokémon Black & White

Serperior's Design Is Inspired By France

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Snivy, the Grass-type starter from Gen 5, is a strong contender for the Grass-type in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Since the Unova region, where Snivy originates, hasn't been revisited recently, including Snivy as a starter would show the region some love. Snivy's final evolution, Serperior, has a design that aligns perfectly with the presumed French cultural theme of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Serperior's design references European nobility, which is evident in its regal posture and air of superiority. Furthermore, the fleur-de-lis, a symbol steeped in the nation's history, is adorning its collar and directly connects it to France.

Ken Sugimori confirms that Serperior's design was influenced by Lady Oscar from The Rose of Versailles, a French historical fiction manga (via ComicBook).

Compared to other potential Grass-type starters, Snivy has a unique combination of regional relevance, historical connection, and design synergy with the French theme of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. While Bulbasaur, the Kanto Grass starter, is iconic, its region is far removed from Kalos or French inspirations. Similarly, potential options from later generations like Chespin or Rowlet wouldn't offer the same level of connections that Snivy and its evolutions do.

Related Pokémon Legends: Z-A Theory - Its Story Is Based On A Real Historical Time Period The latest Pokémon game will draw inspiration from a vibrant time in French history when the forces of technology and a new regime changed Paris.

Because Serperior already has such a close connection to France, getting a Kalos regional variant could be tricky. This may be done simply through a color swap, more akin to what Typhlosion was like in Legends: Arceus, than a wholly new design. Either way, the chances of Serperior getting a Kalos variant - and Snivy being the Grass-type starter - seem highly likely.

Water Starter: Piplup From Pokémon Diamond & Pearl

Empoleon's Napoleon Inspiration Explained

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Piplup has good odds of being the Water-type starter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A because of Empoleon, its final evolution. Empoleon is a clear reference to Napoleon Bonaparte, the famous French emperor. Additionally, the elaborate frills around Empoleon's neck, are reminiscent of the military uniforms worn during Napoleon's era.

Related 10 Things Pokémon Legends: Z-A Should Take From Arceus Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the second in the Legends series of Pokémon games, and there are many features it should take from Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Piplup's evolutionary line is arguably the most popular of Gen 4's Sinnoh starters. While popularity doesn't necessarily translate to becoming a starter in Legends: Z-A, Piplup's established popularity and stronger historical connection to France make it a more strategic choice.

Aside from the obvious French reference, Empoleon lacks a Mega Evolution, aligning with the probability of introducing new Mega forms in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, since the original X and Y games first introduced the gimmick. This presents an exciting opportunity for Empoleon to receive a much-anticipated Mega Evolution. Additionally, giving Empoleon's Kalos variant a design even more reminiscent of Napoleon's appearance would shake things up for the newest Pokémon game.

Fire Starter: Torchic From Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire

Blaziken Has Connections To France

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Torchic seems to be the top pick for the Fire-type starter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Torchic's final evolution, Blaziken, boasts design elements that subtly pay homage to the Gallic rooster, the national symbol of France. Blaziken's fighting style potentially aligns with a martial art with roots in France. Muay Thai, a striking combat form, is believed to have been introduced to France during World War I. While Blaziken's fighting style isn't a direct replica, the potential inspiration from a martial artist with a French connection adds another layer of thematic cohesion.

A Kalos regional variant could emphasize this connection even further by making Blaziken's new form more closely resemble the Gallic rooster. This could be done by making Blaziken's design have greens, blues, and brighter reds and oranges. Of course, this is assuming the final evolutions of Legends: Z-A's starters will be regional variants like Arceus' were.

All three potential Pokémon Legends: Z-A starters are even stronger contenders for the spot thanks to a possible hint in a trailer. Spotted by Canadian_Eevee on Reddit, the trailer for the Indigo Disk DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet shows Torchic, Snivy, and Piplup hanging out with the three starters from Arceus, Cyndaquil, Rowlet, and Oshawott. This may be a subtle nod to the three being the next starters in the Pokémon series.

While Snivy, Piplup, and Torchic are strong contenders for the Pokémon Legends: Z-A starter Pokémon, their popularity in previous games and thematic relevance to France make them intriguing choices. That being said, the possibility of Game Freak introducing a completely unexpected twist cannot be ruled out. Pokémon has a history of subverting expectations, and new factors can entirely influence the final decision. One thing is certain: The reveal of the Pokémon Legends: Z-A starters will be a highly anticipated moment.

Sources: ComicBook, Canadian_Eevee/Reddit