Following the launch of Pokemon X and Y on 3DS, Pokemon Z is something that was largely discussed within the fan community. Many thought that Game Freak would eventually come out with the game as a follow-up to the original Gen VI titles. That didn’t happen in the end, but specific details have now surfaced from the Game Freak hack / leak.
First up, Game Freak was thinking of having Zygarde come in two Complete forms, which are Forme X and Forme Y. For Forme X, we would have gotten a large wolf that hunts Xerneas as its prey. Forme Y would feature weaponry that was like an anti-aircraft. Game Freak would later repurpose both for 10% and 100% Zygarde.
Naturally, Zygarde would have been the start of Pokemon Z. In fact that Pokemon would have been on the game’s boxart.
Continuing on from that, the Zygarde-like rock found in Sina and Dexio’s research lab is called the Z-Stone. Also, plot points were scrapped for Pokemon Z as well as for Pokemon Sun and Moon. These can be found below, courtesy of Centro Leaks.
Pokemon Z
Pokemon Z monitors Pokemon X and Pokemon Y, who control the life energy of the Kalos region. It appears when the balance between Pokemon X and Pokemon Y is disrupted, creating a distortion in the world, and fights either Pokemon X or Pokemon Y to restore balance. Since it is a “swarm,” the way its “individuals” connect causes its body shape to change significantly. It changes into forms advantageous for battling each of Pokemon X and Pokemon Y.
Pokemon Sun and Moon
- Communication from Dexio
A message has come in from Dexio. There is a Beast in the End Cave. Zygarde has arrived, having judged that the Beast is a threat to the ecosystem. You are told to go to the End Cave with Zygarde (Complete Form).- Zygarde vs. Beast: The Beast is discovered in the deepest part of the End Cave. Dexio’s explanation:
Zygarde came to Alola to defeat the Beast. Zygarde is eager to fight. The Poke Ball containing Zygarde is shaking. You send out Zygarde.- Removing the Poke Deco: Sina removes the Poke Deco. Since the newly synthesized Zygarde now considers the player as its trainer, Sina removes her mark.
While Pokemon Z itself never came to be, Game Freak is finally revisiting Gen VI. Pokemon Legends: Z-A was revealed several months ago and is coming in 2025 – read about it here.
