Are you wondering just how long it takes to beat Pokemon Legends: Z-A? The latest entry in Nintendo’s long-running franchise promises more thrills as you duke it out against rival trainers, all while catching numerous creatures. Of course, given that this is a spinoff/sub-series, you probably want to compare it to mainline titles, too. In any case, our guide has all the details, but please note that there are also minor spoilers ahead.
On the average, it should take you roughly 22 to 25 hours to beat Pokemon Legends: Z-A if you’re just focusing on the main story. This is par for the course when compared to the previous title, Pokemon Legends: Arceus. However, this estimate is still significantly shorter compared to mainline entries–i.e. the ones that take you across multiple zones/regions–as those can take anywhere from 30 to 40 hours to complete.
However, the number skyrockets to roughly 70 to 80 hours for completionists. This includes tackling all side quests, filling up your Pokedex, and unlocking all Mega Evolutions.
Note: A speedy completion depends on your team setup. If you have a powerful Pokemon companion, then the rest of your squad can just earn XP passively, and you can use them later when they’re more effective against certain opponents. We’ve got a few tips for you in our best starter Pokemon guide and best early-game Pokemon guide.
Campaign structure: Core gameplay loop
If you’re curious about how long it takes to beat Pokemon Legends: Z-A, then we should discuss the core gameplay loop:
- The main objective involves defeating rival trainers so you can increase your rank, as the title puts it, “from Z to A.”
- In between these promotion battles, though, you still have to contend with generic/unnamed trainers in Battle Zones. The goal is to defeat opponents to increase your points, enough to earn an event ticket.
- There’s a special promotion segment that happens, which does bump you up from a low rank to the upper tier.
- Naturally, you have to catch Pokemon and level them up so your foes don’t end up trouncing you all the time.
Campaign structure: Rogue Mega Evolutions
Halfway through the campaign, you have to deal with Rogue Mega Evolutions that pop up everywhere in Lumiose City:
- In each segment, you have to take down three Pokemon that are about to undergo a Rogue Mega Evolution. Think of these as boss fights where your foes have ultimate abilities.
- These bouts reward you with a unique keystones that unlock Mega Evolutions for the Pokemon in your squad.
- You still need to earn points for your event ticket, though there are more quests that you need to tackle before facing a rival trainer.
- Basically, the second half of the campaign still follows the same structure, albeit one that’s longer and more drawn out.
Main mission list
Here are the main missions that you need to complete in Pokemon Legends: Z-A:
- 01: Get Your Travel Bag Back
- 02: Escape from the Battle Zone
- 03: A New Life in Lumiose City
- 04: Battling in the Z-A Royale
- 05: The City in the Shadow of the Prism Tower
- 06: Reaching Rank X
- 07: Reaching Rank W
- 08: Reaching Rank V
- 09: Chase that Mysterious Pokemon
- 10: The Secrets of Mega Evolution
- 11: A Rogue Mega Slowbro
- 12: A Rogue Mega Camerupt
- 13: A Rogue Mega Victreebell
- 14: Reaching Rank E
- 15: A Job for Team MZ
- 16: A Rogue Mega Beedrill
- 17: A Rogue Mega Hawlucha
- 18: A Rogue Mega Banette
- 19: Reaching Rank D
- 20: A Request from the Rust Syndicate
- 21: A Rogue Mega Mawile
- 22: A Rogue Mega Barbaracle
- 23: A Rogue Mega Ampharos
- 24: Reaching Rank C
- 25: A Showdown on the Battle Court
- 26: An Invitation from the SBC
- 27: A Rogue Mega Frosslass
- 28: A Rogue Mega Altaria
- 29: A Rogue Mega Venusaur
- 30: Reaching Rank B
- 31: A Summons from Vinnie
- 32: A Rogue Mega Dragonite
- 33: A Rogue Mega Tyranitar
- 34: A Rogue Mega Starmie
- 35: Reaching Rank A
- 36: [REDACTED]
- 37: [REDACTED]
After completing Mission 37, you’re pretty much done with the campaign proper. However, there are still a few post-game missions that you can tackle.
For the completionist at heart: Additional content and activities
Aside from the post-game missions, there are lots of stuff that you can do in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. These include:
- Catching all Pokemon – Don’t forget that there are over 200 in the game.
- Unlocking all Mega Evolutions – Some are rewards from bosses, while others can be purchased.
- Collecting every Colorful Screw – These net you Canari Plushies with permanent boons.
- Collecting every TM/Technical Machine – These unlock new moves for your Pokemon.
That does it for our article on how long it takes to beat Pokemon Legends: Z-A. If you’re about to get started with the campaign, then we encourage you to read our beginner’s guide.
You don’t need to face the challenges in Lumiose City all by your lonesome. We’ve got a Pokemon Legends: Z-A guides hub to help you go from the bottom to the very top of the rankings.