Image via The Pokemon Company
When fans think Pokémon games, they don’t typically go to soulslike as a comparison. However, early previews for Pokemon Legends: Z-A via the demo being played at the 2025 World Championships have stated that the game has resemblances to the dark, grueling systems of the Dark Souls world.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A has been teasing fans of the franchise for months with glimpses of a nightlife battle structure set in Lumiose City. Despite a few trailers illustrating elements of battle, it has remained relatively unclear how fans are meant to battle other trainers in the upcoming title.
However, a demo only available at the 2025 Pokémon World Championships has offered a select few the opportunity to give the game a try, and the feedback has been far from what many could have expected.
A Grueling Battle System Could Be Coming This October
According to one early preview of the demo shared by YouTuber and Twitch Partner EtchyOk via a recent Twitter post, the battle mechanics are unique. The YouTuber stated, “Played the legends ZA demo yesterday, really fun and hectic! Nintendo staff asked me if I played a game with similar combat and I said not really. Then they ask me “have you played dark souls? It’s kind of like that””
In reply to a comment, Etchy also added that it is similar to Digimon World 1.
This is a large step away from the casual battling systems and turn-based combat of traditional Pokémon games, and could be a mixed bag for those who aren’t looking for a grueling experience while playing Legends: Z-A.
However, Legends: Arceus also adopted a more complex battle system that was chaotic and challenging. These Noble boss fights and flexible wild encounter battles were fairly well received, but weren’t impossibly hard. Souls games are known for thier high difficulty levels, with some sitting at such difficult encounters that only lucky hits or dodging allow players to progress forward.
The feedback from gamers in the comments of the preview post seems widely positive about this comparison. However, those who are not looking for a Souls experience, or who are younger, may struggle when Legends: Z-A releases on October 16, 2025.
Hopefully, the demo will be released to all players as the release date gets closer. This will offer those unsure about the new battle mechanics a chance to give it a try before diving headfirst into the title at full price. Until then, Pokémon Legends: Z-A prospective players will have to keep up on previews of the demo and any new information from The Pokémon Company.
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