Three most likely starters for Pokemon Legends: ZA

with Pokemon Legends: ZA Just around the corner, one of the biggest questions is about which starters will be featured. While a classic fire, water and grass trio will likely remain in Legends: ZAThe starters will probably have a similar twist to the one seen in Legends: Arceus. Because Legends: ZA is set in the Kalos area of Pokemon X and Y, It is likely that the starters will receive Kalos regional variants never seen before. Much like the starters in Legends: ArceusHowever, they may be starters from previous generations with a special connection to the area.

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

Grass Starter: Snivy from Pokemon Black & White

The design of Serperior is inspired by France

Snivy, the grass-type starter of gen 5, is a strong contender for the grass-type in Pokemon Legends: ZA. Since the Unova area where Snivy originates hasn't been revisited recently, including Snivy as a starter would show the area some love. The latest evolution of Snivy, Serperior, has a design that aligns perfectly with the presumed French cultural theme of Pokemon Legends: ZA. Serperior's design refers to European nobility, which is evident in its regal posture and air of superiority. In addition, the fleur-de-lis, a symbol steeped in the nation's history, adorns its collar and directly connects it to France.

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 Pokemon Legends: ZA. While Bulbasaur, the Canto Grass starter, is iconic, his area is far removed from Kalos or French inspirations. Similarly, potential options from later generations like Chespin or Rowlet would not offer the same level of connections that Snivy and its evolutions do.

Because Serperior already has such a close connection to France, it might be difficult to get a Kalos regional variant. This can be done simply by a color swapMore similar to what Typhlosion was like in Legends: ArceusLike a completely new design. Either way, Serperior's chances of getting a Kalos variant - and Snivy being the grass-type starter - seem very likely.

Water Starter: Piplup from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl

Empoleon's Napoleonic inspiration explained

Piplup has good odds of being the water-type starter in Pokemon Legends: ZA Because of Empoleon, its final evolution. Empoleon is a clear reference to Napoleon Bonaparte, the famous French emperor. In addition, the elaborate frills around Empoleon's neck, reminiscent of the military uniforms worn during Napoleon's era.

Piplup's evolutionary line is arguably the most popular of the Gen 4 Sinnoh starters. Although popularity doesn't necessarily translate into becoming a starter in Legends: ZA, 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 Pokemon Legends: ZASince 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 Pokemon game.

Fire Starter: Torch from Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire

Blaziken has connections to France

Torchic seems to be the best choice for the fire-type starter in Pokemon Legends: ZA. The latest evolution of Torchic, 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 the First World War. Although Blaziken's fighting style is not a direct replica, the potential inspiration of 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 the new form of Blaziken more closely resemble the Gallic cock. This can be done by making Blaziken's design have greens, blues and brighter reds and oranges. Of course, this is assuming the latest evolutions of Legends: ZAs starters will be regional variants like Arceus' were.

All three potential Pokemon Legends: ZA Starters are even stronger contenders for the spot thanks to a possible hint in a trailer. Spotted by canadian_evee On Reddit, the trailer for the Indigo Disc DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Points Torchic, Snivy, and Piplup hanging out with the three starters of Arceus, Cyndaquil, Rowlett and Oshawott. This could be a subtle nod to the three being the next starters in the Pokemon Series.

While Snivy, Piplup and Torchic are strong contenders for these Pokemon Legends: ZA Starter Pokémon, their popularity in previous games and thematic ties to France make them intriguing choices. That being said, the possibility of Game Freak introducing a completely unexpected twist cannot be ruled out. Pokemon Has a history of subverting expectations, and new factors can absolutely influence the final decision. One thing is certain: the revelation of the Pokemon Legends: ZA Starters will be a highly anticipated moment.

Sources: comic book, Canadian_Eevee/Reddit