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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Yes. Pokémon Legends: Z-A supports multiplayer battles and Pokémon trades, both locally and online. It does not have a documented co-op story campaign or shared exploration mode: the official multiplayer features are battles and trading.
What multiplayer modes does Pokémon Legends: Z-A have?
You can connect with other players for private battles, online ranked battles, and trades. For battles and trades, choose either local wireless for nearby players or an internet connection for players farther away.
| Activity | Players | Connection and details |
|---|---|---|
| Private Link Battle | Up to four players total | Local wireless or online; the host creates a room and chooses the available battle rules. |
| Ranked Battle | Four-player Link Battles | Online competition against trainers around the world; placement earns points toward ranks from Z to A. |
| Link Trade | Two players | Local wireless or online; both players enter the same eight-digit code. |
The four-player limit means the host can battle up to three other players. It does not mean four opponents in addition to the host. The Pokémon Company’s multiplayer announcement describes private and ranked battles, while Nintendo Support’s multiplayer instructions explain how to start battles and trades.
Can you play the story or explore Lumiose City together?
The official multiplayer descriptions document battles and trading, not a co-op story campaign or shared free-roam exploration. So, while the game has multiplayer, it should not be described as confirmed co-op campaign play.
#1 Best Overall
![Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51r8yUj+syL._SL160_.jpg)
- Venture into Hyperspace Lumiose in this additional story content that can be accessed after completing the main game
- Work with the mysterious baker, Ansha, to make donuts that awaken the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa’s power and grant you and your Pokémon a variety of useful effects
- Join Team MZ and the Mega Evolution Successor, Korrina, to investigate Hyperspace Lumiose, the otherworldly home to rare and hyper-strong Pokémon
- Discover new Mega Evolutions such as Mega Raichu X, Mega Raichu Y, Mega Chimecho and Mega Baxcalibur
- Claim Holo-X and Holo-Y in-game apparel items, which you can wear as soon as you are able to customize your character’s look and outfit in the main game
How to start a private battle with friends
- Open the multiplayer options and select Private Battle.
- Choose whether to connect with nearby players through local wireless or faraway players over the internet, then create a room.
- Share the generated room passcode with your friends so they can join.
- When everyone is in the room, the host selects the battle rules. Each player chooses a Battle Team and marks ready; the host starts the battle.
Use Nintendo Support’s step-by-step guide if you need the full in-game flow.
How to trade Pokémon with another player
- Select Link Trade and choose local wireless for a nearby player or online play for a faraway player.
- Both players enter the same eight-digit code.
- After connecting, each player selects a Pokémon to offer and confirms the trade.
Link Trade is for two players. Nintendo Support provides the official Link Trade instructions.
Rank #2
![Pokémon Legends: Z-A Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IOdpg0EfL._SL160_.jpg)
- Your journey will take you to all manner of sights in the streets arrayed around Prism Tower, including shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free.
- As you catch, train, and battle Pokémon, there will be plenty of people to meet too—like AZ, the enigmatic owner of Hotel Z.
What do you need for online multiplayer?
- Online battles: An internet connection, current game update data, and a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership are required.
- Local wireless: This is the separate option for nearby players; Nintendo Switch Online is not required for local wireless play.
- Ranked play: The Pokémon Company says battle placement earns points toward ranks from Z through A, with the possibility of an additional performance-based points bonus.
These requirements concern internet play; they do not make an online membership a prerequisite for local wireless battles.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 editions play together?
The Pokémon Company says Link Battles work between Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, and the original game with the upgrade pack applied. The compatibility statement is specific to Link Battles, and the original game needs the upgrade pack for the described cross-edition play. Nintendo lists the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition as a separate edition.
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Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Live the life of a Pokémon Trainer in the streets of Lumiose City!
- For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in real-time battles
- Use the power of Mega Evolution in battle and take on rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon
- Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills and try to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer
- Visit shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free—all centered around Prism Tower
Rank #3
- [4K ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE] Protect the peace in Lumiose City in this enhanced edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, featuring native 4K resolution and a stable 60FPS frame rate. Experience the urban re-development plan with high-fidelity textures and advanced lighting effects centered around the iconic Prism Tower.
- [REAL-TIME BATTLE ENGINE] For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in seamless real-time battles. Engage over 100+ unique species with zero loading transitions, utilizing an upgraded combat AI that leverages the increased processing power of the Switch 2 hardware.
- [MEGA EVOLUTION MECHANICS] Master the power of Mega Evolution to suppress rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon appearing across the Kalos region. This edition introduces 15+ newly discovered Mega-Evolved forms, each rendered with dynamic particle effects and exclusive Z-A signature moves for tactical depth.
- [MULTIPLAYER Z-A ROYALE] Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills against global Trainers. Supported by Nintendo Switch 2's improved low-latency wireless architecture, these competitive events allow you to climb leaderboards and unlock rare evolution stones in 20-player lobbies.
- [EXPANSIVE WILD ZONES] Explore vibrant Wild Zones where Pokémon roam free in their natural habitats, from bustling city shops to hidden restaurants. This Hong Kong physical edition is region-free and supports English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese, featuring the enigmatic AZ and the peacekeeping Team MZ.
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