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The newest entry in the franchise, Pokemon Legends Z-A, might at first glance feel like just another adventure, yet beneath its cityscapes lie a multitude of Easter eggs and hidden secrets. The game rewards exploration with clever nods to past titles, secret interactions, and little moments that make the world feel alive.In this article, we will go over some of the intriguing and easily overlooked secrets the game has tucked away.All secrets and easter eggs in Pokemon Legends Z-A1) Pokemon Legends Arceus referencesVolo's outfit as seen in the Lumiose Museum (Image via The Pokemon Company)Few locations in Lumiose capture Legends Z-A’s history, like the Lumiose Museum. It’s a treasure trove of art, lore, and Pokemon history put in one place with impressive attention to detail.Map sketches in the gallery reference the ancient region of Hisui, subtly linking Legends Z-A to Legends Arceus.The second floor’s Hisui Exhibit displays handcrafted Poke Balls from Jubilife Village, and the attire of Legends Arceus’ protagonist and the antagonist, Volo. Interestingly, a nearby NPC claims that Volo himself donated the outfit to the Museum: a curious detail that raises questions about time travel and continuity within the Pokemon timeline.Certain paintings in the Museum have references to the real-life artworks of the past, such as the “Diancie Portrait” reinterpreting Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, while other canvases nearby nod to Lady with a Unicorn, Woman with a Parasol, and Madame Charpentier and Her Children.In the haunted Lumiose apartment, players can find a faded portrait of Professor Laventon, the NPC that gives players their starters in Legends Arceus.Also read: All Mega Evolutions in Pokemon Legends Z-A2) Character Easter eggsLysandre as seen in Legends Z-A (Image via The Pokemon Company)The streets of Lumiose are full of familiar faces and subtle callbacks:Former Team Flare scientist Mable is back in the game as a researcher, while Emma from X and Y returns as the city’s detective.The protagonist’s hotel room even contains a borrowed Lucario with a Trainer ID stating: Korrina, the Shalour City Gym Leader.Lysandre returns in the game as well. The former Team Flare Boss is now older, but still has his menacing Mega GyaradosWhen choosing your starter, approaching the nearby Pancham mid-selection will make the NPC warn you, “Don’t be a thief, Pancham isn’t yours!” breaking the fourth wall in classic Pokemon fashion.And finally, the “Power of Science” guy returns, standing outside Mable’s lab to deliver his iconic line once more.Also read: All Mable's Research and rewards in Pokemon Pokemon Legends Z-A3) Lumiose City’s detailsLumiose City takes direct inpiration from Paris (Image via The Pokemon Company)The game is set in Lumiose City, Kalos region, which is inspired by Paris, mirrors the French capital’s iconic radial layout. Paris is also known as the “city of lights,” hence the name ‘Lumiose’.Manhole covers scattered throughout the city depict Kalos Pokemon like Greninja or Pyroar, while others resemble Poke Balls. These charming details draw from Japan’s real-world “Poke Lids” initiative, which decorates city manholes with Pokemon art.You can try leaving Lumiose early via the train station the game starts with. After a bunch of confirmation texts, your character dozes off on a bench, suggesting the entire journey might have been a dream.Also read: Complete Pokemon Legends Z-A Pokedex4) Game mechanics with hidden triggersMega Hawlucha as seen in the game (Image via The Pokemon Company)Not all secrets are visual, some are woven into the gameplay itself:The minimap subtly tracks the day-night cycle through a shifting color ring that transitions from blue to red. Timing these changes can help you time the next cycle.During a mission involving NPCs forming a “human ladder,” jumping back triggers a special dialogue where Corbeau colds at you for ruining their effortsMany Mega forms have logical inspirations: Mega Starmie wants to surpass humanity, hence takes a humanoid form. Mega Hawlucha directly takes inpirations from the professional Wrestler, Rey Mysterio. Mega Pyroar has the Japanese Kanji for 'Blaze' in its mane. A-Z’s Floette hides an anomaly: a Mega Evolution that breaks the usual rule requiring full evolution.Also read: How to get a guaranteed Shiny Mareep in Pokemon Legends Z-A for free?5) Secret animationsRegister your birthday with Nurse Joy to trigger this Easter egg (Image via The Pokemon Company)Beyond its lore, Legends Z-A hides interactive touches in small in-game systems:In photo mode certain music tracks influence your Pokemon’s poses: soothing tunes make them nap, battle themes rile them up, and upbeat songs get them dancing. This works on certain NPCs as well, like Mable.You register your birthday in the early-game at the Pokemon Center. This is for a reason as on the day registered you will see a short celebration, with confetti and a heartfelt message from Nurse Joy.Also read: Best Pidgeot moveset and nature in Pokemon Legends Z-AIf you are interested in other topics related to Pokemon Legends Z-A, check out these articles:Pokemon Legends Z-A file size exploredHow to sneak in Pokemon Legends Z-A6 best Pokemon Legends Z-A combat tips you need to knowCan you trade Pokemon holding Mega Stones in Legends Z-A?Should you play Pokemon X and Y before Pokemon Legends Z-A?How to get preorder bonus in Legends Z-AHow to get money easily in Legends Z-ALegends Z-A DLC announced, with Mega X and Y for beloved Gen I
