Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to implement a significant shift in its online multiplayer with the arrival of Season 15, introducing an exclusive Water-type Pokémon restriction. This new rule set will take effect on August 6 and will conclude on August 27.
This seasonal update follows a pattern of varied restrictions in recent months. Season 13 notably banned all legendary and mythical Pokémon from Ranked Battles, while Season 14 limited trainers to teams composed solely of Flying-type Pokémon. Season 15 continues this trend by confining trainers to the use of Water-type Pokémon drawn from both the base game's Lumiose Pokédex and the Mega Dimension DLC's Hyperspace Pokédex.
Eligible Pokémon from the Lumiose Pokédex include Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr, Magikarp, Gyarados, Binacle, Barbaracle, Staryu, Starmie, Panpour, Simipour, Vaporeon, Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking, Carvanha, Sharpedo, Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise, Skrelp, Clauncher, and Clawitzer, as well as Froakie, Frogadier, and Greninja. The Hyperspace Pokédex adds Rotom (specifically Rotom Wash), Dondozo, Tatsugiri, Qwilfish (regular form only), Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Feebas, Milotic, Wimpod, Golisopod, Volcanion, Keldeo, and Kyogre. While not officially confirmed, it is anticipated that players will be limited to one Kyogre per team.
Regardless of the specific Pokémon chosen, all participants' Pokémon will be standardized to level 50 for the duration of the online battles. Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Ranked Battles feature a four-trainer, real-time combat system where each trainer fields a team of three Pokémon. Points are awarded for knocking out opponents' Pokémon, with Mega Evolutions playing a crucial role in achieving victory, mirroring the mechanics of the base game.
Rewards for Season 15 are expected to be similar to those offered in previous seasons, including items like Fresh Water and various Feathers. Furthermore, trainers who achieve higher ranks, from Rank Y to Rank S, will receive Mega Evolution stones. These include Greninjite, Delphoxite, Chesnaughtite, Baxcalibrite, Sceptilite, Swampertite, and Blazikenite, with a full list of rewards available on Serebii.
In related news, the Pokémon Pokopia expansion, Bubbly Basin, is also slated for release on August 5, further expanding the world of Pokémon with aquatic-themed content.