Breaking News: Unova Awaits! Unveiling the Exciting Possibilities of the Next Pokemon Legends Game

After the successful release of Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which revitalized a series that had been criticized for becoming stale, it is highly likely that a sequel is currently in development. Despite the recent introduction of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet in Generation 9, anticipation for the next mainline installment in the series has already reached fever pitch, fueled by insider rumors and leaks. Considering the ongoing thematic progression of the franchise and some intriguing hints from insiders, it seems probable that the next mainline title will be a continuation of the Pokemon Legends series, this time set in the Unova Region.

The Unova Region, originally featured in Generation 5, marked a significant departure from the series' usual Japanese settings by drawing inspiration from New York City and its surrounding areas. While many fans initially speculated that Generation 5 would follow the trend of receiving remakes after Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, it now appears likely that Game Freak will take a different route. Rather than remaking Pokemon Black and White, there is strong speculation that the developers will instead explore the forgotten past of the Unova Region, much like how Pokemon Legends: Arceus delved into the lore of the Sinnoh Region.

A Pokemon Legends Game in Unova Would Follow the Series' Recent Themes

Time has played a significant role in recent Pokemon titles, with Pokemon Legends: Arceus delving into the history of the Hisui Region and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet exploring the ancient past and future of the Paldea Region through Area Zero. This trend is likely to continue as the Pokemon world's lore is further developed. Additionally, there is a strong connection with the Unova Region that makes it a probable setting for a new Pokemon Legends game.

While the main theme of the Gen 5 Pokemon games focuses on the contrast between truth and ideals, represented by the legendaries Reshiram and Zekrom, there are also underlying themes of time and change. Opelucid City serves as a prime example, as its design can shift between a rustic village and a futuristic city depending on the game version. The city's gym leader also varies between Pokemon Black and White, with players encountering the wise and elderly Drayden or the young and up-and-coming Iris, respectively.

Outside of Opelucid City, the Unova Region harbors various ancient structures that provide potential for exploration in a Pokemon Legends game. Locations such as Dragonspiral Tower and Relic Castle hold untold secrets that were barely touched upon in the Gen 5 games. Similar to how Pokemon Legends: Arceus delved into the history of Mt. Coronet and the Spear Pillar in Sinnoh, these areas could gain greater significance in a Pokemon Legends game. This game could also serve as an opportunity to uncover the backstory of Team Plasma and their acquisition of a vast castle beneath the Pokemon League.

Support for the speculation of a Pokemon Legends game set in Unova comes from renowned Pokemon leaker Riddler Khu. On Twitter, Riddler Khu cryptically hinted that a prominent character from the upcoming Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC will play a significant role in the next entry. When some users speculated that this hint excluded the possibility of Gen 5 remakes or a new Pokemon Legends game in Unova, Riddler Khu refuted this line of thinking. Although not a direct confirmation, the accuracy of Riddler Khu's previous leaks suggests that a game set in Unova may indeed be in development.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is available for Nintendo Switch.