Dataminers have once again uncovered major new details for Pokémon Legends ZA, and if the latest leaks are anything to go by, the upcoming DLC is going to be packed with content. Alongside new side missions and moves, the data also hints at returning characters, expanded mechanics, and even crossover features inspired by other Pokémon titles. For players still exploring the base game—or those hunting to buy alpha shiny pokemon or find cheap shiny pokemon ZA—these updates add even more reason to dive back in.

82 New Side Missions and Expanded DLC ContentThe most eye-catching discovery comes from veteran dataminer Matt, who revealed that Pokémon Legends ZA’s DLC will introduce a whopping 82 new side missions, bringing the total to over 200. These additional missions appear to be fully scripted and integrated into the existing world, though their specific content remains encrypted.
What’s particularly interesting is how these missions might tie into the game’s rumored Hoopa wormhole mechanic, allowing players to travel between alternate dimensions or iconic Pokémon regions. This could mean that new side missions will take place in familiar areas like Viridian Forest, Petalburg Woods, or even Mount Coronet—potentially reimagined as alternate-reality versions where Mega Evolution has reemerged.
It’s an ambitious concept that could make the DLC feel like a journey through Pokémon history itself, rather than just a regional expansion.

Two New Moves Discovered in the CodeThe datamine also revealed references to two brand-new moves labeled under unique ID codes. While their specific effects aren’t yet known, text descriptions suggest they belong to high-tier Pokémon—most likely Mega Evolutions or Legendary/Mythical Pokémon.
Given the DLC’s focus on Mega Evolution, fans are already speculating about which Pokémon might receive these exclusive techniques. Some theories suggest they could be signature moves for the newly introduced Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y, while others think they’ll belong to Legendary Pokémon from alternate timelines.
If that’s true, it could mark the first time since Pokémon X and Y that Mega Evolutions receive entirely new move sets tied to specific forms—a huge shift in battle strategy and team-building.

Updated Catch Mechanics and Friendship SystemDataminer Anubis shared some useful insights into Pokémon Legends ZA’s underlying systems, clarifying how catch rates and friendship gains actually work in-game.
Each Pokémon’s capture chance is represented by arrows, with four arrows meaning an 80–100% success rate, and one arrow representing just 0–19.9%. Interestingly, shiny Pokémon now have boosted catch rates, making them slightly easier to secure once encountered. That’s great news for players actively trying to buy alpha shiny pokemon or grind for cheap shiny pokemon ZA to complete their shiny collections.
Another major discovery involves friendship mechanics. It turns out that simply sitting on benches with your team increases every Pokémon’s friendship by +10 every 10 seconds—ideal for those trying to evolve multiple Pokémon like Eevee simultaneously. Alternatively, cafés still give +30 friendship for the active Pokémon. This “bench method” offers a more relaxed, collective approach to maxing out your team’s friendship levels.

New Information About Pokémon PocopiaThe leaks also touched on Pokémon Pocopia, the upcoming Switch 2 exclusive spin-off. The game will feature real-time synchronization with the console’s clock, a seasonal system, and the ability for players to visit and trade resources with others on their islands—drawing clear inspiration from Animal Crossing.
While Pocopia won’t directly connect to Legends ZA, its development shows that Game Freak and Nintendo are increasingly interested in immersive, lifestyle-oriented Pokémon experiences.

Possible Returning Characters and Mega Evolution TiesThe community is buzzing with theories about which classic characters might return in the Legends ZA DLC. Based on dialogue and data references, characters like Korrina, Larry, Guzma, Cynthia, and Volo are all strong candidates. Each one has ties to Mega Evolutions—Mega Lucario, Mega Staraptor, Mega Garchomp, and Mega Golisopod, respectively—making them perfect for this expansion’s theme.
If these characters reappear through Hoopa’s wormholes or alternate timelines, it could connect the lore between generations and regions in an exciting way.

Ongoing Pokémon EventsBeyond Legends ZA, several other Pokémon titles are seeing new updates and events. Pokémon Sleep is adding Amber Canyon on November 6, 2025, along with a Halloween event featuring Pumpkaboo and Gourgeist. Meanwhile, Pokémon GO’s “Enchanted Hollow” event (November 4–9) introduces Tarountula and Spidops, expanding the game’s Paldean roster.

These datamines reveal that Pokémon Legends ZA’s DLC could be one of the most content-rich expansions the series has ever seen. With over 80 new side missions, new moves, potential returning characters, and refined gameplay systems, the future of the game looks promising. For collectors and completionists, the improved shiny catch rates and friendship mechanics make it the perfect time to expand your roster—whether you’re out to buy alpha shiny pokemon or find cheap shiny pokemon ZA to strengthen your team.