ThePokemonseries naturally lends itself to replayability, with various challenges being developed by the community over the years to encourage new playthroughs. Out of all the games in the series,Pokemon X and Yare the most worthy of a replay in 2025 due to their connection to the upcomingPokemon Legends: Z-A.Pokemon X and Ymay feel somewhat outdated by modern standards, but with the Kalos Region set for a grand return in 2025, now is the best time to dust off the 3DS and start up a new playthrough of the Gen 6 games.
Pokemon X and Yare often considered the black sheep of the series due to their controversial narrative pacing, lowered difficulty, and lack of a third, definitive version. However, despite these shortcomings, there is still plenty to love about the Gen 6 games that make them worth replaying. WithPokemon Legends: Z-Alikely to expand upon the lore of the Kalos Regionand fill in some of the gaps left by the lack of a “Pokemon Z” version, 2025 marks an important year forX and Y, and fans would be wise to brush up on these games in the meantime.
Pokemon X and Y is Worth Replaying in 2025
A Pokemon X and Y Playthrough is the Perfect Way to Prepare for Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Although it’s unclear how muchPokemon Legends: Z-Awill draw fromX and Y, the fact that this new title will beset entirely within Lumiose Citymeans there will likely be allusions to the city’s portrayal in Gen 6. With players set to oversee the urban redevelopment of Lumiose City inLegends: Z-A, getting reacquainted with the location inPokemon X and Yseems like a great place to start preparations for the new game. Lumiose City remains one of the largest cities in the franchise, with iconic features like Prism Tower, Lysandre Cafe, the Looker Bureau, and a taxi service for travel between different parts of the map, all of which could be referenced inLegends: Z-A.
Aside from Lumiose City itself, there are other parts of the Kalos Region and its history that could be worked into the story ofPokemon Legends: Z-A. The history behind the ultimate weapon and its mysterious creator, theancient king AZseems primed to be a core part of the game’s narrative. With ancestors of AZ potentially appearing inPokemon Legends: Z-A, diving deep into the history of the Kalos Region and combingPokemon X and Yfor any clues that could help bridge this lore withLegends: Z-Adefinitely warrants a fresh playthrough.
Team Flare’s Lysandre is a descendant of AZ’s family—specifically the ancient king’s younger brother—so there is already a foundation for more of AZ’s descendants to appear inLegends: Z-A.
Arguably the biggest reason to replayPokemon X and Yin 2025 is to get refamiliarized with theMega Evolutionmechanic before it returns inPokemon Legends: Z-A. Mega Evolution completely changed the game when it was added inPokemon X and Y, allowing players to evolve certain mons one stage further temporarily. However, Mega Evolution was largely cast aside in Gen 7 before being removed entirely from the series from Gen 8 onward.
Mega Evolution puts a twist onPokemonseries battles that haven’t quite been replicated in subsequent games. ExperiencingX and Y’s unique battle mechanicsis a great way to become accustomed to the layer of strategy Mega Evolution adds ahead ofLegends: Z-A. It’s unclear just how Mega Evolution will come into play inLegends: Z-A, but the battle styles mechanic introduced inPokemon Legends: Arceussuggests that players could experience Mega Evolution in a whole new way.
