"Pokémon Legends: Z-A" is shaking things up in Season 14 as it is set to deliver a battle format best known for being exclusive to "Pokémon X and Y," the game that is the spiritual predecessor of "Legends: Z-A."
'Pokémon Legends: Z-A' Unveils Season 14's Special Battle Format
The new season introduces a Sky Battle-themed ruleset, limiting eligible Pokémon to those that can fly or float, which marks the most restrictive eligible pool the game has seen across all 14 seasons so far. Season 13 ends on July 15 at 6:59 p.m. PDT, with Season 14 kicking off a few hours later at 11:00 PM PDT.
Season 14 is the most dramatic ruleset change "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" has introduced since Season 8, when only Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution were allowed. Even then, Season 8 offered roughly double the number of eligible Pokémon compared to what Season 14 is bringing.
The new format restricts players to a small pool of Flying-type Pokémon or those that naturally hover, mirroring the Sky Battle mechanic that once appeared in the main series games.
Some notable exclusions have already caught the attention of players. Vivillon, despite being native to the Kalos region, is not on the eligible list. Latios and Latias, two Pokémon closely tied to flight in the franchise's lore, are also banned.
The season runs through August 5, 2026, at 6:59 p.m. PDT, giving players three weeks to compete before Season 15 begins.
'Pokémon X & Y's' Sky Battles Finally Returns
Sky Battles were first introduced in "Pokémon X and Y" back in 2013 and have not appeared in any mainline "Pokémon" game since. The format allowed only Flying-type Pokémon or those with the Levitate ability to participate, which created a uniquely restricted battle environment.
Players would encounter Sky Trainers throughout the Kalos region and engage in these optional aerial matches as part of regular exploration.
One quirk of the original Sky Battle rules was that all Rotom forms were permitted because Levitate was their natural ability, while Gengar was excluded despite its ghostly appearance because its ability in Generation 6 was Cursed Body rather than Levitate.
Season 14 brings a similar limitation, though since "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" does not feature abilities, only Fan Rotom is allowed this time around, since it is the only Rotom form with a Flying typing.
New Eligible Pokémon to 'Z-A's' Season 14
The following Pokémon are eligible for Season 14 Ranked Battles, separated by their respective Pokedex categories:
Lumiose Pokedex:
- Talonflame
- Pidgeot (can Mega Evolve)
- Gyarados (can Mega Evolve)
- Altaria (can Mega Evolve)
- Dragonite (can Mega Evolve)
- Charizard (can Mega Evolve)
- Delibird
- Scyther
- Emolga
- Hawlucha (can Mega Evolve)
- Noivern
- Aerodactyl (can Mega Evolve)
- Skarmory (can Mega Evolve)
- Salamence (can Mega Evolve)
- Yveltal (Restricted)
Hyperspace Pokedex:
- Fan Rotom
- Flamigo
- Corviknight
- Staraptor (can Mega Evolve)
- Crobat
- Rayquaza (can Mega Evolve, Restricted)
Players may only use one of the two restricted Pokémon per team, meaning Yveltal and Rayquaza cannot be on the same team.
Season 14 rewards differ from previous seasons as well, as instead of Gold Bottle Caps or Nuggets, players earn Pretty Feathers based on their rank, ranging from 50 feathers at Rank S and below to 300 feathers at Rank A.
