Pokemon Legends: Z-A is set to bring back some beloved starters—Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile—when it takes players to the Kalos region. While fans of these Pokémon are thrilled to see them in the spotlight, not everyone is happy with the roster; in particular, many are wondering why Cyndaquil was excluded from this lineup of Johto starters.
During the recent Pokemon Day event in 2025, a new trailer for Pokemon Legends: Z-A was unveiled, sparking mixed reactions. This upcoming Switch game will invite players to dive into the sprawling, cutting-edge landscape of Lumiose City, the heart of the Kalos region, where humans and Pokémon coexist in harmony. Part of this experience includes selecting a starter Pokémon, and although fans were excited about Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile, others felt let down by the choices.
Even as we eagerly anticipate this late 2025 release, there’s still much mystery surrounding these starters. It remains to be seen whether they will boast any unique forms or abilities. Pokémon Legends: Z-A will follow a path similar to Legends: Arceus by not including Pokémon abilities, potentially altering gameplay dynamics.
However, this hasn’t stopped fans from debating the decisions made. On the r/Pokemon subreddit, a thread initiated by user Abinabin1 raised questions about the multiple Johto starters featured while excluding other generations. This ignited a conversation that revealed a couple of intriguing insights. Some speculate that Mega Evolutions were a factor in choosing these particular Pokémon, which could explain their inclusion.
Despite concerns over this perceived Johto and Unova favoritism, some trainers argue that Tepig and Chikorita, often seen as underperformers in battle statistics, deserve their moment to shine. Meanwhile, Cyndaquil’s absence stings particularly because of its recent spotlight in Pokémon Legends: Arceus paired with its unique form evolution, Hisuian Typhlosion.
Right now, there’s no word on whether the trio will get any new evolutions or a revamp of sorts. We do know, however, that Chikorita will have a nifty new trick up its sleeve with Disarming Voice, a Fairy-type attack. As we await more announcements, the potential of these familiar yet potentially refreshed starters keeps the community buzzing with anticipation.
