Pokémon Legends: Z-A Gets First Post-Launch Patch, Adjusting Rank Battle Balance And More
A new update has arrived for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, focusing on refining the competitive ranked battles and squashing several lingering bugs. This is the first major update since the game’s release last month.
Introduction to Version 1.0.2
Version 1.0.2 is now available for download on both Nintendo Switch and its successor, Switch 2. While the patch doesn’t introduce any groundbreaking features, the adjustments to ranked battles and the bug fixes are designed to improve the overall gameplay experience, particularly for those invested in the competitive scene.
Ranked Battle Adjustments Aim to Improve Competitive Experience
The primary focus of this update is on improving the ranked battle system. These changes are particularly important as players strive to earn exclusive Mega Stone rewards in the competitive mode. The recent announcement that Mega Stone rewards would be easier to obtain starting in Season 2 adds further significance to these adjustments.
- Point System Overhaul: The update modifies the point system so players’ points are no longer penalized due to match results.
- Increased Rewards: The update also provides extra battle rewards for each battle.
Key Bug Fixes Addressed in the Update
In addition to the ranked battle adjustments, the 1.0.2 patch addresses several bugs that were impacting gameplay. These fixes cover a range of issues, from problems with Mega Evolutions to progression-halting glitches in side missions. These fixes aim to ensure a smoother, less frustrating gaming experience.
- Box Capture Failure: A fix that prevents Pokemon capture failure if the box is full before a Mega Evolution battle.
- Side Mission Stalling: Fixed issues where day/night changes would prevent skill hits on targets, halting side mission progress.
- Trainer Battle Lock: Addressed a bug where opposing trainers couldn’t send out Pokemon after a player’s Mega Evolution.
- General Stability: Implemented fixes for other unspecified issues to improve overall game stability.
Detailed Patch Notes: Pokémon Legends Z-A – Version 1.0.2 (November 6, 2025)
The following bugs have been fixed:
- If you haven’t opened the Box since it became full before the first Mega Evolution battle, you’re guaranteed to fail capturing a Pokémon. Similarly, progressing in a side mission in this state, that rewards a Pokemon, makes it impossible to complete.
- In some side missions, if the day/night transition happens when a skill hits the target, the target becomes unhittable, preventing side mission progress.
- During a trainer battle, if the opposing trainer switches Pokémon and the player simultaneously Mega Evolves, the opposing trainer will be unable to send out a Pokémon.
- Fixed some other issues.
Rank Battle Balance Adjustments:
- Adjustment of points earned based on ranking so that points are not reduced depending on the outcome of the match.
- Some battle rewards that can be received for each battle have been added and increased.
*The latest update data is required to play online features.
*Local communication is not compatible with previous versions. Please ensure that you and the people you play with have the same update data version.
Speculation on Potential Hidden Content Related to Mega Dimension DLC
Notably, Nintendo is scheduled to release additional information about Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s Mega Dimension DLC on the same day as this patch. This coincidence raises speculation about whether there might be hidden content within the update that’s connected to the DLC. However, this remains purely conjecture until official announcements are made.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s Initial Success
Since its launch, Pokémon Legends: Z-A has enjoyed commercial success, selling approximately 6 million copies in its first week. The game has generally been well-received by players, with many praising its engaging setting, compelling narrative, and revamped battle system.
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