Summary

  • The hacker behind the enormous Game Freak leak claims to have a playable build of Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
  • However, they won't release it to the public, and are done sharing details about the upcoming release.

The individual behind the enormous Game Freak hack — of which information is still spilling out from — claims to have a playable build of the upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

They allege to have played through an internal PC build from start to finish, but that they have no plans to share the game online.

Earlier leaks from the same hack revealed that Legends: Z-A was intended to launch this year, but it's now slated for 2025.

In Game Freak's statement addressing the leaks, it revealed that the hacker gained "unauthorised access to [its] servers" way back in August, so they've certainly had time to play through Legends: Z-A.

Having played the game, they revealed that Stunfisk makes an appearance, the shiny sound from Legends: Arceus is back, and it's "really enjoyable" despite the lag. But that's all they're willing to share right now, which is probably for the best.

GTA 6, Wolverine, And Half-Life 2: Leaks Of This Magnitude Aren't A Great Idea

Hacking into a company like Game Freak and catching the ire of Nintendo is one thing, but leaking builds of an upcoming game? Gary Bowser served 14 months of a 40 month prison sentence and now owes $14 million to Nintendo for the crime of piracy. Imagine if Bowser had leaked an upcoming blockbuster in a franchise as big as Pokemon.

The last two years have seen a surprising number of historical gaming leaks, such as GTA 6. Early footage of a playable build was shared online, which landed the hacker an indefinite stay in hospital prison until he is "no longer a danger".

Related

What Next For Nintendo After The Pokemon Leaks?

Nintendo has previously resorted to legal retribution in cases like this, and Pokemon feels like the biggest leak yet.

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At the end of 2023, ransomware group Rhysida hacked into Insomniac and dumped over a terabyte of data online, including a playable PC build of Wolverine. It has yet to be caught, but considering the enormity of the leak and similar convictions in the past, they'll get far more than a slap on the wrist if found out. Nonetheless, its spree continues, as Rhysida was blamed for an attack on Seattle Airport just last month (as reported by PC Mag).

And of course, one of the most infamous cases in gaming history is the Half-Life 2 beta leak. German programmer Axel Gembe hacked into Valve's network in 2002 and uncovered a gold mine of in-developemnt information. Half-Life 2 later leaked online, along with the Source engine source code, but there was "no evidence to suggest that Gembe had been responsible" (as reported by Ars Tcehnica). Regardless, after Gembe turned himself in hoping to get a job at Valve, he was arrested and later sentenced to two years' probation for "causing damages in excess of $250 million".

3.0/5 Pokemon Legends: Z-A Like Follow Followed RPG Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 80/100 Critics Rec: 68% Released October 16, 2025 ESRB Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases Developer(s) Game Freak, Creatures Inc. Publisher(s) Nintendo, The Pokemon Company 7 Images Close
Where to play Close

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL

LIVE THE LIFE OF A POKÉMON TRAINER IN THE STREETS OF LUMIOSE CITY
Whether you’re a die-hard Pokémon fan or about to toss your first Poké Ball, the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game has plenty to offer for Trainers of all types. Experience classic gameplay with modern twists that are sure to revolutionize your Pokémon RPG experience.

CATCH, BATTLE, AND MEGA-EVOLVE—ALL IN REAL TIME!
 Step onto the battlefield and command your Pokémon directly—there are no turns! For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, Trainers and their Pokémon can both move around in real-time battles, and your Pokémon will unleash their moves when you tell them to. Strategically swapping out your Pokémon and accounting for each move’s timing and area of effect will greatly help you in this new style of battle.

HARNESS THE POWER OF MEGA EVOLUTION
When Trainers have a strong bond with their Pokémon, a Key Stone worn by the Trainer resonates with a Mega Stone held by their Pokémon, allowing Mega Evolution to take place.

ROGUE MEGA EVOLUTION
Rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon are threatening Lumiose City. These Pokémon are extra tough to beat, but if you do manage to defeat them, you'll receive valuable Mega Stones as a reward.

RISE THROUGH THE RANKS OF THE Z-A ROYALE
You’re invited to join the Z-A Royale, a competition for Pokémon Trainers to test their skills and determine who’s strongest. 

Each night, a battle zone for the competition will appear. Prepare yourself by spending the day in wild zones, catching and training Pokémon, then venture into the battle zone and take on other Trainers.

Be strategic and complete bonus card challenges as you battle to speed up your climb from Rank Z to Rank A. Can you climb the ranks and reach the top?

WELCOME TO LUMIOSE CITY
Visit shops, restaurants, and more, all centered around Prism Tower. An urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon.

BATTLE WITH TRAINERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
With a Nintendo Switch Online membership*, you can battle up to three other Trainers at once, locally or online, in frenetic real-time battles!

Genre(s) RPG, Adventure Powered by Expand Collapse