Z-A Is Getting An Official New Update in April 2026

Ranked Battles Season 8 is coming to an end for Pokemon Legends: Z-A players on April 1, at which time Season 9 will begin in full. It’s worth noting, simply for clarity’s sake, that this update for Pokemon Legends: Z-A has been in place for some time now and is not some kind of April Fools’ Day trick. Indeed, Season 8’s schedule has made it clear it would come to an end on April 1, Season 9’s schedule has made it clear it would go live on April 1, and the seasons released so far reinforce this.

As fans know, Pokemon Legends: Z-A Ranked Battle Season 8 was special because it offered trainers an opportunity to earn plenty of Mega Shards (which can be exchanged for items like Mega Stones and Exp. Candy) through strict limitations. It started on March 11 and comes to an end at 7 pm PT/10 pm ET on April 1. This special season required players to only use Mega Evolutions, first introduced in Pokemon Legends: Z-A or its Mega Dimension DLC, but at least in this regard, Season 9 is a standard season once more.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A Season 9 Kicks Off April 1

Once the update kicks in, specifically at the end of Season 8/start of Season 9 at 7 pm PT/10 pm ET on April 1, players can expect it to last until April 22 at the same time. That gives players three weeks to climb the necessary ranks and emerge victorious.

To get your Season 8 rewards, navigate to Linked Play –> Ranked Battles once the season is over to snag all those Mega Shards for Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

These rewards are given as players advance in Rank. Between Rank Y and Rank S, players can unlock the following Mega Stones for new Mega Evolutions in Pokemon Legends: Z-A:

Greninjite (Mega Greninja)
Delphoxite (Mega Delphox)
Chesnaughtite (Mega Chesnaught)
Baxcalibrite (Mega Baxcaliber)
Sceptilite (Mega Sceptile)
Swampertite (Mega Swampert)
Blazikenite (Mega Blaziken)

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Who’s That Character?

Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)

Pokemon Legends: Z-A Season 9 Season Rewards

Finishing at Rank S or Below
Finishing Between Rank N and R	Seed of Mastery ×1 Nugget ×1
Finishing Between Rank J and M	Bottle Cap ×1 Seed of Mastery ×1 Nugget ×2
Finishing Between Rank F and I	Gold Bottle Cap ×1 Bottle Cap ×2 Seed of Mastery ×1 Nugget ×2
Finishing Between Rank B and Rank E	Gold Bottle Cap ×2 Bottle Cap ×3 Seed of Mastery ×2 Nugget ×2
Finishing at Rank A	Gold Bottle Cap ×3 Bottle Cap ×5 Seed of Mastery ×3 Big Nugget ×1

How to Play Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s Ranked Battles

Ranked Battles involved four players in real-time online battles with Trainers across the world. Players start off at Rank Z and can climb all the way to Rank A, similar in theory to the Pokemon Legends: Z-A Battle Royale story. As players progress, they will unlock 3 types of rewards: Battle Rewards, Promotion Rewards, and Season Rewards. Battle Rewards are given at the end of each battle, Promotion Rewards are earned when you advance in rank, and Season Rewards are given at the end of a season.

Launch your Pokemon Legends: Z-A game.
Press the X Button to open the main menu.
Select Link Play
Select Ranked Battles

It remains to be seen how Pokemon Legends: Z-A Season 9 manages to settle in, meta-wise, but Season 8 should have prepared players for any possible Mega Pokemon encounters. Namely, this special season had a very narrow pool of usable Pokemon, meaning only those introduced in the base game or its DLC could compete, and they had to hold their Mega Stones. Because of this, fans should have an acute awareness of how some of the best Mega Evolutions work:

Mega Skarmory dominated the meta with strong bulk and setup options
Mega Baxcalibur has powerful physical attacks and can be used against many common threats
Mega Magearna remains a top special attacker with excellent defenses
Mega Garchomp Z is a unique mixed offense attacker
Mega Absol Z is a glass cannon
Mega Zygrade can tear through teams when used effectively
Mega Golisopod and Mega Heatran represent lower tiers with niche roles and major weaknesses
Mega Lucario Z is good for high damage output
Mega Raichu Y, Mega Scovillain, Mega Malamar, and Mega Pyroar struggled in Season 8.

In general, the tight restrictions of Pokemon Legends: Z-A Season 8 elevated a few dominant Mega, while others struggled within their niche roles, against counters, and other limits as they climbed the ranked ladder. But these restrictions are good for players. Not only did it show the limitations of various Mega Pokemon, thereby showing how to use them even more effectively, but it also taught players how the best Mega Pokemon can be used. Bringing that experience and knowledge into a regular Season can help better counter an enemy.

Looking ahead, Season 9 promises a return to a more open meta for Pokemon Legends: Z-A, meaning players will see a wider variety of Pokemon and strategies on the battlefield. While Mega Evolutions from the base game and DLC will still be viable, Season 9 is not restricted to only those, allowing previously underutilized Pokémon to shine. At first, players should be sure they have balanced teams that can handle both powerful Mega Pokemon and non-Mega threats, while remaining flexible and aware of common counters, as they begin climbing the ranks.

Additionally, as players adapt to the new season, knowing when to switch, set up, or exploit weaknesses in Pokemon Legends: Z-A‘s meta remains crucial. Players who mastered the narrow but intense Season 8 meta will have an advantage in predicting opponent moves and leveraging top-tier Pokemon. In essence, Season 9 rewards both strategic foresight and adaptability. Whether you aim for Rank A or simply want to enjoy competitive battles, preparing for every possible encounter will make your climb far smoother and more rewarding.