In Pokémon Legends Z-A, mastering the day/night cycle is essential for accessing Battle Zones, catching time-specific Pokémon, and progressing through the Z-A Royale ranking system. You can change time by interacting with benches scattered throughout Lumiose City, but this ability isn't available from the start. Here's everything you need to know about controlling time in your adventure.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Method | Interact with benches and select "Kill some time here" |
| Unlock Requirement | Complete Main Mission 5 or 8 (sources vary) |
| Day Duration | Approximately 16 minutes real-time |
| Night Duration | Approximately 8 minutes real-time |
| Primary Benefits | Access Battle Zones, catch time-specific Pokémon, evolutions |
| Bench Locations | Outside Pokémon Centers, scattered around Lumiose City |
Changing time inside Pokémon Legends Z-A is straightforward once you unlock the ability, but the method isn't immediately obvious to new players. The game introduces this time manipulation mechanic gradually through the main story campaign.
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The primary method for changing time in Pokémon Legends Z-A involves interacting with benches scattered throughout Lumiose City. These aren't just decorative elements—they're your gateway to controlling the day/night cycle. When you approach a bench, you'll have two interaction options:
To change time, simply select "Kill some time here" and confirm whether you want to wait until nightfall (if it's currently day) or morning (if it's currently night). The game will then transition smoothly to your chosen time period.
Benches are strategically placed throughout Lumiose City for your convenience. You'll typically find them:
The benches outside Pokémon Centers are your best bet, as they're easily recognizable and consistently available. Plus, you can combine your time-changing activities with healing your Pokémon and restocking supplies at the Pokémon Center.
Here's where sources vary slightly, but the consensus is that you need to progress through the main story before gaining access to time manipulation:
This discrepancy likely stems from different playthrough experiences or potential updates, but the important takeaway is that you won't be able to change time immediately upon starting the game. You'll need to play through several hours of story content first.
The game introduces this mechanic naturally through tutorials, so pay attention during main missions when the game explains new features. Once unlocked, you'll have permanent access to time manipulation throughout the rest of your adventure.
Pokémon Legends Z-A features a dynamic day/night system that affects gameplay in multiple ways. Understanding these mechanics is crucial for optimizing your playthrough and making the most of your time in Lumiose City.
Based on extensive testing and player reports, the day/night cycle in Pokémon Legends Z-A follows this pattern:
However, these durations can vary significantly based on your activities. Time progression pauses during:
This means that if you spend your night actively battling in the Z-A Royale, your evening could extend to nearly 18 minutes or more, as time doesn't advance during combat. This is actually beneficial, as it gives you more time to participate in Battle Zone activities before the sun rises.
The game provides several visual cues to help you track the day/night cycle:
The day/night transition in Pokémon Legends Z-A isn't just cosmetic—it triggers several important gameplay mechanics:
Understanding how to change time is one thing, but knowing why you should bother is equally important. Here are the primary reasons you'll want to manipulate the day/night cycle in Pokémon Legends Z-A.
The most significant reason to change time is accessing the Battle Zones that only appear at night. These areas, marked by red holographic borders, are where the Z-A Royale tournaments take place. Here's why this matters:
By manually changing to night, you can participate in these tournaments whenever you want, rather than waiting for the natural night cycle.
Like many Pokémon games, Legends Z-A features diurnal and nocturnal Pokémon that only appear during specific times:
Some of the most sought-after Pokémon in the game might only be available during one time period, making time manipulation essential for completionists who want to catch 'em all.
Changing time offers several strategic benefits beyond the obvious:
Once you've mastered the basics of changing time, you can employ these advanced strategies to optimize your gameplay experience.
Structure your gameplay sessions around the day/night cycle for maximum efficiency:
Morning/Afternoon (Day Phase - 16 minutes):
Evening/Night (Night Phase - 8 minutes):
Memorize key bench locations to minimize travel time:
Since time pauses during certain activities, you can effectively extend your nighttime Battle Zone sessions:
If you're unable to interact with benches to change time, you likely haven't progressed far enough in the main story. Continue completing main missions until you receive the tutorial about time manipulation. Most players unlock this ability around Main Mission 5-8.
Yes, all benches in Lumiose City function identically for time manipulation. The only difference is their location and convenience. Benches outside Pokémon Centers are typically the most useful due to their proximity to healing and shopping services.
No, manually changing time using benches does not impact story progression or main quest timing. It's purely a gameplay mechanic for your convenience and doesn't advance or delay story events.
Yes, you can use benches to change time as often as you like. There's no cooldown or limitation on how many times you can switch between day and night.
Your Pokémon remain unaffected by time changes except for two key benefits:
For the most up-to-date information and community discussions about Pokémon Legends Z-A time mechanics, check out these resources:
Most players unlock the ability to change time after completing Main Mission 5 or 8, which typically takes 3-5 hours of gameplay depending on your pace.
No, you can only change time by interacting with benches scattered throughout the city. You cannot change time while in buildings, dungeons, or during story sequences.
No, time manipulation is a single-player feature that doesn't impact multiplayer connectivity or matchmaking systems.
There are no penalties or negative consequences for changing time as often as you like. It's designed as a convenience feature for players.
No, changing time preserves all your progress including Pokémon caught, items obtained, and story completion. Only damaged Pokémon are healed, which is actually beneficial.
You can change time during most story missions, but some critical story sequences may temporarily disable bench interactions until the sequence is complete.
Mastering the time manipulation mechanics in Pokémon Legends Z-A is essential for optimizing your gameplay experience, accessing all content, and efficiently progressing through the Z-A Royale ranking system. By understanding how to use benches to change between day and night, you'll have complete control over Lumiose City's rhythm and can plan your adventures accordingly.
Remember that this ability unlocks naturally through story progression, so don't worry if it's not available immediately. Once unlocked, make strategic use of the day/night cycle to catch time-specific Pokémon, participate in Battle Zone tournaments, and manage your resources effectively.
With this comprehensive guide, you're now equipped to master time in Pokémon Legends Z-A and make the most of every moment in your Lumiose City adventure. Happy training, and may your journey from Rank Z to Rank A be swift and successful!