On November 6, 2025, Game Freak rolled out the Version 1.0.2 update for Pokémon Legends: Z-A on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
This marks the first major post-launch patch after the Day-One update, aimed at resolving several known bugs and adjusting features—especially in the Ranked Battle system.
Major Bug Fixes
The patch targeted key gameplay blockers and mission-progress issues. Notably:
Fix for a bug where if your Pokémon Box was full before the first “Rogue Mega Evolution” battle (and you had never opened the Box menu), catches would fail and some side-missions wouldn't grant their reward.
Fix for certain side-missions where a day-night transition occurring precisely while you hit a target would cause the target to become un-hittable and the mission would be stuck.
Fix for a battle bug: if the opposing trainer switched Pokémon at the same moment you Mega Evolved, the opposing trainer might fail to send out a replacement and the battle would become unplayable.
Various other minor fixes to stability and progression.
These corrections are significant because some of them prevented players from completing the game or major side-content—a big relief for the community.
Ranked Battle System Adjustments
Beyond bug-fixes, the patch also introduced important changes to the game's online competitive mode:
The points system for Ranked Battles was adjusted so that players no longer lose points depending on match outcome in many cases. This lowers the penalty for losses and makes progression more forgiving.
The battle rewards after each match were increased—more rewards for participating and winning, giving players better incentives.
This essentially makes the Ranked mode more accessible to a broader player base rather than a narrow competitive core.
Implications for Players
For players of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, here's how to interpret the patch:
Mission stuck? If you experienced issues in side-missions or couldn't catch a Pokémon due to full boxes, the bug is now resolved—update and resume.
Online-play? If you plan on participating in Ranked Battles or trading online, you'll need this version (1.0.2) to guarantee compatibility. According to Nintendo, the new data is required for online features and local communication isn't compatible with older versions.
Mega Stones & rewards? Easier access to rewards via Ranked mode means if you're chasing Mega Stones (for example, for the Kalos starter Pokémon), this update makes it less grind-heavy. Community feedback confirms the change.
Save-data caution: As with any major update, it's wise to ensure your save-data is backed up (via Nintendo Switch cloud or local storage) before applying the patch—especially if you encountered any bugs before. Then after updating, resume operations under the new version.
What the Patch Doesn't (Yet) Cover
While several big fixes are included, players note that some older exploits (e.g., spawn mechanics for Alpha Pokémon in Wild Zone 20) remain unpatched in 1.0.2.
No major new content or DLC was included in this patch—it remains focused on fixes and adjustments ahead of forthcoming content (such as the Mega Dimension DLC).
Performance enhancements, new features outside of the Ranked scope, or UI overhauls weren't explicitly noted in the patch-notes.
Final Thoughts
Version 1.0.2 of Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a welcomed update—fixing major bugs that impacted mission progression and improving fairness in Ranked play. Though it doesn't introduce new content, it significantly improves the user experience and underlines the developer's responsiveness.
If you're playing the game now or planning to dive in, make sure you apply the update immediately. With your game updated, you'll face fewer technical hurdles and enjoy Ranked Battles with less frustration and more reward.