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How to Start a Multiplayer Game (Pokémon Legends: Z-A)

Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

Follow these steps to connect with other players locally or online to battle or trade in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Before you start

  • An Internet connection is required to play online.
    • How to connect Nintendo Switch 2 to a wireless home network
      1. Place the Nintendo Switch 2 console within 10 feet of the wireless router so there will be a strong wireless signal.
      2. Select System Settings from the HOME Menu. The System Settings icon highlighted on the HOME Menu on Nintendo Switch 2
      3. Select Internet, and then Internet SettingsConfiguración de internetParamètres InternetConfigurações de internet. Your console will automatically search for nearby wireless network signals. Internet page highlighted in the System Settings on Nintendo Switch 2
      4. Select the appropriate network name (SSID) from the list.
      5. Use the onscreen keyboard to enter the network's wireless password, if one is required. Entering wireless network password using on-screen keyboard in the System Settings on Nintendo Switch 2
      6. The connection will be tested. Once the test is complete, select OK.
        • If the connection test fails, an error code and message will appear. Search for our support article on the error code for steps to troubleshoot the connection.

      For more details, please see How to Connect to the Internet on Nintendo Switch 2

    • How to connect Nintendo Switch to a wireless home network
      1. Place the Nintendo Switch console within 10 feet of the wireless router to ensure a strong wireless signal.
      2. Select Settings from the HOME Menu System Settings icon highlighted on the HOME Menu Screen on the Nintendo Switch console.
      3. Select Internet, and then Internet Settings Internet is selected on the System Settings menu on the Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo Switch will automatically search for near-by Wi-Fi signals.
      4. Select the appropriate network name (SSID) from the list.
      5. If prompted, use the onscreen keyboard to enter the network's wireless password Onscreen keyboard displayed when a network's wireless password is required.
      6. The Nintendo Switch will test the Internet connection. Once the test is complete, select OK to complete the process.

      For more information, see How to Connect to the Internet Using a Wireless Network.

  • A Nintendo Switch Online membership and a copy of either the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game or the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game, updated to the latest version, are required on each system to play online. When playing locally, all players must be using the same update version of the software to play together, whether using the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition or the base Nintendo Switch software.
  • The Link Play menu option will appear in the X menu after you unlock the Rewards feature in Mable’s Research. It takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours of play time before you can access the Link Play menu.

Complete these steps

  1. Start Pokémon Legends: Z-A from the HOME Menu.
  2. Press the X Button during gameplay to access the menu.
  3. Select Link Play.
    • Link Play menu is not available

      The Link Play menu option will appear in the X menu after you unlock the Rewards feature in Mable’s Research. It takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours of play time before you can access the Link Play menu.

What do you want to do?
  • Ranked Battles (up to four players over the Internet)
    1. Select Ranked Battles.
    2. You will be prompted to connect to the Internet and save the game. Select Yes.
    3. If this is your first time joining Ranked Battles, an important notice will appear with information about online play. After reading the information, check the box next to "I understand" in each section, then select Confirm.
    4. Read the warning about possible interruptions to playing online, then press the A Button to continue.
    5. If this is your first time joining Ranked Battles, you will be prompted to review the Link Battle Rules and an overview of the Ranked Battles system.
    6. Before joining a battle, you can press the Y Button to change titles, or press the X Button to manage your teams.
    7. Once you're ready to begin, press the A Button to select a Battle Team and start battling.
  • Private Battles (up to four players, locally or over the Internet)
    1. Select Private Battle.
    2. Have one player create a room and act as the host:
      • Select Nearby Players to create a room for players to connect using local wireless communication, or Faraway Players to create a room for players to connect over the Internet.
      • Select Create a Room.
      • A Room Passcode will be generated. Share this with the other players you want to join your room.
    3. Other players can join the host's room:
      • Select Nearby Players to join a room using local wireless communication, or Faraway Players to join a room over the Internet.
      • Select Join a Room.
      • Enter the Room Passcode shared by the host, then press the + Button or select OK.
    4. Once everyone has joined the room, the player who created the room can press the A Button to start a battle and select the rules.
    5. All players will be prompted to select a Battle Team, then select All Set! to mark themselves ready for battle.
    6. Once all players are ready, the battle will begin.
  • Link Trade (up to two players, locally or over the Internet)
    1. Select either Nearby Players or Faraway Players, depending on how you want to connect.
    2. Have both players enter the same 8-digit code, then select OK.
    3. The system will search for another player that has entered the same code. Once a trade partner is found, the trade menu will open.
    4. Choose the Pokémon you want to trade, then select Offer up.
    5. The other player’s Pokémon will appear on the screen. Each player must select Trade it for the trade to complete.

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