Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a new spin-off game in the Pokémon series that builds on the Legends theme introduced in Arceus. Unlike the main Pokémon games, this one is set in Lumiose City, originally featured in Pokémon X and Y as a major destination in the Kalos region. The story revolves around a big project to improve how humans and Pokémon live together, so there will be a lot of construction and changes in the city.

It may be some time before fans are able to play the game, since it's traditions the new game may start, they can do something while they wait. There are plenty of games like Pokémon that people can play while they wait for a release. It may not be exactly the same, but it's similar enough to scratch that itch while waiting for the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

10 Cassette Beasts

A Unique Spin On The Genre

Cassette Beasts is an indie game that puts a fresh spin on the monster-collecting genre, making it a great choice for Pokémon fans who are looking for something different while waiting for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Instead of just catching creatures like in traditional games, players record them onto cassette tapes, which lets them turn into those monsters during battles. The game has a retro style with colorful 2D characters fighting in dynamic 3D settings, giving it a unique charm reminiscent of classic JRPGs.

The battle system adds some complexity with elemental reactions and two-on-two fights, so players need to think strategically about their monsters' strengths and weaknesses alongside their teammates. Players can also fuse with their friends’ monsters to create new hybrids. The story leans towards the quirky and surreal, swapping out familiar Pokémon elements for humor and surprises, but the main focus remains on collecting, battling, and experimenting with different monsters.

9 Slime Rancher 2

A Nice Diversion With Similar Ideas

Slime Rancher 2 is a fun and relaxing game where players explore a colorful world, collect cute slimes, and run their own ranch. It builds on the original game by adding better graphics, new types of slimes, and improved movement. The game is about taking your time, enjoying the experience, and optimizing the ranch. Slime Rancher 2 is one of the best cozy games around, but if fans are more focused on action, it may not be their cup of tea.

Players can mix different slimes, find hidden secrets, and gradually grow their ranch while discovering new and quirky slimes. Its friendly look and easy-going gameplay make it a nice break from more intense games. Players can really enjoy the simple pleasure of handling slimes and taking things at their own pace, making it a great way to relax before jumping into something more action-packed like Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

8 Monster Sanctuary

More Action Packed

Monster Sanctuary offers a fresh take on the monster-collecting genre Pokémon Legends: Z-A is known for by mixing it with exploration and action similar to Metroidvania games. Players take on the role of a Monster Keeper who hatches monster eggs instead of capturing them in balls, giving the game a different twist. Team building and customization are important, letting players improve their monsters’ abilities and stats using detailed skill trees, making each team unique.

Monster Sanctuary stands out with how monster abilities are used in the game world, using them to solve puzzles and navigate the environment, which makes exploring feel impactful. The combat system encourages strategic thinking, as players can take advantage of elemental strengths and weaknesses and create combos.

7 Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Try The Game That Came Before

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a good game to play to get ready for the next one in the Legends series. It takes a different approach from the usual Pokémon games, giving players a new experience while still keeping what fans love. In this game, players take on the role of a teenager who travels back through time, and ends up exploring a historical version of the Sinnoh region called Hisui. Their job is to study and understand Pokémon, which people in this world fear and distrust, to contribute to the first regional Pokédex.

The game gets rid of familiar elements like gyms and trainer battles, focusing instead on exploration and real-time action. Players can interact with wild Pokémon in new ways, including being stealthy, using items, and battling directly. The goal is to complete a research-based Pokédex that encourages players to observe Pokémon behaviors rather than just catch 'em all. This emphasis on research and exploration and new battle mechanics make it a great game to play before Pokémon Legends: Z-A, as many mechanics and themes are likely to carry over.

6 Monster Hunter Stories 2

A Spin-Off That Is Close To Pokémon

Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a fun twist on the main Monster Hunter games. Instead of real-time fighting, it uses a turn-based RPG system where players collect, raise, and battle alongside monsters instead of hunting them. The combat system is easy to understand but has depth, using a rock-paper-scissors approach with attacks, special skills, and the ability to ride "Monsties" into battle.

Exploration plays a big role, too, as players can explore different environments on land, in the air, and on water with their Monsties, finding resources, rare monsters, and hidden areas. A standout feature is its customization system, which lets players mix and match genes to create unique Monsties with creative results.

5 Palworld

Close Enough For A Lawsuit

Palworld is a game that mixes survival, building a base, and collecting creatures, but it does so in a very different way than Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Instead of a light and cheerful adventure, Palworld places players in a tough world where they need to craft items, build structures, and fight to survive. The creatures players capture, called Pals, can be used in strange and sometimes questionable ways. They can help players gather resources, act as weapons, or even serve as food when needed.

While the Pal designs may remind players of Pokémon, that's merely a coincidence. Palworld is currently in early access, so it’s not perfect yet, but it has fun mechanics and deep systems that make it enjoyable. It offers a fresh, albeit darker and funny, take on creature collecting, making it a good option to play while waiting for the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, as it presents a different but equally compelling world to explore.

4 Monster Hunter Wilds

More About Hunting Than Capturing

Monster Hunter Wilds is the big game in the Monster Hunter series, known for its tough battles, large environments, and satisfying progression system. Unlike Pokémon Legends: Z-A, where players catch and train creatures, Monster Hunter focuses on hunting down monsters, crafting items, and mastering different weapons. However, players can still capture monsters. Wilds improves the series' gameplay by making the controls smoother and the overall experience more seamless.

Monster Hunter Wilds releases on February 28, 2025. Those interested can try the game during its open beta tests in February ahead of launch.

Wilds touts new features like rideable mounts with a secondary weapon and a more effective Focus Mode for combat. Although the first open beta had some performance issues, the game looks like it will be a great way to fill the gap until the next Pokémon title, offering a different type of gameplay with a similar sense of exploration and growth.

3 Pokémon Scarlet And Violet

Handhelds Never Fail

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are obvious choices for someone who wants to play Pokémon Legends: Z-A. It's a big step forward for the series, offering an open-world experience that breaks away from the usual straight path of past games. Players can freelly explore the large region of Paldea right after leaving the academy, take on challenges, and find Pokémon at their own speed. This freedom to explore, along with various interesting characters and three engaging major storylines, means there's more to do than battle gym leaders.

The game includes many new and familiar Pokémon with cool designs, making exploring fun. Although there are some technical issues and the world can feel a bit empty, the games do a great job of improving on the previous Pokémon games. They're a good choice for long-time Pokémon fans and newcomers who want to dive into the world of monster collecting.

2 Temtem

Active Updates For Improvements

Temtem is an online RPG where players collect creatures, but it has its own unique features. Players take on the role of a young tamer exploring a colorful archipelago, befriending and battling various creatures called Temtem. While catching, training, and battling might remind some of Pokémon, Temtem has some key differences.

Temtem focuses more on tactical battles with two Temtem at once and uses a stamina system for moves, making fights more strategic and challenging. The game also encourages players to connect and play with others easily, creating an active community. The developers pay attention to player and update the game, offering a fresh take for those looking for a deeper creature-collecting experience.

1 Nexomon: Extinction

A Very High-End Clone

Nexomon: Extinction is a classic monster-catching role-playing game that is very reminiscent of Pokémon. However, it does a good job of creating its own unique style. In the game, players take on the role of an orphan who sets off on a journey to become a Nexomon trainer, facing the challenge of the legendary Tyrant Nexomon that threatens humanity. This storyline gives players a clear goal, which is more focused than the early Pokémon games.

As players explore a colorful world with different environments, they'll meet quirky characters, battle in turn-based fights with over 300 different Nexomon, and collect items to help them on their journey. Nexomon: Extinction offers a polished gaming experience that pays tribute to classic monster-catching games. It’s not just another Pokémon clone; it brings its own storyline, enjoyable monster-catching mechanics, and plenty of content at a fair price, making it an excellent game to visit while waiting for Pokémon Legends: Z-A.