Wild Pokémon can be encountered throughout Lumiose City. Many of them appear in "wild zones", areas of the city specifically designated as places for Pokémon to live. Similar to Pokémon Legends: Arceus, players can attempt to catch Pokémon without having to battle them, though battling them and lowering their HP will improve the odds of a successful catch. The player is seen using modern Poké Balls.
Unlike other core series games, which use a turn-based battle system, Pokémon Legends: Z-A uses a real-time combat system where Trainers and their Pokémon can move around a 3D space. This comes with new mechanics, such as precise timing of when to swap out Pokémon or use their moves, moves hitting specific areas of the field, and different lengths of time required to perform certain moves.