Ethan Crossfield 
If you’re waiting on Pokemon Winds and Waves, Pokemon is already feeding the hype. New, type-themed events are now live in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, with the themes matching the direction teased for the next main-series generation. Here’s what’s running, who it affects, and what it suggests about what’s coming.
What’s new: water and flying-themed events across two games
Pokemon’s newest event drops are positioned as early teasers for Pokemon Winds and Waves, the franchise’s next main-series generation. The source notes that the events in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and Pokemon Legends: Z-A align with the major themes represented by the Winds and Waves titles.
In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the latest wave of activities centers on Water-type Pokemon. The events launched on July 16 and run until August 6. They include Water Pokemon-focused Mass Outbreaks and a set of special Tera Raid content built around Mightiest Mark Magikarp Tera Raids. The Mass Outbreaks are also tied to special Marks: players can encounter Pokemon with specific Marks such as Psyduck with the Absent-Minded Mark and Lapras with the Intellectual Mark.
Meanwhile, Pokemon Legends: Z-A is also participating with a Flying-type theme—but through Ranked Battles. Ranked Battles Season 14 began on July 15 and will run through August 5. During this season, players are restricted to using Flying-type Pokemon, and progression through Ranked tiers rewards Mega Stones, including stones tied to both the Gen 3 and Gen 6 starter trios. Legendary usage is also constrained: teams can include only one of either Rayquaza or Yveltal.
Who’s affected: specific rewards, restrictions, and time windows
These updates are designed for two different audiences depending on which game you’re playing.
For Scarlet and Violet players, the key details are the start and end dates (July 16 to August 6) and the event structure. The Mightiest Mark Magikarp Tera Raids are separate from the Mass Outbreaks, and the Mass Outbreaks are the primary route to special Mark-related encounters. The source highlights specific examples of what players can find—Psyduck with the Absent-Minded Mark and Lapras with the Intellectual Mark—so completing the event lineup is likely to matter if you’re chasing those extras.
For Legends: Z-A players, the Ranked season rules are the headline. With Season 14 starting July 15 and ending August 5, you’ll need a Flying-type-focused roster to compete. Rewards emphasize Mega Stones across multiple starter trios, while the legendary restriction (choose either Rayquaza or Yveltal, not both) narrows team-building options. If you prefer flexible squads or mixed-type strategies, this season’s restrictions may change how you approach climbing.
What it suggests about Winds and Waves—and the release outlook
Pokemon Winds and Waves hasn’t been fully revealed, but the source frames these events as thematic breadcrumbs. The next generation is described as the franchise’s tenth generation of main-series games, set in a tropical island region inspired by Southeast Asia. Earlier teasers for the game reportedly showcased three new starter Pokemon—Growt, Pombon, and Gecqua—as well as hints at underwater areas and a large open world.
The new event themes reinforce that direction. While the source doesn’t claim a full roster, it argues that the tropical island setting points toward frequent Water and Flying-type Pokemon appearances. It also references the initial launch trailer previewing Water-type Pokemon such as Corsola and Mareanie on beaches and Tympole in swamps.
As for timing, Pokemon Winds and Waves is currently scheduled to release in 2027.
What players should know
- Water-type events are live in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet from July 16 through August 6, including Mass Outbreaks and Mightiest Mark Magikarp Tera Raids.
- Mass Outbreaks in Scarlet and Violet can feature Pokemon with specific special Marks (examples include Psyduck with the Absent-Minded Mark and Lapras with the Intellectual Mark).
- Pokemon Legends: Z-A Ranked Battles Season 14 runs from July 15 to August 5 and restricts you to Flying-type Pokemon.
- Ranked progression in Legends: Z-A rewards Mega Stones tied to Gen 3 and Gen 6 starter trios, with a legendary team limitation (Rayquaza or Yveltal).
- These events appear to mirror the themes tied to Winds and Waves, which is set in a Southeast Asia-inspired tropical island region and is slated for 2027.
Expert View
This is a smart, low-risk way to keep fans engaged while Winds and Waves remains largely under wraps. By using type-specific event design—Water in Scarlet and Violet and Flying in Legends: Z-A—Pokemon gives players something to do now without locking in details that could change later. The main caveat is that themed events don’t guarantee exact gameplay or full rosters for Winds and Waves, but they do strengthen the case that Water and Flying Pokemon will be central to the next tropical setting.
