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Mega Evolution is a key feature in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. While new players will be eager to try this mechanic, longtime fans will be interested in all the new forms introduced. However, the rules for Mega Evolution have changed from previous games.
Getting a handle on Mega Evolution in this game is essential for progressing smoothly. In the past, Mega Evolution allowed you to overpower opponents easily, but now there are more limits, such as time restrictions and costs. As with many aspects of Lumiose City, success depends on balancing resources and timing.
What Is Mega Evolution?
Mega Evolution is a mechanic that temporarily boosts a Pokémon’s stats and overall strength by evolving it beyond its usual form. It’s a short-term change that lasts during a battle, after which the Pokémon reverts to its normal, fully evolved form.
For most Pokémon, Mega Evolution increases their stats by around 100 points. Some Pokémon, like Ampharos and Altaria, may also change their type when Mega Evolving.
Note: Pokémon that can Mega Evolve in one or two stages generally have higher total stats compared to others because their Mega forms were originally designed around abilities (which are absent in Legends: Z-A). To keep balance, these Pokémon often receive extra stat bonuses.
How Mega Evolution Works
Mega Evolutions are triggered by using Mega Stones (also called Keystones). These special items are stored in your inventory and can be held by Pokémon matching their type.
You can acquire Mega Stones through three main methods:
- Completing story missions.
- Trading Mega Shards at Quasartico Inc.
- Purchasing them with in-game currency at Stone Emporium.
A complete list of Mega Stones and how to get them can be found in the official guide.
How To Use Mega Evolution
You gain access to Mega Evolution after progressing enough in the game. Specifically, you need to reach Rank V and start Main Mission 09: “Chase that Mysterious Pokémon!” At this point, you’ll face Mega Absol and earn your first Mega Stone and Mega Bracelet, which are needed to Mega Evolve Pokémon.
To Mega Evolve a Pokémon, two conditions must be met:
- The Pokémon must be fully evolved for its line.
- The corresponding Mega Stone must be equipped to that Pokémon.
During battle, you will see a meter in the bottom right corner of the screen that indicates your ability to Mega Evolve.
While Mega Evolution used to last an entire battle, in this game it’s governed by a timer. Your Mega Meter drains while in Mega form and refills when you Return to normal. You can Mega Evolve multiple times within a battle by attacking opponents or collecting Mega Power from the ground when fighting Rogue Mega Evolved Pokémon.
Note: Rogue Mega Evolved Pokémon are boss-type enemies in the main story. When defeated, they shed large chunks of Mega Power, which you can pick up to refill your meter. Stunning these bosses can lead to even larger Mega Power pickups.
What Are Plus Moves?
Plus Moves are powerful moves that deal extra damage or effects but cost Mega Power from your Mega Meter. Only moves that a Pokémon has mastered (indicated by a G+ symbol) qualify as Plus Moves.
Moves learned naturally through leveling become mastered once your Pokémon reaches sufficient levels. TM-taught moves can be mastered by giving a Seed of Mastery to Josée from the Fist of Justice team.
Pokémon That Can Mega Evolve
There are 65 Pokémon that can Mega Evolve in Legends: Z-A. Many are returning from the sixth generation games, with some new additions introduced in the ninth generation. Pokémon that are new to this list are highlighted in green.
Below is a sample of some Mega Evolving Pokémon and their types:
Mega Evolution | Type |
---|---|
Abomasnow | Ice/Grass |
Absol | Dark/Flying |
Aggron | Steel |
Alakazam | Psychic |
Altaria | Dragon/Fairy |
Ampharos | Electric/Dragon |
Beedrill | Bug/Poison |
Blastoise | Water |
Camerupt | Fire/Ground |
Chandelure | Ghost/Fire |
Charizard X | Fire/Dragon |
Charizard Y | Fire/Flying |
Chesnaught | Grass/Fighting |
Clefable | Fairy/Flying |
Delphox | Fire/Psychic |
Dragalge | Dragon/Poison |
Dragonite | Dragon/Flying |
Emboar | Fire/Fighting |
Excadrill | Ground/Steel |
Garchomp | Dragon/Ground |
And many more. A complete list is available in the official guide, with newly introduced Mega Pokémon highlighted in green.
How to Trigger Mega Evolution
Mega Evolution becomes available after reaching a significant point in the game, specifically after early progress and reaching Rank V. You also need to start Main Mission 09, “Chase that Mysterious Pokémon!”, where you’ll face Mega Absol and receive your first Mega Stone and Mega Bracelet.
To Mega Evolve a Pokémon in battle:
- The Pokémon must be its fully evolved form.
- The correct Mega Stone must be equipped.
- You need to have sufficient Mega Power, indicated by the meter.
In battle, you can Mega Evolve more than once by attacking or gathering Mega Power from the environment. The Mega Meter drains over time when in Mega form and replenishes when you revert.
Gaining Mega Power involves:
- Successfully attacking opponents (without Mega Evolving).
- Picking up Mega Power shards dropped by Rogue Mega Pokémon during fights; stunning these enemies results in larger shards, which can refill your meter more significantly.
This system emphasizes timing and resource management during battles, contrasting with the straightforward Mega Evolution from earlier generations.