In Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Mega Evolution is back after being absent from the main series RPGs since Pokemon Sword and Shield. The fan-favorite battle gimmick was first introduced in 2013's Pokemon X and Y, so it's fitting that it's back here in our return to the Kalos region's Lumiose City to give budding trainers a powerful trick up their sleeves as they battle through the Z-A Royale.
The Pokemon Legends: Z-A Mega Evolution mechanic unlocks powerful new forms for select Pokemon. Here, we've explained how the phenomenon works, and rounded up all of the Pokemon Legends: Z-A Megas, including the returning Megas from previous games and the brand new ones introduced in the latest entry. Be warned, there are some story-related Mega Evolutions we'd class as large spoilers for Pokemon Legends: Z-A's plot, but we've left those right at the bottom of this page underneath a separate spoiler warning.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Mega Evolution explained
After progressing through Pokemon Legends: Z-A enough to unlock your trainer's own Mega Ring, you can give Mega Stones to the Pokemon capable of Mega Evolution. Once you charge up your Mega Evolution gauge in battle, you can have your loyal buddies temporarily transform into stronger versions of themselves, with cool new appearances, boosted stats, and sometimes even a new typing.
Pokemon is no stranger to adding different battle 'gimmicks' like Dynamaxing and Terastalization to its RPGs, but Mega Evolution has been a fan favorite since its introduction in Generation 6, and it's also appeared in spin-offs like Pokemon Go and Pokemon Masters EX. Needless to say, its return here to the main series in Pokemon Legends: Z-A is very exciting.
How to use Mega Evolution in Pokemon Legends Z-A
After completing main mission 9, 'Chase That Mysterious Pokemon,' and winning the fight against a Rogue Mega Absol, you'll unlock the Mega Evolution feature. To use it, you have to own a Pokemon capable of Mega Evolving, and give it its matching Mega Stone to hold. For example, Meganium uses the Meganiumite stone.
During battles, a Mega Evolution gauge will fill in the bottom right corner of your screen. When full, you can press in the 'R' stick to Mega Evolve. Your Pokemon won't stay Mega Evolved forever – if you let the gauge run out, they'll revert back to normal, and you'll need to recharge the gauge to use it again.
Confirmed Pokemon Legends: Z-A Mega-Evolved Pokemon
Below, you can find our lists of returning and new Mega Evolutions in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, as well as a handful of upcoming ones set to be added to the game and its DLC over time. Again, not every Pokemon in the Pokemon Legends: Z-A Pokedex is capable of Mega Evolution, so if you want to plan your team out in advance to include as many Mega Evolutions as possible, it's good to know which ones can.
Returning Mega Evolutions
- Mega Absol
- Mega Abomasnow
- Mega Aerodactyl
- Mega Altaria
- Mega Audino
- Mega Alakazam
- Mega Ampharos
- Mega Aggron
- Mega Banette
- Mega Beedrill
- Mega Blastoise
- Mega Camerupt
- Mega Charizard X
- Mega Charizard Y
- Mega Gallade
- Mega Gardevoir
- Mega Garchomp
- Mega Gengar
- Mega Glalie
- Mega Gyarados
- Mega Heracross
- Mega Houndoom
- Mega Kangaskhan
- Mega Lucario
- Mega Lopunny
- Mega Medicham
- Mega Manectric
- Mega Mawile
- Mega Metagross
- Mega Sableye
- Mega Salamence
- Mega Scizor
- Mega Slowbro
- Mega Sharpedo
- Mega Steelix
- Mega Pidgeot
- Mega Pinsir
- Mega Tyranitar
- Mega Venusaur
New Mega Evolutions
- Mega Meganium
- Mega Emboar
- Mega Feraligatr
- Mega Barbaracle
- Mega Starmie
- Mega Pyroar
- Mega Clefable
- Mega Scolipede
- Mega Victreebel
- Mega Excadrill
- Mega Eelektross
- Mega Dragonite
- Mega Malamar
- Mega Dragalge
- Mega Froslass
- Mega Hawlucha
- Mega Scrafty
- Mega Chandelure
- Mega Falinks
- Mega Skarmory
- Mega Drampa
Upcoming Mega Evolutions
- Mega Greninja (Ranked Battle Season 1 awards its Mega Stone, starting October 16)
- Mega Delphox (Ranked Battle Season 2 awards its Mega Stone)
- Mega Chesnaught (Ranked Battle Season 3 awards its Mega Stone)
- Mega Raichu X (found in upcoming Mega Dimension DLC)
- Mega Raichu Y (found in upcoming Mega Dimension DLC)
Spoiler warning – Pokemon Legends: Z-A plot-related Mega Evolutions
- Mega Floette
- Mega Zygarde
