For the first time in a decade, the Pokémon universe is getting a fresh batch of Mega Evolutions. As fans prepare to return to the Kalos region with Pokémon Legends: Z-A, a new era of superpowered creatures is on the horizon. While the game isn’t introducing any brand-new Pokémon species, it’s making up for it in a big way by focusing on the one-of-a-kind transformations that defined the original Kalos games.
With the game set to launch on October 16, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, The Pokémon Company has started to pull back the curtain on these powerful new designs. We’ve compiled every new Mega Pokémon revealed so far and what these reveals could mean for the game’s mysterious plot.
Every New Mega Pokémon Revealed for Legends: Z-A
From beloved Kanto classics to a fan-favorite from a later generation, here are the first new Mega Evolutions to be announced for the game.
Mega Dragonite
It’s been 15 years in the making, but everyone’s favorite pseudo-legendary finally has a new form. The first new Mega Evolution to be revealed was Mega Dragonite, a creature that fans have been hoping to see for years. The new design adds a majestic set of wings that sprout from its head and a large jewel on its tail reminiscent of its previous form, Dragonair.
Its official description leans into Dragonite’s gentle nature, with a bit of a twist: “For Mega Dragonite, ending a Pokémon match quickly is an act of kindness toward its opponent. Its kindhearted nature gets amplified when it Mega Evolves, and it launches powerful attacks at its opponent with a smile.”
Mega Victreebel
Another first-generation Pokémon is getting an upgrade. The Grass/Poison-type Victreebel is back with a Mega Evolution that focuses on one of its most defining features: its acid. The new design gives it a more bulbous base and a noticeably larger mouth to hold the sheer volume of acid it now contains. The official blurb even notes that its vines have to wrap around its throat to keep the corrosive liquid from spilling out. It’s a grotesque and fascinating new look for the carnivorous plant.
Mega Hawlucha
The luchador-inspired Hawlucha, a fan-favorite from the Kalos region, is getting a new form that doubles down on its wrestler persona. This Fighting/Flying-type’s new design flexes its “bulked up” muscles and wings, which it uses to show off to its opponents. The blurb notes that its newfound confidence in its defensive abilities allows it to be even flashier than before, “constantly putting its beauty and tough pectoral muscles on full display.” This Mega Evolution is not only a fantastic new design but hopefully also a way to make Hawlucha more widely available, as it’s currently a regional exclusive in Pokémon Go.
What It All Means for the Game
The new Mega Evolutions will be at the heart of the game’s plot. The story of Pokémon Legends: Z-A revolves around the spontaneous Mega Evolution of local wild Pokémon, which have been dubbed “Rogue Mega Pokémon.” It’s up to players and their own Mega Pokémon to take them down.
While we’ve only seen three new designs so far, a widely-shared leak has already suggested that a total of 27 species will receive new Mega Evolutions. The rumor, which has been accurate so far, also promises new Mega Evolutions for the following species:
- Kanto: Sandslash, Clefable, Arcanine, Weezing, Tangela, Lapras, and Snorlax
- Johto: Donphan, Skarmory, Miltank, and Tyranitar
- Hoenn: Flygon and Salamence
- Sinnoh: Garchomp and Weavile
- Unova: Stoutland, Mienshao, and Genesect
- Kalos: Pyroar and Goodra
- Alola: Toucannon and Kommo-o
- Galar: Corviknight and Grimmsnarl
- Paldea: Annihilape
If this list is true, it means we can expect a wild mix of fan favorites and unexpected additions. The game will also see the return of other existing Mega Evolutions, such as Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Absol, and Mega Charizard X.
With its focus on new designs and a mysterious plot centered on Mega Evolution, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is shaping up to be a compelling new chapter for the franchise. We’ll have to wait and see if every past Mega Evolution will make the cut, but one thing is for sure: the return of this popular feature is a major game-changer.
