The simple joy of catching and battling pocket monsters has always been enough for Pokemon to sell like gangbusters, but each new iteration still has some type of novel gimmick to shake up the gameplay -- and the upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A includes one of the most popular ones ever introduced: mega evolutions.
Mega evolutions made their debut in Pokemon X and Y over a decade ago, and they quickly proved to be one of the most appealing new features. These powerful Pokemon forms are temporary evolutions that can only be activated once during each battle.
Mega evolutions are the synthesis of what makes Pokemon special for so many fans of the series. They're rare (not every Pokemon gets one), the designs build on existing monsters' looks and they add yet another layer to battle strategy.
While fan-favorite Pokemon like Flygon supposedly won't be getting their own mega evolution forms in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, more than two dozen new megas could be introduced in the game.
I'm excited to see Pokemon from underrepresented games get mega forms. Not many Pokemon from the Black and White games that first debuted in 2010 have mega evolutions, for example, and leaks indicate that iconic generation five Pokemon such as Excadrill, Chandelure and Eelektross might get their own powerful megas in Legends: Z-A.
Here's the full leaked list of mega evolutions we know about for Pokemon Legends: Z-A, including distinctions for mega Pokemon that have been confirmed.
The Pokemon Legends: Z-A gameplay trailer teased the return of mega stones. Nintendo/Screenshot by CNET
The full leaked list of mega evolutions from Pokemon Legends: Z-A
The Pokemon Legends: Z-A leaker -- an anonymous source who claims to have had hands-on time with the game -- revealed a list of 26 new mega Pokemon that will allegedly be available to use in the game. The leaker collaborated with the owners of the Pokeos website, Makio and JRoses, to distribute the information.
Although all leaks should be taken with a grain of salt until Nintendo's announcements, this list aligns with the handful of revealed mega Pokemon. While it's possible that the leak is inaccurate, the fact that it included niche Pokemon like Victreebel, Malamar and Hawlucha (which now have confirmed mega evolutions) lends credence to the rest of the claims. It's also unlikely that a fake leaker would have seven lucky guesses in a row on a provided list of 26 Pokemon, since there are well over a thousand Pokemon to choose from.
It's worth noting that the leaker's list doesn't include mega Raichu, but this is likely because they didn't have access to the DLC content.
Here are all of the mega Pokemon revealed in the March 2025 Pokemon Legends: Z-A leak.
All leaked mega Pokemon from Legends: Z-A Clefable Chandelure Victreebel (Confirmed) Chesnaught (Confirmed) Starmie Delphox (Confirmed) Dragonite (Confirmed) Greninja (Confirmed) Meganium Pyroar Feraligatr Floette Skarmory Malamar (Confirmed) Froslass Barbaracle Emboar Dragalge Excadrill Hawlucha (Confirmed) Scrafty Zygarde Scolipede Drampa Eelektross Falinks
All Pokemon Legends: Z-A mega evolutions that have been revealed
While we don't know quite how many mega evolutions will be featured in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, we're starting to get our first look at some of the new Pokemon designs. We've seen reveals for nine mega evolutions coming to Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
Here are all of the Pokemon that are confirmed to be getting a mega form when the game comes out.
Mega Dragonite incorporates vestigial wings from its predecessor's design. Nintendo/Screenshot by CNET
Dragonite
The original dragon Pokemon was the first mega evolution revealed in the lead-up to Pokemon Legends: Z-A. The design -- which cleverly integrates the tail bauble and wings from Dragonite's predecessor -- was shown off during July's Pokemon Presents show.
It makes sense that Dragonite is featured this time around: The Pokemon Company often leans on fan nostalgia surrounding the original games, and other powerful dragons like Salamence and Garchomp received these powerful evolutionary upgrades long ago.
Mega Victreebel was the cause of distress in a unique found footage marketing stunt. Nintendo/Screenshot by CNET
Victreebel
The predatory pitcher plant from Pokemon Red and Blue is growing in size in the next game. Victreebel's mega evolution was revealed with a found footage-style horror short on Aug. 21. As a generation-one Pokemon, Victreebel is a fan favorite. This mega evolution fills the plant with even more pernicious purple-colored poison than ever before.
The flamboyant Mega Hawlucha is a force to be reckoned with in the ring. Nintendo/Screenshot by CNET
Hawlucha
This fighting-type bird from Pokemon Black and White is spreading its wings with a new mega evolution. Hawlucha's mega evolution was unveiled on Aug. 28 as part of a special Rocky-esque wrestling animation. This mega form evolves Hawlucha's luchador identity, as the bird dons a new mask and costume.
Mega Malamar hypnotizes opponents with its elongated tentacles. Nintendo/Screenshot by CNET
Malamar
The hypnotic squid from Pokemon X and Y is making a triumphant return to Pokemon Legends: Z-A's iteration of the Kalos region. This mega evolution was unveiled on Sept. 10 in a faux news broadcast, wherein Malamar uses its mind control powers to make citizens of Lumiose City happier.
Mega Malamar is the first reveal for a monster originating in a generation-six Pokemon game -- the very same games where the mega evolution mechanic was introduced.
The least-loved generation five starter finally gets some love with a fantastic mega evolution reveal. Nintendo/Screenshot by CNET
Chesnaught
Pokemon Black and White's grass-type starter is getting a facelift with a Pokemon Legends: Z-A mega evolution. This form adds some bulk to the already knightly Chesnaught, including pauldrons and a lance. This mega evolution was revealed in the September Nintendo Direct and will be available as a ranked play reward.
The witchy mega Delphox soars into the skies atop her magic broomstick. Nintendo/Screenshot by CNET
Delphox
Chesnaught's fire-type companion, Delphox, also received a mega evolution. The wizard fox now rides a broom and keeps an array of fiery wands on standby. This mega evolution will also be available as a ranked play reward in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
All of Greninja's blood is going to its head in its recently revealed mega form. Nintendo/Screenshot by CNET
Greninja
The fan-favorite ninja frog got the most underwhelming mega form of the Black and White starter trio. Riding the underside of his water shuriken, Greninja loses any semblance of stealth and makes a flashy entrance. Just like his compatriots, mega Greninja will become available as a ranked play reward in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
Raichu X and Y are the poster boys of Pokemon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC. Nintendo/Screenshot by CNET
Raichu X and Y
Raichu will be one of the rare Pokemon to get two different mega evolutions. This isn't unprecedented -- Mewtwo and Charizard have previously received the split-mega evolution treatment. Both the twin-tailed Raichu X and the floppy-eared Raichu Y will be available in the Mega Dimension DLC sometime after the release of Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
FAQs
How many new mega evolutions will be featured in Pokemon Legends: Z-A? According to the leaks, there could be 27 new mega evolutions included in the base game for Pokemon Legends: Z-A. We know that the recently announced Mega Dimension DLC will include more megas, including mega Raichu X and Y, but we don't know how many there will be just yet. Developer Game Freak has not stated how many mega evolutions there will be in the full game.
Are old mega evolutions returning to Pokemon Legends: Z-A? Yes, older mega Pokemon will return to Pokemon Legends: Z-A. We don't yet know what the game's Pokedex will look like, though, so it's unclear how many of the previous mega evolutions will come back in this game. Pokemon Legends: Z-A trailers have showcased mega Pokemon such as Ampharos, Camerupt, Absol and Tyranitar.