Pokemon Legends: Z-A is bringing back mega evolutions, the battle gimmick that first appeared in the X and Y games, but is also bringing us new twists, including brand-new mega evolutions.
A recent Pokemon Presents video walked us through a few different features of the game, including the new and returning mechanics from the series' last romp through Lumiose City. Mega evolution, which allows you to temporarily evolve certain Pokemon if they're equipped with a corresponding stone, is coming back in Legends: Z-A, alongside trainer customization. But we're also getting a few updates to the battle mechanic from Gen 6.
Here's what we've learned about the game so far.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A release date
Legends: Z-A will be available Thursday, Oct. 16 on Switch and Switch 2.
Z-A adds new mega evolutions and rogue mega evolutions
Mega evolutions were a focal point of the X and Y story, and a big part of the competitive scene until Gen 7 came out. X and Y introduced 28 mega evolutions, with another 20 coming in the Gen 3 remakes, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Mega evolution allows you to give even fully evolved Pokemon a temporary stat boost, a new ability and sometimes even a type change.
Legends: Z-A is adding to the list of megas, prominently featuring the new Mega Dragonite in the trailer. No details yet on whether Mega Dragonite has a change in type or what its new ability is, but I would guess it has something to do with the eight different wings all over its body.
The Pokemon Company/Screenshot by CNET
The other big change with mega evolution is the addition of rogue mega evolutions -- wild Pokemon that are able to mega evolve on their own. It's an interesting change from the Gen 6 games, where mega evolutions were only encountered in battles against gym leaders and similarly powerful trainers.
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