Exciting news for Pokémon fans! Mega Evolutions are confirmed to return in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. These highly sought-after, short-term transformations are a fan-favorite battle feature in the role-playing game series. Legends: Z-A will not only allow Pokémon to revert into their Mega Evolved forms, but it will also introduce brand new Mega Evolutions for Pokémon that didn’t receive them previously.
While these transformations typically accentuate the original Pokémon’s characteristics, some stand out far more than others. When evaluating design, narrative implications, or competitive viability, it becomes clear that not all Mega Evolutions are equal. Certain forms have attained iconic status, becoming synonymous with their respective Pokémon. Others, however, are less impressive and often overlooked, unless brought up in discussions highlighting their shortcomings. With over 50 Mega Evolutions introduced thus far, we’re compiling a comprehensive ranking. This list will be continuously updated as more are unveiled in the lead-up to Legends: Z-A.
Latios and Latias
It’s unfortunate to place Latias so low on this list, especially considering she’s grouped with her brother Latios. Game Freak’s decision to make their Mega forms nearly identical is a disservice. Their unique blue and red colors merge into a generic purple, with only eye color differentiating them. It was a missed opportunity to create distinct Mega Evolutions rather than near-duplicates.
Mewtwo X
Fortunately, Mewtwo possesses two Mega forms, and one redeems the other. Mega Mewtwo X’s bulkier physique appears ill-suited to the characteristically sleek legendary Psychic-type.
Pinsir
Mega Pinsir brings to mind those unidentifiable insects you’d spot buzzing around in the woods. Frankly, it’s the kind of bug you just want to swat.
Sharpedo
Sharpedo’s Mega Evolution is where we start seeing the “just add more stripes and pointy bits” kind of redesigns that belong in a middle schooler’s notebook doodles. It’s uninspired.
Tyranitar
This exemplifies the problem. Many Mega Evolutions appear to lack a genuine concept, instead relying on merely amplifying existing visual elements to the extreme.
Garchomp
The real question: How would Mega Garchomp even manage to eat spaghetti with those scythe-like hands?
Venusaur
They literally just gave Venusaur a hat. Not much else to say.
Gardevoir
It speaks volumes about the design that it takes a considerable amount of staring to discern any substantial difference from the original Gardevoir.
Gengar
Gengar’s third eye has foreseen the arrival of its dramatically superior Gigantamax form in the Galar region.
Lopunny
Game “Freak” is an apt description, indeed.
Manectric
Poor Manectric is now burdened with carrying the literal weight of electricity on its back. That’s rough.
Pidgeot
While the added blue is a welcome touch, Mega Pidgeot ultimately just looks like a slightly more elaborate, but still ordinary, bird.
Charizard Y
Similar to Mewtwo, Charizard boasts two Mega Evolutions, with one significantly overshadowing the other. Mega Charizard Y resembles an early, underdeveloped concept for a Mega Evolution. It bears a strong resemblance to the original Charizard, and even its defining feature, the additional horn, is easily overlooked if not viewed from the correct angle.
Raichu Y
It’s cute, no doubt, but making Raichu resemble Pikachu more closely feels like a misstep by Game Freak.
Greninja
The concept of inverting Greninja and having it cling to a giant shuriken is interesting, but the design itself remains largely unchanged and uninspired.
Medicham
This Pokémon practically screams, “Domain Expansion!”
Absol
“It’s not a phase, Mom! This is the real me!”
Abomasnow
The Pokémon world’s abominable snowman monster just becomes even more…abominable.
Aggron
A tanky Pokémon evolves into an armored battle tank. I’d trust this one to bulldoze any adversary.
Aerodactyl
I was prepared to rank Aerodactyl lower until I learned that its Mega form is intended to represent what pterodactyls looked like before fossilization. That’s actually pretty cool.
Blaziken and Lucario
Blaziken and Lucario are grouped together because their designs are essentially the same. They both get these stylish, frilly adornments that resemble martial arts bands. They fully embrace their Fighting-type classifications and likely spend their time aura-farming atop a tall mountain under the moonlight.
Scizor
Mega Scizor represents a seamless progression of the armor-clad insect’s original form. However, it’s now so overflowing with energy that it’s actually melting as it maintains this state. That’s undeniably metal.
Camerupt
Mega Camerupt appears as though it would have been better suited as a standard evolution, given how effectively it builds upon the original concept. The camel Pokémon’s mountain-like humps morph into an active volcano, transforming it into an enraged, explosive force. It gives off serious Anger from Inside Out vibes.
Mawile
Mawile’s Mega form aesthetically resembles Blaziken and Lucario. However, the quirky little Pokémon grows a second mouth on the back of its head, and if you don’t find that appealing, I don’t know what to tell you.
Metagross
Metagross now boasts four arms, resulting in twice the hugs! Who can say no to that?
Heracross
Just imagine all the scents you could experience with that nose, my friend.
Steelix
The crystallized segments of its elongated body are impressive, but the fact that it possesses its own gravitational pull, with an asteroid belt-like structure orbiting its neck, is truly exceptional.
Rayquaza
Mega Rayquaza almost crosses the line into being “overdesigned,” transforming an already elaborate Pokémon into something resembling a dragon adorned with random decorations. However, Mega Rayquaza’s lore as a deity believed to have arisen from humanity’s desire for salvation elevates it to one of the most grandiose and mysterious Mega Evolutions in the series, and as a devoted enthusiast of the Pokémon universe’s intricate world-building, I can’t help but give it a higher ranking for that reason alone.
Kangaskhan
Mega Kangaskhan is amusing because the Mega Evolution primarily affects the baby carried in the mother’s pouch. The baby transforms into a battle-ready child, and according to the Pokedex, the mother is concerned about its future because its only skill is fighting. She worries about the day it becomes old enough to leave her pouch for good. We appreciate the parental angst woven into this Mega Evolution.
Gyarados
Mega Gyarados is a more robust and destructive iteration of one of the most terrifying creatures in the Pokémon world. The addition of the Dark-typing enhances its intimidating presence, which is reflected in its menacing black-and-red design.
Houndoom
This Pokémon is literally wearing what appears to be a mammoth skull around its neck. What’s not to love?
Glalie
Mega Glalie is one of those genuinely unsettling Mega Evolutions that seems almost out of place in a Pokémon game. Its jaw has become dislocated, preventing it from closing its mouth, leaving it unable to eat. That’s dark.
Blastoise
Blastoise definitely fares better than Venusaur and Charizard Y in the Mega Evolution department. This Pokémon is now carrying heavy artillery on its back, along with arm cannons replacing the shoulder cannons of its base form. Blastoise transforms into a walking arsenal.
Diancie
Diancie transitions from a pretty but easily forgettable mythical Pokémon into a full-fledged magical girl after Mega Evolving. Serve!
Swampert
Swole boy alert!
Raichu X
Thank you, Game Freak, for finally showing Raichu the respect it deserves. Raichu X might be slightly overdesigned, but we can’t be too picky. Shaped like an X? I’m living for it.
Chesnaught
The Chesnaught hate is unwarranted, and its Mega Evolution has a badass mace, so watch what you say!
Gallade
This Pokémon is being knighted! Just look at that amazing cape. Mega Gallade is ready for the Met Gala. I wish my outfit was this impressive.
Banette
Banette Mega Evolving and unleashing all of its vengeful life force from its doll-like body is undeniably intense.
Hawlucha
Mega Hawlucha becomes a decorated luchador, and I have to give it props for that.
Dragonite
Mega Dragonite is a controversial form, but I think the way it uses those goofy head wings as a nod to its previous evolution’s traits is almost a humorous meta-joke aimed at those who complain it doesn’t resemble Dragonair enough. He’s goofy, but I trust him implicitly.
Sableye
Mega Sableye embodies every introvert’s desire to have something to hide behind at all times.
Malamar
I’m immune to hypnosis, so Mega Malamar couldn’t brainwash me into placing it at the top of this list. However, this skinny legend serving Megamind realness is still remarkable.
Altaria
Altaria is already one of the most aesthetically pleasing Pokémon in the Pokedex. Giving it an even more extravagant cloud to carry on its back and a fluffy white wig elevates Mega Altaria to Ruveal-ready status.
Mewtwo Y
Finally, Mega Mewtwo Y allows Mewtwo to embrace the strange little alien it was always destined to be.
Audino
Audino is based on a nurse, so a “promotion” to a full-fledged doctor with a lab coat as a Mega Evolution is an adorable concept. However, I might have preferred it as a separate evolved form.
Beedrill
Beedrill transforms from an unassuming stinging bee into something resembling a ferocious hornet. It’s giving you the side-eye at the outdoor lunch, plotting to snatch your meal. Be warned.
Victreebel
Another win for the goofy guys! Victreebel wraps vines around its throat to contain its toxic fluids within its enlarged belly, giving it a perpetually goofy expression. It’s actually pretty awesome.
Salamence
Salamence dreamt of flying as a young Bagon. Once it Mega Evolves, it transforms into a crescent-moon-shaped, jet-like dragon. It’s reminiscent of Icarus flying too close to the sun, achieving its lifelong dream of flight but becoming deformed in the process. Now, it’s just a rampaging, flying killing machine. The concept is brilliant.
Alakazam
“Experience tranquility.”
Delphox
They gave her a witch’s broom to ride on. She’s the ultimate witch now!
Sceptile
What if, like some reptiles, it could regrow a severed tail? What if that tail was also a missile?
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