We unpack the bizarre lore behind the new Pokémon Legends Z-A mega evolutions

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With Pokémon Legends Z-A, players get the chance to return to Kalos, the Poké-France first introduced in Pokémon X and Y, and with it get to experience what is arguably the best gimmick Pokémon has ever offered. Certain Pokémon are gifted with the ability to push their evolution further than usual, undergoing mega evolution and turning into exaggerated and spectacular forms.

These mega evolutions don’t just give slick new looks; they also boost the Pokémon’s combat prowess with better stats and abilities. There are more available than ever before, as with Pokémon Z-A, new megas are getting introduced to give more variety and strategy to your fights. However, with this returning ability comes the strangely dark history of mega evolution from the annals of Kalos.

✓ VideoGamer Summary
  • With Pokémon Legends Z-A, we get the return of mega evolution, and the strange baggage that comes with it.
  • Mega evolution is the byproduct of some impossible technological weapon powered by sacrificed life force – yes, you read that right.
  • The Pokedex entries of the past portray mega evolution as horrifying both mentally and physically for Pokémon.
  • Pokémon Z-A has little interest in digging up past lore, and wants to frame mega evolution as only painful for Pokémon without trainers.
  • Mega evolution is linked to the Poke-multiverse, and may explain why the tone has shifted.

The Dark Souls of Pokémon lore

A lone figure stands before a massive glowing light pillar in the sky during the ending sequence of Metaphor ReFantazio.
An ultimate weapon of ultimate destiny. Image credit: Game Freak

To understand mega evolution, first we need to take a trip into the deep lore

Way before Pokémon Z-A and three thousand years before X and Y, a mysterious figure would use advanced technology to unite Kalos. He would become the first King of Kalos, though his greedy brother would make a play for the throne. The resulting war was so all-encompassing that the King’s favourite Pokémon was killed in the conflict.

In a fit of despair and rage, the King created an Ultimate Weapon to eradicate both sides of the conflict. The firing of this weapon required the sacrifice of numerous Pokémon’s life energy, but ultimately succeeded in ending the conflict through sheer devastation. The aftermath of this irradiated certain stones with ‘Infinity Energy’, derived from a Pokémon’s life force, which allowed certain creatures to absorb that energy and mega-evolve. 

In essence, due to the King of Kalos firing a Pokémon-powered nuke to end a war, these mega stones are so suffused with the life force of its sacrifices that they can permit a Pokémon to evolve beyond its natural limits. Artefacts left behind after an ancient war that allow for powerful transformations feel more Elden Ring than Pokémon. 

Does this mean that mega evolution is the product of a Poké-war crime? That’s for the Poké-courts to decide. 

The Pokédex entries betray a twisted world

A Pokémon Trainer activates Mega Evolution as Lucario prepares to transform with pink energy glowing in the background.
A cruel act that is effectively a magical girl transformation. Image credit: Game Freak

While the origins of mega evolution come from the history of Pokémon X and Y, there’s more information out there if you’re keen to delve into the true horrors of the transformation. 

Later series entries gave Pokédex data for the various mega Pokémon, and they’re messed up. 

Various Pokémon are subjected to body horror by these forced evolutions, from Tyranitar, whose “back split right open”, or the transformation that “was so strong that it smashed Glalie’s jaw”. Scizor and Houndoom both share a terrifying trait, where their bodies start to melt as a result of how the excess energy is stored in their bodies, or just from how hot they run as a result of the power boost.

The effect on the mental state of Pokémon is also pronounced, putting more emphasis on their ability to battle rather than just being a living animal. Lucario ends up with a “heartless” fighting style, mega evolution “fuels [Salamence’s] brutality,” and Metagross engages in “battles so cruel, they’ll make you want to cover your eyes”. 

Mega evolution seems to be wholly distressing for those who undergo it, forcing their bodies and minds to become more effective Poké-soldiers. This makes sense, considering it is the byproduct of such a destructive weapon, but it puts players in a strange quandary when all they want to do is make their Pokémon’s stats go up.

Pokémon Z-A isn’t interested in trainers torturing Pokémon

Mega Absol glows with radiant white wings and a fierce expression during its Mega Evolution transformation in Pokémon.
Absol is supposed to be such a peaceful Pokémon. Image credit: Game Freak

The darker side of mega evolution seems to have been dropped in its return in Pokémon Legends Z-A, as Game Freak no longer wants to make players think about the distressing aspects of the gimmick. 

The Pokédex entries have come out quite bland overall, with mega Gengar no longer trying “to take the lives of anyone and everyone”. Instead, its entry only says “it caused a stir one time when it stuck just one leg out of a wall”. 

In place of trainers forcing a terrible fate onto their allies, Pokémon Z-A is now putting ‘rogue mega evolution’ as a core mystery of the game. The wild Pokémon of Lumiose City are undergoing spontaneous mega evolution, and these events are so distressing that they end up going on rampages. 

The game is shifting the more painful nature of mega evolution on the Pokémon that don’t have the luxury of a trainer, allowing players to use their mega stones without any moral fears. Pokémon Z-A’s new megas also seem to have far softer designs than their older counterparts as well, with the new designs being fun elaborations on their base Pokémon, but without the unsettling edge that characterised the original megas.

Multiverse theory might have changed Pokémon Z-A

A glowing Pokémon undergoes Terastalization in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, surrounded by colorful sparkles and a radiant light effect.
Apparently, mega Victreebel is so full of acid that it needs to tie its mouth shut. Image credit: Game Freak

This isn’t the first change in tone or history that a Pokémon game has undergone, and nor will it be the last; that’s just the nature of a game series evolving and developing over a nearly thirty-year history. 

The Pokédex entries for the mega evolutions were already noticeably toned down in Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee, so this re-examination of mega evolutions’ presentation had already started long ago. 

As opposed to just a simple retcon, however, it is entirely possible that this strange lore of mega evolution only goes deeper, as the phenomenon is also the crux for Pokémon’s multiverse. 

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire did more than just repeat the games they were remaking; they added in mega evolution as a core mechanic. During the game, characters bring up the idea of another world where mega evolution wasn’t possible, which is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the original Ruby and Sapphire games. 

This creates the first evidence of timeline splits in Pokémon games, which is only expanded upon in the Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon games (which are set in an alternate reality), and even the recent Pokémon Legends Arceus, which involves time travel as part of its main story.  

Pokémon Legends Z-A and Pokémon X and Y may take place in different timelines, the former defined by a much more brutal mega evolution, while the latter dials things back. Going forward, we players can experience transforming our buddies without fear of hurting them – a mercy in this time of ethical dilemmas and global political tensions. Though we’ll likely never know for sure, speculation is half the fun.

FAQs

Which new megas are coming to Pokémon Z-A?

There are 26 new megas, including the Pokémon Z-A starters. These are Clefable, Victreebell, Starmie, Dragonite, Meganium, Feraligatr, Skarmory, Froslass, Emboar, Excadrill, Scolipede, Scrafty, Elektross, Chandelure, Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja, Pyrorar, Floette, Malamar, Barbaracle, Dragalge, Hawlucha, Zygarde, Drampa, and Falinks.

Will Pokémon Z-A have mega evolution?

Yes, mega evolution returns in Pokémon Z-A, and is a core part of the main story.

Is Mega Victreebel real?

No, Mega Vicreebel is not real and cannot harm you in any way. It is, however, in Pokémon Legends Z-A. 

Will Delphox get a Mega Evolution?

Yes, Delphox will get a mega evolution in Pokémon Legends Z-A, where it rides a broom like a witch.

About the Author

Mars Evergreen

Mars Evergreen is a contributer here at Videogamer.

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