Summary
Pokemon Legends: Z-Awill introduce Mega Evolutions into theLegendsspin-off series, but there will be some changes from how the mechanic works in mainlinePokemongames. There is still a while to wait before the launch ofPokemon Legends: Z-A, but the inclusion of Mega Evolutions should do a lot to set it apart from its predecessor.
Sharing a setting with 2013 gamesPokemon X and Y,Pokemon Legends: Z-Awill be set in the Kalos region, which reflects the real-life area of central and northern France. The shared region is significant not only becausePokemon X and Yintroduced the legendary Pokemon Zygarde, who is set to play a big role in the upcoming game’s story, but because that pair of games was also the first to include Mega Evolution, allowing players the ability to temporarily boost the power and possibly change the typing of a single Pokemon in each battle.
During the Pokemon Day 2025 presentation held on February 27,Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s starters were revealedto be Chikorita, Totodile, and Tepig in a new trailer. While it solved that mystery, the trailer also showed off the Mega Evolution animations of several other Pokemon, and one source claims that changes are being put in place that will adapt the Mega Evolution mechanic to fit the more fluidLegendsstyle of gameplay. Specifically, Twitter-based Centro LEAKS, which is a popular source ofPokemonnews and rumors, has shared a post that claims Mega Evolution inPokemon Legends: Z-Awill be on an energy timer, presumably depleting as the Pokemon uses moves, which should prevent players from trying to activate it more than once per battle.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A May Change Mega Evolution Mechanics
If this information is accurate, it wouldn’t be the first time aPokemonspin-off game has had to throw in some alterations to make Mega Evolution fit into its gameplay style. For example,Mega Evolution inPokemon GOwas introduced four years into that game’s run. Rather than sticking with the old formula, which reverted Pokemon from their Mega Evolved forms at the end of battle,Pokemon GO’s version lasts for eight hours, letting each player keep one active on their team for longer at the cost of Mega Energy.
Reactions to the post have been mixed. Several fans would be disappointed with the inclusion of an energy timer, with some saying it would take the fun out of Mega Evolutions. Others have compared it more to theDynamax system fromPokemon Sword and Shield, which lets players buff a single Pokemon for a few turns of combat. Still, others are more receptive to the change, saying it sounds more feasible in a real-time battle and should force players into more strategic choices.
