With Pokémon Legends ZA set to bring back the fan-favorite Mega Evolution mechanic, here are 10 Pokémon we’d like to see get the Mega treatment this time around.
The announcement of Pokémon Legends ZA shocked fans of the franchise, with many expecting the next game to be set in Johto or Unova. This second Legends game will take players back to Illumis in the Kalos region and introduce the welcome return of a long-absent feature: Mega Evolution.
Teased at the end of the reveal trailer, Pokémon Legends ZA is set to feature Mega Evolutions in some form, although no details have been revealed yet.
While we’re not sure if the upcoming game will introduce new Mega Evolutions or stick to the existing 46, there are plenty of Pokémon that deserve this treatment. Here are 10 Pokémon species we’d like to see get Mega in Pokémon Legends ZA.
10. Brutalibré
It’s important to remember that existing Mega Evolutions primarily come from Generations 1-4. X and Y focused on Gen 1 nostalgia, and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire provided more Gen 3 representation. In fact, the only Gen 6 Pokémon to get a Mega is the Mythical Diancie.
Pokémon Legends ZA is a chance to give the ‘mons of Kalos the Mega treatment, and Brutalibre is a prime candidate. Besides a luchador bird just being a cool concept, Brutalibre is the only Pokémon that can learn Air Press. It is the only double-type move in the series, a concept that seemed experimental at the time but has not been developed since.
Even if the franchise doesn’t plan to pursue dual-type moves in the future, a Mega Brutalibre would be a chance to make the Struggling Pokémon more than just an abandoned gimmick.
9. Palarticho
Even if we get new Megas, there’s a good chance the newest generation will be left behind. That said, if any Gen 9 Pokémon were to get a Mega, it would have to be Palarticho.
The only Electric-type rodent in the series to evolve, aside from Pikachu himself, Palarticho’s lineage has been criticized for being “anticlimactic”, with many fans lamenting that all he does is become a little taller and stand upright. A Mega Palarticho would give the latest evolution more of its own identity, which would hopefully gain more fans.
8. Ohmassacre
Ohmassacre and its pre-evolutions share the unique distinction of being the only Pokémon without weaknesses in Gen 9. This is due to their Electric typing mixed with the Levitation ability, which makes them immune to Ground-type moves.
Despite this honor, Ohmassacre is largely overlooked. A Mega Evolution would give this Pokémon the boost it needs. This would also be a chance for the developers to get creative with a new ability that doesn’t remove Ohmassacre’s claim to fame but adds something else.
7. Luxray
Pokémon fans were incredibly disappointed when Gen 7 abandoned Mega Evolution without giving Luxray a new form that seemed obvious. Lixy’s lineage has remained popular, with fans loving the evolution of the cute little kitten into an intimidating lynx or lion.
Many also hoped that Mega Luxray would be an Electric/Dark-type that was unused at the time. While this type combination now exists thanks to Morpeko, that doesn’t make the prospect of a Mega Luxray any less exciting.
6. Nostenfer
Finding Nostenfer in a Raid can take a lot of time and a lot of luck.
The Nosferapti bloodline is infamous, especially among older fans, for swarming players just about every time they enter a cave. While this has changed in recent years – Nosferapti isn’t even available in Scarlet and Violet – it’s clear that the evolutionary line could use some love.
Aside from Gen 2 giving it a final evolution into Nostenfer, Nosferapti’s family is one of the few Gen 1 bloodlines that did not receive a new form in later generations. While others have received Megas, regional variants, Gigantamax forms, or related Paradox Pokémon, Nostenfer has been neglected for too long.
5. Draïeul
When Draieul was announced for Pokémon Sun and Moon, many fans were hoping that it would be an evolution of Insolourdo. Of course, this turned out not to be the case, and Insolourdo finally got an evolution when Farfurex was introduced in Scarlet and Violet. Still, Draïeul could use a little more love, especially since he’s rarely been available in the main games since the Alola Era.
As for what a Mega Dragon could be, changing it from Normal/Dragon to Fire/Dragon would be a cool way to reference its most memorable Pokédex entry. According to Ultra-Soleil, “If a child he has befriended is bullied, Draïeul will find the bully’s house and burn it to the ground.» It’s a pretty dark detail, but it could be a big inspiration for Mega Draïeul.
4. Nemélios
Nemelios played an important role in the original Kalos games, serving as the signature Pokémon of Team Flare’s boss, Lysandre – the villain’s hair even resembles the mane of a male Nemelios. While we don’t know if Team Flare will return in some form, giving its main villain (or even a relative of Lysandre) a Mega Nemelios in Pokémon Legends ZA would be a great nod to X and Y.
Additionally, this would also be an opportunity to improve the Pokémon Royal. Oddly enough, Nemelios’ hidden ability is Impudence, which increases its Attack after KOing a Pokémon – which would be great if Nemelios wasn’t a Special Attacker. With a stat boost and an ability that plays to its strengths, Mega Emelio would be a force to be reckoned with and a Pokémon worthy of its regal design.
3. Dragonite
Dragonite has been a part of the series since the very beginning, but like Nosferapti’s lineage, the original pseudo-legendary is one of those Gen 1 Pokémon that didn’t receive a Mega or variant. In fact, it’s the only pseudo-legendary of the first 6 generations without any sort of update; Tyranitar, Metagross, Drattak and Garchomp have Megas, Hydreigon has a relative Paradox in Jugguleos, and Muplodocus has a variant of Hisui.
A new Dragonite is therefore long overdue. Granted, the Mega Gem’s naming convention presents a challenge for the English localization (I personally hope they go with “Dracolossite”), but that shouldn’t stop Pokémon Legends ZA from giving the original Dragon Pokémon the spotlight. at the level it deserves.
2. Azumarill
Azumarill is a rare case of an older Pokémon experiencing a resurgence in popularity in a later generation. Although it has often been neglected, the Aqua Rabbit Pokémon has made a comeback, thanks to Scarlet and Purple’s Tera Raids. From the start, fans realized that Azumarill excelled in this format, especially against early 7-star foes like Charizard and Pyrobut. Even now, many trainers rely on Azumarill to solo raids.
With this momentum behind it, Pokémon Legends ZA should double down and give Azumarill a Mega Evolution. This would be a great way to celebrate a Pokémon that has been around for almost 25 years and recognize its remarkable comeback.
Azumarill was also one of the pre-existing Pokémon that gained the Fairy type, so giving it a Mega could serve as a nod to another important Gen 6 contribution.
1. Libégon
Last but not least, Libégon. When Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire were announced, fans were hoping that the return to the Hoenn region would add a Mega Dragon. But while a Mega was planned for X and Y, according to legendary Pokémon artist Ken Sugimori, it was scrapped due to artist’s block.
Pokémon Legends ZA is a chance to finally give Libégon its long-awaited Mega-Evolution. Knowing that she was considered during Gen 6 made her absence bittersweet; after all, if Pokémon had released a bad Mega Dragon design, fans would have been furious.
However, neglecting it a second time would be a huge mistake. Really, if just one ‘mon were to get a new Mega Evolution in Pokémon Legends ZA, it would have to be Dragonfly, hence its place at the top of this list.
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