Mega evolution returns in Pokemon Legends: Z-A but fans are still trying to sort out which ones are confirmed in the game and which new ones are actually coming.
Fans haven’t been able to mega evolve Pokemon since Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. The feature was dropped in Sword and Shield, something that increased the simmering hostility toward the games. Mega evolution’s return might not make everyone suddenly love the recent games, but it has certainly increased excitement regarding Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
That said, it’s not entirely clear whether all mega-evolved Pokemon are set to return and what new mega evolutions might be added. Here’s a full breakdown of everything that’s been shown in the game.
All new mega evolutions in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
The Pokemon Company confirmed that new mega evolutions will be added in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. On the July 22, 2025 Pokemon Presents event, the company debuted the first one, Mega Dragonite.
The reveal of Mega Dragonite follows an apparent March 2025 leak posted on internet forum 4chan. This leak included a purported list of all the new mega evolutions in the game, as well as descriptions for each one. The list included Mega Dragonite alongside an accurate description of the Pokemon, saying it has large, angelic wings coming out of its head, another set of wings on its ankles, and an orb on its tail.
The existence of Mega Dragonite was confirmed by The Pokemon Company and the description proved to be accurate. The next confirmed new mega evolution was mega Victreebel, which was also on the list. This strongly suggests that the leaked list of new mega evolutions is legitimate.
Full list of new mega evolutions
The following Pokemon will reportedly receive new mega evolutions in Pokemon Legends: Z-A:
- Clefable
- Victreebel
- Starmie
- Dragonite
- Meganium
- Feraligatr
- Skarmory
- Froslass
- Emboar
- Excadrill
- Scolipede
- Scrafty
- Eelektross
- Chandelure
- Chesnaught
- Delphox
- Greninja
- Pyroar
- Malamar
- Dragalge
- Hawlucha
- Floette
- Barbaracle
- Zygarde
- Drampa
- Falinks
- Zeraora
The list includes a few surprises, as well as surprising omissions. While Dragonite and Clefairy are enduring, popular Pokemon, many oft-forgotten Pokemon are set for a glow-up including Victreebel and Froslass. The Kalos region is set to receive a great deal of love in this regard, with several new mega evolutions including for the region’s starters.
Some of the more surprising omissions are Xerneas and Yveltal. The cover legendaries of Pokemon X and Y are seemingly set to be left out on the action. Fans are also left clamoring for mega evolutions for longtime favorites such as Flygon, Lapras, and Talonflame.
All confirmed Pokemon Legends: Z-A mega evolutions
Several mega evolutions have been confirmed as returning in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Though the game is seemingly set to add a long list of new mega evolutions, the majority of the list is set to be familiar faces from Pokemon X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire. However, it’s not entirely clear whether every existing mega evolution is set to return.
Here are all the confirmed mega evolutions that will return in Pokemon Legends: Z-A:
- Mega Absol
- Mega Altaria
- Mega Ampharos
- Mega Charizard X
- Mega Charizard Y
- Mega Dragonite
- Mega Gardevoir
- Mega Gyarados
- Mega Kangaskhan
- Mega Lucario
- Mega Sableye
- Mega Victreebel
- Mega Tyranitar
Some mega evolutions could miss out on a return. Foremost among them is Mega Rayquaza. The legendary Pokemon had a unique mechanic where it mega evolved without using a Mega Stone item with an ability designed to counter Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre. Because the Pokemon was very specifically tailored to work alongside Groudon and Kyogre, it could be left out of Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
The list of confirmed returning mega evolutions will likely grow as the Pokemon Legends: Z-A release date draws closer.
Will Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre return in Pokemon Legend: Z-A?
It is unclear whether Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre will return in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and it’s highly unlikely new primal Pokemon will come alongside new mega evolutions. The leaked list of new mega evolutions in Pokemon Legends: Z-A did not include any indication of new primal Pokemon. Additionally, none of the Pokemon included would thematically make sense to have a primal form.
Primal Reversion was effectively an extension of mega evolution, where certain Pokemon changed forms upon entering battle and were granted higher stats and a new ability. The mechanic was exclusive to Groudon and Kyogre, and was introduced in Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. It returned in generation seven and has been featured in spin-off games such as Pokemon GO and Pokemon Masters EX.
Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre were wildly overpowered to the point where competitive Pokemon was centralized around them. Alongside this, Pokemon Legends: Z-A is introducing gameplay changes that overhauls how and when Pokemon mega evolve. These factors could disincentivize Game Freak from bringing back the Primal Reversion mechanic in this and future games.
