After many weeks, I have FINALLY finished my first play-through of the main story in “Pokémon Legends: Z-A.” Therefore, it’s time to go over all of the new mega evolutions introduced in the game, as well as ones announced for the DLC, and determine which one is truly the best. I will also add notes indicating where I believe they would rank in my original list. However, since I’ve already covered certain megas that were released at the time (Hawlucha, Dragonite, and Victreebel), they won’t be included in this article.
28. Pyroar
Half of the new megas in this game are either uninspired or lazy, and Mega Pyroar is a prime example. When I first saw spoilers for this mega on social media (before I even got to that point in the game), I genuinely hoped the images were fake or at least that the mega wouldn’t be as bad as people were making it out to be. Boy, was I wrong! There was so much potential in making a mega for a proud, fierce fire lion, but instead, all they did was make its mane slightly bigger and call it a day. Worse, the extra bits at the top of its head look so weird that it makes me very uncomfortable. In my original list, I would put this at #78 overall, right above Kangaskhan.
27. Feraligatr
When I heard that Feraligatr was gonna get a mega evolution AND become a Dragon-type, I was excited! Clear as day, I remember watching my girlfriend mega evolve her Feraligatr for the first time, only to be completely confused and disappointed with the result. I was expecting Godzilla, but instead, Feraligatr barely changes in appearance and has this huge red fin on its back (my first thought was that it looked like a plastic shovel you’d play with at the beach). Later, I’d find out that it actually looks like a Totodile’s head, and it can bite down onto the spikes on Feraligatr’s arms to increase its bite force. Admittedly, reading these facts about the bite force and even body temperature moderation is pretty interesting, but it’s still a huge letdown. Plus, I imagine a huge fierce Feraligatr running around looking like a goofy Totodile, and that’s just stupid. The only saving grace is the previously mentioned Dragon-type it gains upon mega evolving, but even with that, it’s still only #77 in overall mega evolutions for me.
26. Floette
Disappointment is a HUGE understatement to how I felt about this mega, especially after how much of the game was spent hyping this up. With AZ constantly warning us of the danger ahead, and how only a true master of mega evolution can use Mega Floette (which shouldn’t even be possible if it weren’t for its Eternal Flower form) to save the city. However, when it was finally time to destroy the weapon and mega-evolve Floette, I was anxious and excited to see what it would turn into. At first, my hopes were high when the camera only showed the bigger flower, but then it zoomed out, and I realized that’s literally all there was to it. It’s not like it had to turn into a big flower creature with glowing eyes or anything, but we should’ve at least gotten a little bit more than a Floette with a bigger flower connecting to it. Even before AZ’s hype of the mega, Eternal Flower Floette already presented high expectations due to its deep and tragic lore. And it’s because of that lore (and because I personally love the Flabébé line, especially this specific Floette) that it’s #76 in my overall list, but the mega makes me wish they never gave Floette one to begin with.
25. Raichu Y
I was absolutely blown away when I first saw the reveal of the two mega-evolved forms of Raichu! However, when I got a closer look at the X form, I got less excited about it compared to the Y form (which I’ll get into later). A big thing about this new mega that really bothers me is the two lightning bolt-shaped things coming out of its head, because it just looks so weird when they’re placed right in front of its ears. When you don’t truly look at the mega or think about it too much, that can be the case, but it still makes me wish those were actually its ears instead of the signature Pikachu-like ears it has. Plus, while I like the orange color, blue eyes, and decent design of the tail, it feels very underwhelming compared to Mega Raichu Y. After all, Y looks a lot more feral and evolved from base form Raichu, while X does kinda portray that same idea, but it still feels like the designers played it too safe and could’ve explored deeper than what we’re shown here. But since I love Raichu and the potential to mega-evolve it, I’ll put it at #71 in my overall list, right in between Mega Sharpedo and Mega Mewtwo X.
24. Dragalge
Despite this mega being so low on the list, I don’t full-on hate it, but I also don’t fully love it either. First of all, I love that the mega makes Dragalge even more like flowing seaweed, and it even makes me think of a sunken pirate ship. Plus, I like that they made the body a bit longer and gave it extra fins to make it look more like a dragon. However, my issue with the design is that it’s still only “just okay” to me. Maybe it’s because Dragalge wasn’t my favorite Kalos Pokémon to begin with, but for some reason, it’s just not really memorable for me. It doesn’t help that the mega has these weird, purple orb things on its head, and I keep wracking my brain trying to figure out what that’s supposed to mean. Despite this, though, Mega Dragalge sits at #68 in my list, right in between Mega Gardevoir and Mega Absol.
23. Skarmory
I almost hate to put this mega so low, because much like Dragalge, I feel a bit mixed about Mega Skarmory. However, the more I think about it, the less impressive this mega becomes. Literally all they did was spray paint Skarmory gold and give it longer, sharper talons and wings. Now, I have to say that this is very cool and passes as Skarmory evolving with a new kind of metallic/alloy coating, and those talons give me anxiety when I imagine the poor soul that finds themselves on the end of those. However, if you’re gonna give a mega evolution to a giant, metal bird that can Drill Peck through steel itself, then I feel like you need to do a little bit more than that. I mean, this could’ve easily been a shiny Skarmory if GameFreak didn’t go with the brownish and green version we have today. Nevertheless, it still sits between Mega Heracross and Mega Mawile at the #65 spot on my list.
22. Drampa
It feels almost criminal to put Mega Drampa in the bottom 10, because it really does look pretty sick! I mean, with the darker colors, the threatening posture, and especially how they darkened its white fur to look like storm clouds, it all truly draws out its aggressive nature. Plus, I admit that the lore of how Mega Evolution allowed Drampa to regain its youth from reinvigorating its cells is all very interesting. However, much like the other entries on this list so far, it feels like they barely do anything else with Drampa aside from changing its color palette and posture. It almost doesn’t feel like a Mega Evolution compared to others like Garchomp or Aggron, but at the same time, I can still see and feel it. So, despite my hesitations about this mega, I love it enough to put it just above Mega Sableye at #58 in my ranking.
21. Starmie
Okay, hear me out! I know Mega Starmie has been memed to death by fans on social media, but after seeing it with my own eyes, I don’t believe it’s as bad as people made it out to be. While yes, I have been very clear about how disappointed I am with how the megas so far have barely changed at all, I feel like Starmie’s longer arms and legs are appropriate here. When I battled that starfish and saw it lumbering over to me, I couldn’t stop thinking about how intimidating that was. It was almost like watching a Pokémon version of Starro from “The Suicide Squad,” but at least that thing had an eyeball, whereas the soulless and expressionless gemstone adds to the awesome yet terrifying nature of this mega. However, at the end of the day, there’s just nothing really notable about the design, and the others are simply a lot better than this one. Therefore, it sits in between Mega Drampa and Mega Gallade at the #57 spot on my ranking.
20. Delphox
I was genuinely surprised at how well-received this mega was, considering how many people already hate base form Delphox. But apparently, it’s not without good reason. From raised Special Attack and Special Defense stats, to accessing new and more powerful moves, and especially the design, this mega seems to have redeemed Delphox in the eyes of many haters. I must say that I agree with the reception, because I do love how they lean more into its witchy inspiration, and the fiery broomsticks look amazing! However, in spite of that, I feel like not a lot has changed except for a new wardrobe and hopping on a broomstick. When you also compare it to Mega Chesnaught and Mega Greninja, it makes you wish they did just a teensy bit more with the mega. Nevertheless, this is an awe-inspiring design for an equally impressive mega, which is why it’s between Mega Gallade and Mega Dragonite at #55.
19. Scrafty
I gotta admit: when I first saw this mega, I was not impressed. After all, it’s basically just Scrafty with a new cosmetic, and I hated the “bangs” that drooped over its face. However, the more I look at this mega evolution, the more it is finally growing on me! I love how Scrafty’s “clothes” actually make it look more intimidating, truly complementing its Dark-typing by leaning more into its hoodlum inspiration. For instance, with that hood up, the bangs drooping over its face, its hands in its pockets, and its black eyelids halfway down, Scrafty now looks like a dangerous thug in a bad neighborhood. Plus, I love how the pale white of its new skin clashes with its deeper-orange skin and the smaller black parts as well. My only complaint is that Scrafty didn’t become a Ghost-type upon mega evolving, because the pale whiteness of that cloak, those long, white strands branching out, and those round eyeholes just scream “Ghost-type.” Nevertheless, Mega Scrafty now sits proudly at #51 in my overall list, right between Mega Charizard Y and Mega Latias and Latios.
18. Zeraora
Of all the mega evolutions announced for the upcoming DLC, this has gotta be one of the most surprising reveals by a landslide! Not only is this a mega for yet another Pokémon from a different region, but it’s also the first mega we’ve received for a mythical Pokémon in a long time. Despite that, the design completely delivers! I absolutely love how the overall mix of black, blue, and yellow makes Zeraora look like a wild thunderstorm. What makes this even better is how Zeraora shows how its power has grown exponentially: the bigger blue patterns on its chest, the blue spikes on its wrists and forehead, and its blue eyes make me feel like this Pokémon is about to burst with overloading power! Finally, I love how it grew a second tail and how they both look like lightning bolts. While I do wish they did more than give Zeraora a new color palette, this mega steals the #48 spot on my overall list from Mega Latias and Latios.
17. Zygarde
Much like Scrafty, I thought Mega Zygarde’s design left much to be desired. I mean, we’re talking about the guardian of the ecosystem here, so I was expecting more than a glowing green body holding a giant bazooka. But again, much like Scrafty, I’ve come to appreciate the lore and design behind Zygarde’s new form. I love that Zygarde only achieves this form in response to people’s emotions during extreme crises, and this form perfectly embodies that! The glowing green body looks like its cells are collectively supercharged from mega evolution, and I don’t know how it made a giant bazooka, but I love how this new form grants an already powerful legendary even greater power for dire situations, like with the plant-tower monster. Plus, it looks cool that Zygarde is only holding it up with those four, spindly arms on its shoulders. Finally, I don’t know if this was intentional, but the red and blue dots on its chest remind me of the two different Zygarde cores from the anime. I still wish they added a few more to this mega, like maybe making Zygarde look more like a dragon or something, but it’s still a very imposing design and takes the #46 spot between Mega Blaziken and Mega Alakazam in my overall ranking.
16. Chimecho
Admittedly, I’m a bit mixed about this newly announced mega. When I first saw it in a trailer, I was completely blown away! I absolutely loved the gold beams that extended from its head, but then I noticed the overall design looked very much like Chimecho’s pre-evolved form, Chingling. Now, I love how Pokémon pay homage to their pre-evolved forms, but I like it more when they do it more subtly like what Mega Dragonite did. Mega Chimecho, however, makes it look more on the nose: the round design of the rings, the obvious face in the center, and the big ribbon at the top seem to rub it in our faces as if we couldn’t tell for ourselves. Despite that, I must admit that I’m still very impressed with the design, and the gold beams still look very cool. What makes them even better is having those wind chimes, which look very close to Chimecho, hanging from them. It’s like the chimes give this mega an intimidating yet beautiful appearance. As a bonus, Chimecho gains the Steel-type upon mega evolution, which is just awesome! Therefore, Mega Chimecho is #44 on my complete list, in between Mega Alakazam and Mega Altaria.
15. Baxcalibur
(Slight spoiler: the next seven entries, including this one, are gonna be in order from #41-35, because none of them could beat Mega Diancie in my official list lol)
I really seem to have a pattern of underestimating a lot of these designs, because when I saw the reveal for this mega, I didn’t think it was any good. It barely looked any different from the base form of Baxcalibur, but upon closer examination, I realized that the mega actually made it look better! Now, I absolutely love Baxcalibur. I’ve used it in my team, and it was pretty awesome. However, what always bothered me was the weird shape of its back fin and most of the proportions of its body. Mega Baxcalibiur fixed that by adding more ice armor onto its face and body, but the true fix is shaping some ice on its chest to look like the handle of a sword. Therefore, when you take a step back and look at the whole thing, it looks like a gigantic ice sword is stabbing this pseudo-legendary ice dragon. I don’t know why, but that is just AWESOME and quite a genius design choice (I don’t know how GameFreak got away with such a gruesome look lol)! And that is why it beats the beautiful Mega Altaria, ranking at #42 on my official ranking of each mega evolution.
14. Eelektross
I remember going up against Canari and her Mega Eelektross in the game for the first time, and how disappointed I was at first. I originally thought that the developers lazily slapped two guns on Eelektross’ arms and called it a day. However, that was before I did a little digging and discovered some interesting things about it. First of all, the two “guns” aren’t actually guns, but are what the Pokédex refers to as “false Eelektrik,” AKA electrified mucus. This mucus not only stores more electricity, but it also helps Eelektross swim twice as fast and even packs enough power to take out a freaking Wailord! I mean, how crazy is that? In addition, I love that the claws at the end of each arm resemble a plus and a minus, which is just perfect for an Electric-type. Plus, I love the modified stripes and patterns streaking across its body, especially when the yellow around its red eyes really makes them pop. Safe to say, these facts and design choices really redeemed Mega Eelektross in my eyes, enough to be the 41st best Mega Evolution in my book.
13. Barbaracle
I absolutely hated this at first (yes, I’m aware I’m repeating myself, but bear with me here). I thought the design was proportionally weird, with how wide its chest is, the shape of its head, and those many eyes branching out. However, after seeing how well fans have received it, I decided to give this mega another chance. And I must say, I love how this thing looks like a living, evil fortress. The dark brown colors of the arms, mixed with the bright orange in the arms and face, and those beady red eyes, all make it look more intimidating and threatening. Every time I look at this thing, I can’t help but think that it reminds me of the castle from “Sleeping Beauty,” when it was all wrapped up in thorns, and Maleficent was stopping the prince from getting there. Unfortunately, despite these attributes, it becomes a Rock and Fighting-type instead of a Dark type, which I believe is more fitting. Nevertheless, I can see how the Fighting-type fits, with the sharp claws, aggressive posture, and a hornet helmet fit for a warrior. I’m glad to say that this is my 40th favorite Mega Evolution on my list.
12. Malamar
I hate putting this mega so low because I absolutely loved it when I saw its reveal trailer posted on YouTube. First off, I really like how they made Malamar look more like a supervillain by giving it a collar with shoulder pads, and especially rearranging the fins on its head into a glowing brain. Not only does this show off more of its Psychic-type, but its supervillain look perfectly complements its Dark-type. And as if that weren’t enough, I love when they showed it hypnotizing with its long, noodle arms spinning and emitting colorful lights. I especially like that detail because base form Malamar can already hypnotize using a series of flashing lights, but Mega Malamar adds color to them and uses an alternative method of hypnotization, which truly portrays further evolution. Therefore, this mega sits at #39, and I wish it were accessible sooner in-game.
11. Falinks
I didn’t know I needed a Mega Falinks until Ivor mega evolved it in my promotion battle! But since I was caught up in said battle and the story, I didn’t get a good look at it. However, once I did, I came to love it almost instantly! First of all, I love how Falinks looks like a full-on gladiator, with the different Falinks stacking together to form a humanoid shape, and even a couple of them serve as a weapon and a shield. Plus, I love how the larger spikes, the blue dots at the sides of the Brass’s eyes, and the shield head on the right Falinks give it a bulky, fierce appearance. But the funnest part of this whole design is the Falinks in the middle, eyes squinting as it’s struggling to hold up the Brass and the other two! Not only is it a nice attention to detail, but it’s kinda funny (but also pretty sad) to see that poor little Falinks hold up its humungous comrades. But this might not bother it very much, because according to the Pokédex, “this form can only be achieved when the troopers and brass have the strongest of bonds,” which is such an incredible and heartwarming feature for this mega. Honestly, I don’t think I have any complaints, so it ranks at a solid #38 on my list.
10. Meganium
Finally, we’ve reached the Top 10 (on this particular list)! Now, here is where I might sound a bit hypocritical, since not much has changed with this mega. All they really did was add more flowers onto Meganium’s neck, some poofy pant legs at its feet, and some curlier antennae. However, where some see a disappointing mega, I see beauty. Adding more flowers gives Meganium more color, giving it the appearance of a bouquet or flower garden. This also perfectly complements its Grass-type, but it also portrays its newly acquired Fairy-type, since most fairies are known to grow and attend to plant life. Plus, the elegant curling of the antennae, soft eyes, and glowing flowers give it a gentle vibe that Fairy-types are typically known for. Plus, if I’m being honest, it’s this high mainly because I chose Chikorita as my starter, and I absolutely love Fairy-types. Therefore, it sits at a respectful #37 on my official ranking.
9. Chesnaught
I already liked Chesnaught; it was my second favorite Kalos starter, and I probably would’ve picked it if Froakie didn’t exist. But Chesnaught’s new mega evolution makes the Pokémon even better! I love how it has more of a royal look to it, with its flowing red cape, the yellow “crown” on its head, and the extra bulky armor. The icing on the cake, however, is that Chesnaught can now take off one of those spiky shoulder pads and literally turn it into a mace! It even grows a long handle, sharp spikes, the whole nine yards! I can just imagine that beast swinging that massive weapon down, smashing anything and everything in sight, and making the ground crack apart with each impact. It is absolutely insane, almost like watching a warrior king from the “Lord of the Rings” franchise in action! It may be #36 in my personal ranking of megas, but it definitely shouldn’t be ignored here.
8. Chandelure
To me, this is what Chandelure should’ve ALWAYS looked like! Sometimes, it really bothers me to see what’s supposed to be a chandelier, only to have two arms with little to no additional candles to complete the look. Mega Chandelure, on the other hand, delivers on this and then some! Its arms are longer, its flames are bigger, and it has twice as many candles to make me think this could be something hanging from a hotel lobby. In addition, the blue colors of its body and roaring flames give it a beautiful, crystalline appearance, while also making it very spectral and haunting at the same time. And this is a small detail, but I love that its head ornament looks more intricate, like how a chandelier should look. It’s definitely a solid #33 in my ranking, right between Mega Lucario and Mega Houndoom.
7. Emboar
It pains me so much to place this mega above Mega Meganium, but I simply can’t deny how amazing this mega is! Where Meganium had beauty and grace, Mega Emboar exudes the aura of a true warrior! Emboar’s tusks are twice as long as they were before, its fiery beard has grown into a cape and suit of armor, and it wields a spear literally made of fire! Plus, the slight change in the swirling patterns across its chest makes it look like a general of a royal army. Therefore, this design reminds me of ancient Japanese warlords, which makes me love and appreciate this mega all the more! Just looking at this thing makes me feel like this is a creature I DEFINITELY don’t wanna mess with, especially with that fiery and wrathful gaze in its eyes. Therefore, it cements its place as my 31st favorite mega in my personal list.
6. Excadrill
How do you make a drill Pokémon even better? You give it an upgrade and turn it into a REAL drill! I am a huge fan of how they took Excadrill’s most unique attributes and expanded on them: they grew its horn and claws, which already combine into an awesome drill, into much bigger and longer proportions! And, as if to show Excadrill becoming properly equipped to handle the massive weapon, I love how they changed his face to look like it’s peaking out of a helmet. To add to the look, Excadrill looks a bit bigger (in weight) with a firmer stance, ready to drill into its next opponent. I don’t know about y’all, but I absolutely love this mega, and I wish I had better opportunities to use it if I didn’t love my team the way it was. Regardless, Mega Excadrill is officially my 28th favorite mega, sitting right between Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Pinsir.
5. Raichu X
Now THIS is a Mega Raichu, not that crappy Y form! The reason I say this is that this particular mega evolved form actually looks like it evolved from Raichu. For example, what is the most iconic feature of Raichu? Arguably, I’d say it is the tail. And Mega Raichu X not only makes the tail even closer to resembling a lightning bolt, but it now has TWO of them! As if that weren’t enough, its ears have also grown to such a sharp and intimidating point, and the curls at the bottom are a nice touch. Its shining eyes, brighter skin, and small fangs make the mega look more feral and ready for a fight. Finally, when you see it spread out, you can see how it actually makes an “X!” And while Raichu Y achieves the same thing, Raichu X makes it less awkward and clunky, and more natural and awesome instead. Either way, I’m definitely adding this to my team in the DLC when it releases! I hate that such an amazing mega isn’t higher on my official list, but it’s still at a respectable #20 overall (between Mega Manectric and Mega Ampharos).
4. Froslass
My jaw literally dropped all the way to the floor when I saw one of my favorite Ghost-types mega-evolve for the first time! I don’t know what I was expecting, but I definitely didn’t expect to see Pokémon Elsa, that’s for sure. But in all seriousness, I love how beautiful it looks with its long, flowing, white gown. I also love the ice crystals and snowflakes that decorate it, which perfectly complements its Ice-type without being too on the nose. Further, its long “sleeves” and “hair” add to its snow queen appearance. But then you look at its long, icy horns and realize that it’s not just beautiful, but very menacing. This, accompanied by the narrow eye slots and scowl, reminds us that it’s still a Ghost-type through and through. Gorgeous yet terrifying, this stunning ice ghost queen claims the #17 ranking (between Mega Steelix and Mega Beedrill).
3. Clefable
I never really cared about Clefable all that much, even after seeing how tanky and powerful it is. But when I saw this thing mega evolve for the first time, I fell in love with the Pokémon on the spot! I can’t believe I never expected its tiny fairy wings to grow into these huge, butterfly wings that it can fly or glide on, but it fits so PERFECTLY! After all, if you’re gonna make a creature that is supposed to represent a fairy, you need to give it true fairy wings to let it fly. Aside from this, its soft, glowing green eyes, its long ears, and the “ice cream swirl” on its head all portray a kind and beautiful fairy! And to make it better, it actually gains the Flying-type, which may leave it vulnerable to additional types, but it’s still a very defensive and tactical typing to have in a battle. My only regret is not adding a Clefable to my team immediately after the battle I saw it in, but it’s still a solid #13 in my favorite megas (in between Mega Gengar and Mega Abomasnow).
2. Scolipede
When I heard that Scolipede could mega evolve, I was immediately intrigued and swapped my Heracross for an Alpha Scolipede to prepare for when I’d get its mega stone. And after seeing Corbeau use it in my promotion battle, I was relieved that it was DEFINITELY worth the hype! I absolutely loved how much of an absolute TANK they made this bug! For example, they made the front half of its centipede-like body extra bulky, complete with longer and more colorful horns, and even additional armor protecting its front. I read somewhere that Scolipede’s whole thing is charging into opponents, so it makes me happy that the developers fully leaned into that aspect! And seeing my Scolipede use Megahorn on opposing Pokémon was INCREDIBLE, like watching a bulldozer absolutely demolish a city block! Finally, I love how the neon coloring embodies the Poison-type because it’s like someone dipped this giant bug in nuclear waste. Overall, this mega is DEFINITELY in the top 10 of my official list, with a very solid #8 rank (between Mega Garchomp and Mega Salamence).
1. Greninja
If this mega didn’t exist, Scolipede would’ve won as my favorite new mega by a landslide. Perhaps it’s because I chose Froakie all those years ago, when I played my first Pokémon game, “Pokémon Y,” that this mega especially holds a place in my heart. Or maybe it’s just that awesome! I know it’s not as epic as Ash-Greninja was (and I agree that it should’ve been the mega instead), but I completely love how the developers leaned further into its ninja inspiration. For instance, Mega Greninja is hanging upside down, almost like how we would depict ninjas today. It also sports darker colors, especially on its legs, to mimic the black outfits we imagine them wearing. And while not a dark color, I love how the blue colors around its eyes not only make the design pop, but also highlight its increased power through mega evolution. But enough beating around the bush, because we need to talk about the giant water shuriken it’s hanging from! I’m not gonna lie, sometimes I laugh to myself as I think of the “helicopter helicopter” meme. In all seriousness, though, it is absolutely insane how Greninja uses its own weapon to hang from, and how fast it spins to keep Greninja afloat. This mega is so awesome that it has usurped Mega Salamence for my 5th favorite mega evolution ever!
