On Thursday, October 16th, Pokemon fans will finally return to Pokemon X and Y’s France-inspired Kalos region in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. However, this upcoming visit to the Kalos region will be drastically different, as Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes place during the urban redevelopment of Lumiose City, years after X and Y’s ending. Here, players will embody a young tourist who will begin their own journey in Lumiose after selecting Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile as their starter Pokemon. Of these three Pokemon, which are starters originally from Pokemon Gold, Silver, Black, and White, one may be set to face an uphill battle in Z-A due to its rumored Mega Evolution: the Leaf Pokemon Chikorita.
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When Pokemon Legends: Z-A was first officially announced in early 2024, Pokemon X and Y’s Mega Evolution mechanic was already confirmed to return in some form after its absence in Pokemon Sword, Shield, Legends: Arceus, Scarlet, and Violet. In early 2025, official gameplay of Mega Evolution was shown during a Pokemon Presents event, giving fans a look at Mega Lucario, Mega Absol, Mega Sableye, Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, Mega Altaria, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Ampharos, and Mega Gyarados. Over the course of 2025, more pre-established Mega Evolutions were confirmed to be coming to Z-A, such as Mega Gengar and Mega Tyranitar, but rumors and supposed leaks began popping up suggesting 27 new Mega Evolutions would debut in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, including:
These supposed leaks were seemingly confirmed to be real following the official reveal of Mega Dragonite during the July 2025 Pokemon Presents event. More leaks detailing these new Mega Evolutions’ typings have since appeared. While many Pokemon retain their pre-Mega Evolution typing, such as Mega Emboar remaining a Fire/Fighting-type, others will gain new typings, such as Feraligatr Mega Evolving from a basic Water-type to a dual Water/Dragon-type. The Herb Pokemon Meganium, the final form of Chikorita, will also supposedly gain a new typing with Mega Evolution, going from a basic Grass-type to a dual Grass/Fairy-typing and becoming super effective against Mega Feraligatr’s Water/Dragon-typing.
While Mega Meganium’s rumored Grass/Fairy-typing would make it a strong rival against Mega Feraligatr, it may face a more difficult time battling in other Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s encounters. For instance, Z-A’s latest trailer showcased the Steel and Poison-focused faction known as the Rust Syndicate. While it hasn’t been confirmed this faction will be Z-A’s main antagonistic group, akin to Team Rocket or Team Flare, the Rust Syndicate’s appearance and mannerisms suggest its members may come into conflict with the player and Team MZ at some point in the game. At the very least, players will have to battle the Rust Syndicate’s leader Corbeau during the Z-A Royale.
Corbeau specializes in using Poison-type Pokemon such as Arbok, so he could be a difficult foe to defeat for Mega Meganium users in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, as Poison-type Pokemon are super effective against both Grass and Fairy-type Pokemon. On top of Meganium’s potential difficulty with the Rust Syndicate, Mega Evolution is still a temporary transformation, leaving Meganium susceptible to Bug, Fire, Flying, Ice, and Poison-type Pokemon once it transforms back to its normal self. With powerful Alpha Houndooms and Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokemon of various types running around Lumiose, Chikorita may be the least ideal starter choice once more despite its new Grass/Fairy Mega Evolution.
October 16, 2025
Pokemon
October 16, 2025
October 16, 2025
