The Pokémon franchise is well-known for introducing different mechanics in subsequent generations. The anime continues to thrive despite the departure of long-time protagonist and anime icon Ash Ketchum over two years ago. The franchise has many verticals beyond the anime, but perhaps none is more popular or seemingly foolproof than the console games.
For Generation 6 of the games, Mega Evolution was introduced, allowing certain Pokémon to undergo a battle transformation that increased their stats and granted them new types and abilities. No new Megas were introduced in Generation 7, and they were completely removed from the games in Generation 8. However, the release of Pokémon Legends: ZA has brought over 20 new Megas to the franchise, each with their own interesting designs and abilities that breathe new life into old faces. This list will rank the twenty best Mega Evolutions in Pokémon Legends: ZA, based on their concept, design, base stat totals, and how well they fit into the overall franchise.
20
Mega Meganium
Generation 2 introduced the first starter trio to remain a single type throughout all three stages of their evolutionary line. The worst, or at least the most boring, is widely considered to be the Grass-type Meganium, due to a combination of lackluster stats geared towards a defensive playstyle, Johto being unkind to Grass-types, and pure Grass having five weaknesses. It’s unfortunate because Meganium has a nice design that combines flowers with a dinosaur, and the Pokédex describes Meganium as a conflict mediator who can revive dead plant life with its breath.
Mega Meganium leans hard into the plant aspect, with five layers of flowers and longer antennae. Its power has increased to a point where, according to the Pokédex, it can unleash a more powerful version of the move Solar Beam from its leaves, which is reflected in its increased special attack stat. Both of its defense stats also increase, which doesn’t remove Grass’ numerous common weaknesses but does mean Meganium has a chance of surviving at least one or two hits. Mega Meganium is overall okay, but many fans wish more had been done with its Mega.
19
Mega Falinks
Some of the best Megas from previous games turned useless Pokémon into competitive powerhouses. One example of a Pokémon in need of such a glow-up is Falinks, an adorable Fighting-type from the Galar Region made up of six individual warriors, one of whom is called the Brass. This Falinks is the largest of the six and issues orders in battle.
Mega Falinks uses its 100-point stat increase to improve its attack, defense, and speed, making it a more effective physical sweeper when it uses its signature omni-boost move, No Retreat. Its Battle Armor ability helps it out by blocking Falinks from critical hits, making it harder to knock out once it’s increased all its stats. As for the design, it’s a lot of fun, with the six Falinks coming together to form a single warrior that better resembles the ancient Greek Hoplites that inspired Falinks.
