10 Pokémon that need a Mega Evolution in the Legends Z-A Mega Dimension DLC

There’s no denying that the resurgence of Mega Evolution serves as a major selling point of Pokémon Legends Z-A on Switch. Following its announcement, Legends Z-A immediately saw a spike of renewed interest from lapsed fans, and Mega Evolution was even used as a major part of the game’s marketing via trailers for individual forms.

Despite the mechanic’s return in Legends: Z-A, many fan-favourite ‘mons have still missed out. Whether overlooked single-forms who never had the chance to evolve, or whole evolutionary lines that could be pushed to new heights, we’ve picked out a selection of Pokémon that deserve a Mega in the Mega Dimension DLC.

The Escapist recaps

• The return of the Mega Evolution mechanic has been a major selling point of Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
• Fans can agree that overlooked community-favourite Pokémon like Luxray deserve a new Mega form.
• Some Pokémon, like Dhelmise, have a clear next design step for their prospective Mega Evolutions.
• If Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s reception is solid enough, Mega Evolution may well become a regularly returning concept for the series.
• The newly-confirmed Mega Dimension DLC is the perfect opportunity for these critters to get their new final forms. 

10. Bewear

More intimidating than a stuffed toy has any right to be, Bewear has only become more popular thanks to its memorable, terrifying turn in the Pokémon Sun and Moon anime. 

This Pokémon has unexpected mascot potential and is a force to be reckoned with in combat, thanks to its substantial attack stat and Fluffy ability, allowing it to tank most anything except fire-type moves. A Mega form would keep this Alolan highlight from unfairly fading into the background of the franchise.

9. Smeargle

One of the most mechanically distinct Pokémon ever added to the franchise, it’s almost difficult to believe that Smeargle first appeared all the way back in Gold and Silver.

Clever use of the Sketch move will turn Smeargle into a perfect mimic, making it an incredibly unique addition to the franchise that is deserving of an update.

While its sole focus on this move makes any excessive stat boosts or other typical Mega additions to Smeargle a challenge, it would be interesting to see what Game Freak could add to this design space without breaking Smeargle entirely. Especially given how far the games have progressed – to the point of the radically different Pokémon Legends Z-A gameplay – since this Pokémon’s early debut.

8. Frosmoth

With Pokémon Scarlet and Violet proving to be one of the series’ most polarising entries, fans are already looking back and reappraising many of the new elements and ‘mons that Sword and Shield brought to the table. 

While Sword and Shield‘s Gigantamax forms covered many of the same design elements as Mega Evolution, Legends: Z-A‘s Mega Falinks has proven that the Galar region’s Pokémon are fair game when it comes to Mega Evolution, too.

Evolving from the beloved bug Snom, Frosmoth has been in many ways eclipsed by that earlier design, but it more than deserves its time in the spotlight.

Ice Scales is a fantastic ability to build around that is unique to this line, and a further boost to Frosmoth’s defensive stats could grant Mega Frosmoth some real staying power, giving this Pokémon a combat presence to match its stately, memorable design. 

7. Spiritomb

Ghost-type Pokémon are a perennial favourite among trainers of all ages, and it isn’t hard to see why. Some of Game Freak’s most imaginative designs can be found here, and Spiritomb is among the most fondly-regarded of all.

With this Pokémon being easier to acquire in recent years than in its incredibly obtuse debut, granting a Mega Evolution to Spiritomb would return some well-deserved prestige and power, elevating it above many of its ghostly peers.

6. Arcanine

Gen 1’s loyal hound has no shortage of ardent fans in the Pokémon community, and it’s hard to argue that a Mega Arcanine would be a real crowd-pleaser for those attached to the games’ original roster.

Some may have argued that adding a secondary type to Arcanine would detract from the straightforward appeal of its fire-based design. However, the Hisuian form of Legends: Arceus already strode into this new territory and showed a willingness to put a new twist on Arcanine’s classic traits. 

A Mega form could go one further and really shake up what we take for granted about Gen 1’s design sensibilities, granting a fresh coat of paint to the franchise’s earliest outings without delving into a full Pokémon remake.

5. Milotic

A fan-favourite since its debut in Ruby and Sapphire, Milotic can hardly be said to be the easiest Pokémon to acquire, but the results in battle speak for themselves. Adding a Mega Evolution for another classic water-type might also help as damage control for one of Legends Z-A’s most contentious new additions.

A secondary typing would be a natural fit for a potential Mega Milotic, with Fairy type enhancing its natural grace, or adding Psychic to push the mermaid-like elements of its design in a direction more resembling a siren.

4. Dhelmise

While Pokémon inspired by inanimate objects like Klefki and the Vanillite line have proven contentious among fans, Dhelmise has won over more than its share of detractors thanks to its unique appearance and unusual signature ability.

More than out of any desire for combat viability, this Mega Evolution is an exciting prospect due to its design potential. While many Mega Evolutions could branch out in a number of directions, it’s easy to pinpoint a specific direction that Mega Dhelmise could take. 

Following its typing, this rusted old anchor could easily become a full-blown ghost ship, dredged up from the depths, and it’s hard to imagine many trainers that could pass up adding that to their roster of ‘mons.

3. Roserade

Gen 4’s contribution to the classic grass/poison mix didn’t disappoint, further proving it to be a reliable formula that can produce many exciting designs.

The evolution of Budew to Roselia to Roserade never strayed from focusing on a poised beauty and elegance. While Mega Evolution could definitely do more with this, it could just as easily push in the other direction entirely, doing away with this restraint and allowing Mega Roserade to really cut loose and run wild.

This Pokémon’s special attack stat is already its strongest suit – with acceptable speed to match –  and leaning further into that potential for overwhelming aggression could help Mega Roserade prove that there’s real power behind its poise.

2. Luxray

Diamond and Pearl brought many new Pokémon additions to the franchise that have become long-term favourites, and Luxray is among the most popular of them all. 

Fan discussions around missing Megas frequently spotlight Luxray, and it’s easy to see why. Each step of this evolution line is a natural progression, growing more interesting and intimidating with every change.

Assigning Dark type to fit its design would be tempting, but sticking to pure Electric feels truer to the Shinx line. This is one Mega Evolution that should be a straightforward extra step, adding a cool new dimension to Luxray without detracting from what makes the Pokémon so popular.

1. Flygon

With a franchise as massive and long-running as Pokémon, it’s only expected that its fanbase will rarely see eye-to-eye on each new change and development.

However, if there’s one thing that can unite this sprawling community, allowing them to put any misgivings aside and come together for a single, united cause: it’s that Flygon has been absolutely robbed of a Mega Evolution!

Flygon is beloved by many fans for its standout design and combat potential, and a Mega Evolution would do wonders for keeping Flygon relevant in battle, able to keep up with other hyper-powerful Dragon-types.

Additionally, drastic change – while retaining core characteristics – is key to the Flygon line, which undergoes a massive shift on the way from Trapinch to Flygon, with Vibrava as a crucial middle ground. A Mega Evolution for Flygon has the space to be truly imaginative without as much risk of ruining what makes this Pokémon appeal to so many.

With the enthusiastic, if at times contentious, reaction to Z-A‘s new Mega Pokémon, hopefully the mechanic has made enough of a splash – and Pokémon Legends Z-A reviews have been strong enough – for its return to be a permanent fixture in upcoming titles. If so, all these Megas and more just might pop up in the DLC. 

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