If new Pokemon Legends Z-A leaks are to be believed, the much-anticipated spinoff will be a huge gift for Gen 5 fans.
With the highly-anticipated follow-up to 2022’s Legends Arceus officially confirmed to be bringing back Gen 6’s adored Mega Evolution mechanic, fans have been wishlisting the ‘mons they most want to see receive new forms.
On March 24, a trio of reputable leakers, Pyoro_X, Riddler_Khu, and Centro Leaks, corroborated the claim that Legends Z-A will introduce a whopping 27 new Mega Evolutions, though no breakdown of how this figure could be split between the series’ existing nine generations was offered.
In a massive win for Gen 5 fans, however, Centro did namedrop a certain Ground/Steel-type from the Unova region that’s supposedly in-line for a power-boosting form-change.
Mega Excadrill and “more Mega surprises”
Per Centro Leaks’ claim, Mega Excadrill will be one of the new temporary evolutions included with Z-A which, if true, would make it only the second-ever Gen 5 Pokemon to receive the treatment. Currently, just one ‘mon from the Unova region, Audino, has a Mega form.
In a further claim tucked away in the replies, Centro also claimed that Zygarde, the Legendary Pokemon from Gen 6 that has several different forms, will also receive a Mega Evolution.
As always, it’s worth pointing out that while the sources of these leaks have proven track records of providing accurate information, none of it is confirmed.
Mega Evolution first debuted in 2013’s X and Y for Nintendo 3DS. While the popular feature has made sporadic appearances since then, they’ve remained absent from the mainline games since Gen 7’s Sun & Moon onwards.
It’ll be interesting to see if Legends Z-A’s expansion to the mechanic will pave the way for whatever Game Freak has cooking for Gen 10 but for now, Pokefans will have to sit tight.