Mega Evolution: Exploring the lore behind the Pokemon battle gimmick

Modified Mar 18, 2024 15:23 GMT

Mega Evolution in Pokemon was first introduced in Generation VI as part of Pokemon X and Y. This involved fully evolved Pocket Monsters and Legendaries being able to further evolve into an uber-powerful (well, in most cases) version. Presently, there are 48 different species capable of Mega Evolution.

It was the first-ever generational battle gimmick, followed by Z-Moves, Dynamax, and, most recently, Terastallization. While it is widely considered the most beloved one-use battle mechanic to be introduced, the source of its power is still in contest.

As we await the release of Pokemon Legends: Z-A in 2025, this article explores the lore around Mega Evolution in Pokemon.

Mega Evolution lore in Pokemon explored

Potential sources of Mega Evolution (Image via The Pokemon Company)

At the outset, you should know that the canonical lore of Mega Evolution in the main series of Pokemon games is debatable. This is because different characters across generations give different accounts of the same.

According to Kalos Region's Professor Sycamore, the phenomenon is triggered by special stones that were affected by the light of Xerneas or Yveltal when the ultimate weapon was fired 3,000 years ago.

He also believes that the phenomenon is restricted to the Kalos region, a theory that gets quickly debunked as the phenomenon is witnessed in Hoenn and later in Alola.

According to the Draconid people of Hoenn, Rayquaza and various meteorites that showered on Earth several years ago are the source of Mega Evolution. They believe so since the meteorites glow like a rainbow, similar to the Key Stone that a trainer must possess to trigger the mechanic in battle.

How do Pokemon Mega Evolve?

According to Professor Sycamore, eligible Pocket Monsters release all of their hidden energy to Mega Evolve. Such a powerful release of energy is not possible otherwise.

In Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Steven Stone suggests that the source of Mega and Key Stones is not known. Still, later events show that Meteorites contain some latent energy that allows some critters to Mega Evolve.

This is used as an explanation for Rayquaza being able to Mega Evolve without a Mega Stone. Zinnia, one of the descendants of the Draconid people of Hoenn, suggests that Mega Stones and meteorites decay over time.

Who was the first Pokemon to Mega Evolve?

Draconid people of Hoenn believe that it was Rayquaza that Mega Evolved first to prevent Kyogre and Groudon from wreaking havoc on the planet, but a legend from Kalos region's Tower of Master claims otherwise. They believe that it was Lucario.

All Pokemon capable of Mega Evolution

All Mega Evolving Pokemon (Image via u/TornadoJ88 on Reddit)

Here is a list of Pocket Monsters that can Mega Evolve:

Venusaur
Charizard
Blastoise
Alakazam
Gengar
Kangaskhan
Pinsir
Gyarados
Aerodactyl
Mewtwo
Ampharos
Scizor
Heracross
Houndoom
Tyranitar
Blaziken
Gardevoir
Mawile
Aggron
Medicham
Manectric
Banette
Absol
Latias
Latios
Garchomp
Lucario
Abomasnow
Beedrill
Pidgeot
Slowbro
Steelix
Sceptile
Swampert
Sableye
Sharpedo
Camerupt
Altaria
Glalie
Salamence
Metagross
Rayquaza
Lopunny
Gallade
Audino
Diancie

With the Pokemon Legends: Z-A teasing the return of the mechanic, fans can expect new Pokemon that can Mega Evolve.

If you are interested in Pokemon GO, you can check out some of our guides:

March 2024 infographic || Armarouge vs. Ceruledge in Pokemon GO: Who should you evolve Charcadet into? || Is the Wonder Ticket worth it in Pokemon GO World of Wonders? || GO Battle League World of Wonders || Buddy evolution Adventure Together guide || Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO || Sierra counters || Cliff counters || Arlo counters || Giovanni counters