In 2013, with the release of Pokémon X and Y, the Pokémon world was practically turned upside down with the introduction of Mega Evolution. With this new form of evolution, certain Pokémon could, for a short period of time, evolve even further than their evolutionary lines previously permitted. What that means is that the Charizard you always wished could evolve, just one more time, finally can.
When Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire were released in winter 2014, it was clear that Mega Evolution would be here to stay. A whole new batch of Pokémon were now capable of Mega Evolving, expanding all would-be Pokémon masters’ battle repertoires once again.
So, whether you love it or loathe it, Mega Evolution isn’t going anywhere. Let’s take a look at some of the coolest Mega Evolutions that the Pokémon world has given to us.
10. Mega Beedrill
Beedrill has always been an underwhelming Pokémon that never really lived up to its potential. It concludes the Weedle evolutionary line, which is likely one of the very first that many Pokémon trainers completed due to Weedle’s early availability and low evolution levels. Unfortunately, Beedrill’s stats never really matched his awesome appearance – until now.
Mega Beedrill’s Attack nearly doubles, as does its Speed. When Beedrill Mega Evolves, it grows two extra stingers, and its pre-existing stingers grow larger and more threatening. While it is definitely not the strongest of the Mega Evolutions, Mega Beedrill is certainly worth having around.
9. Mega Diancie
Diancie is a fairly new Pokémon, and was available to Pokémon X and Y trainers just prior to the release of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire exclusively through a special event. Upon Mega Evolving, Diancie sheds its rocky exterior and shines with brilliant pink gems.
Mega Diancie receives a boost in its Attack, Special Attack, and Speed stats, and is subject to a drop in its Defense and Special Defense. Very few legendary Pokémon are capable of Mega Evolving, and Diancie is a rare exception.
8. Mega Steelix
Introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver, Steelix was one of the first Pokémon to expand an evolutionary line (starting with Onix) that previously had no evolutions whatsoever. Steelix is already a solid go-to Pokémon for many trainers, mainly due to its strong offense and nigh-impenetrable defense. Mega Steelix improves upon these even further, receiving about a 50 percent increase in its Attack and Special Defense, and a 15 percent increase in its Defense. It is still one of the slowest Pokémon out there, but who needs speed when you can withstand just about any attack?
Mega Steelix also benefits visually by obtaining extra plated armor around its face, rainbow crystal spikes, and some kind of swirling vortex of steel that constantly spins around its body. Mega Steelix is certainly not a Pokémon to be trifled with.
7. Mega Alakazam
This psychic Pokémon has been a fan favorite since Pokémon Red and Blue were first released. Alakazam was always a bit of a rarity, because you had to trade Kadabra in order for it to evolve. So, young Pokémon trainers had to have a friend with a link cable handy in order to obtain Alakazam. Alakazam is already awesome without a Mega Evolution; just ask the Alpha Sapphire Pokédex. It’ll tell you that “[Alakazam’s] brain gives this Pokémon an astoundingly high IQ of 5,000. It has a thorough memory of everything that has occurred in the world.”
Mega Alakazam benefits from boosted Defense, Special Attack, and Speed, without suffering any losses to other stats. And just look at this guy. You know you’re in trouble if the opposing trainer sends this psychic force your way.
6. Mega Gallade
Gallade is a beast. He is a dual Psychic/Fighting type Pokémon, a rare combination. Gallade is the final evolution of a male Ralts and Kirlia, and is a solid all-around Pokémon. When Mega Gallade comes into play, Gallade’s Attack goes up by about 30 percent, making it stronger than Groudon and even Regigigas. Its Speed also rises by around 40 percent.
Mega Gallade looks intense with upgraded blades on its arms, a new helmet and awesome cape. Mega Gallade’s ability to inflict massive physical damage and decent psychic damage make him a keeper.
5. Mega Lucario
For anyone playing Pokémon X and Y, Lucario is the first Pokémon that you get to experience Mega Evolution with. It is a gift Pokémon and comes holding its Lucarionite, ready to Mega Evolve. When it does Mega Evolve, its appearance is totally overhauled with many new spikes, aura-sensors, longer fur and different coloured markings. Mega Lucario receives a rare combination of stat boosts. Its Attack, Defense, Special Attack and Speed all go up, and only its Special Defense and HP remain the same.
Its raised Attack stat puts Mega Lucario in the same league as Rhyperior and Rayquaza. Mega Lucario gives us even more to love than the original iconic Pokémon does, which is no small feat.
4. Mega Mewtwo X
The second of three legendary Pokémon to appear on this list, Mega Mewtwo actually has two options for Mega Evolution, depending on whether it holds Mewtwonite X or Mewtwonite Y. Mega Mewtwo Y may have a cooler appearance that closely resembles the elusive Mew, but Mega Mewtwo X wins in terms of pure power.
Not only does it totally look like Frieza from Dragon Ball Z, but when it evolves, Mega Mewtwo X gains the Fighting type in addition to its regular Psychic type, giving it a huge boost in battle. Mega Mewtwo X’s Attack stat is almost double that of regular Mewtwo, giving a higher Attack than Deoxys, the strongest Pokémon to date (in terms of Attack). Combine those stats with any number of physical moves that Mewtwo can learn, and you’ve got a winning combination.
3. Mega Gengar
There are only 14 primary Ghost-type Pokémon in the entire Pokémon world, and on top of that, only 13 secondary Ghost-types, making it one of the most exclusive types of all. Haunter, like Kadabra, must be traded in order to evolve into the menacing Gengar, a long-time personal favorite. As Mega Gengar, its body partially sinks into the ground, grows numerous spikes, and portions of its limbs and body become a lighter purple. Mega Gengar also has a third eye on its forehead that it uses to see into other dimensions.
Mega Gengar gets a 30 percent upgrade to its Defense, Special Attack, and Special Defense, as well as an 18 percent bump in speed. It has also been noted that status-changing attacks such as Hypnosis seem to hit a lot more effectively when Gengar has Mega Evolved. And if you want to see something really cool, check out Shiny Mega Gengar.
2. Mega Charizard Y
Like Mewtwo, Charizard has two forms of Mega Evolution. And also like Mewtwo, one form looks cooler (Mega Charizard X) and one form is stronger. Charizard is one of the most recognizable Pokémon of all time, second only to Pikachu, so it is only fitting that it gets two awesome Mega Evolutions. Mega Charizard Y looks more dragon-like than ever, with large horns, a spiked tail, longer teeth and tattered wings.
Mega Charizard Y receives boosts of 25 percent for Attack, 35 percent for Special Defense, and a whopping 45 percent for Special Attack, making it stronger than Mewtwo and almost as strong as Deoxys in that regard. Almost 20 years since Charizard first came into our lives, it is still as cool as ever.
1. Mega Rayquaza
Everything about this Pokémon is amazing. You get this epic Pokémon in Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire by completing the new (and incredible) Delta Episode, in which a trainer gets to experience the ultimate showdown between Mega Rayquaza and Deoxys. Rayquaza already has extremely high stats without Mega Evolving, and when Mega Rayquaza comes along, all of its stats are raised (excluding HP). Its Attack and Special Attack are equal to Deoxys.
Mega Rayquaza’s appearance is drastically altered as well; it is longer, slightly slimmer and has different markings, as well as a different tail and fins. It also has large, translucent appendages stemming from its face that allow it to change weather patterns at will. Mega Rayquaza is certainly a force to be reckoned with, and is the perfect battle monster.
What are your favourite Pokémon Mega Evolutions? Which Pokémon would you like to see have the ability to Mega Evolve? Let us know in the comments!