Get ready, Pokémon trainers, because Mega Evolution is back in a big way with Pokémon Legends: Z-A! Our recent hands-on experience revealed a thrilling new twist: you can now trigger Mega Evolutions multiple times within a single battle, completely changing the dynamic of combat.
Traditionally, in mainline Pokémon games such as X and Y, players were limited to just one Mega Evolution per battle. This restriction applied even if your Mega-Evolved Pokémon was knocked out.
However, during our playtest of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, battling a formidable Rogue Mega-Evolved Victreebell, we discovered this rule has been dramatically altered. We successfully Mega Evolved all three eligible Pokémon on our team, provided we had enough Mega Power.
In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, your current Mega Power is conveniently shown via the Mega Ring icon on the screen. This power builds up with each attack, but can also be boosted by collecting special Mega Power orbs during battles with Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon, or by shattering specific crystals found around the city.
While we couldn’t confirm this in standard trainer battles, a public relations representative confirmed that players are not restricted to just one Mega Evolution per battle, as long as they possess the necessary Mega Stone and Mega Power. What’s more, it’s also confirmed that you can Mega Evolve the same Pokémon multiple times, with the Mega Evolution lasting only as long as you maintain the required Mega Power.
Casey DeFreitas is a deputy editor on the guides team at IGN and has been catching Pokémon since the very beginning.