For several months now, discussion onPokemon Legends: Z-Ahas primarily revolved around supposed leaks of dozens of new Mega Evolutions. While the 27 newPokemon Legends: Z-AMega Evolutions have not been officially confirmed by Game Freak or Nintendo, they were originally reported by previously credible sources.
Despite these supposed new forms taking over the spotlight, there are several existing concerns regarding pre-established Mega Evolutions and similar forms. The status of one Generation 1 Pokemon and their Mega Evolution form in particular is especially concerning with regard toZ-A’s single-player design: the Shadow Pokemon Gengar.
Gengar’s Mega Evolution and Other Forms Explained
In 2013’sPokemon XandY, numerous fan-favorite Pokemon from across Gens 1-6 received temporary Mega Evolutions that would boost their stats and lethality in battle. The manyPokemonanime and manga have depicted Pokemon achieving Mega Evolution by simply forming a strong bond with their trainer, yetPokemon XandYrequire the use of a Key Stone and Mega Stone to Mega Evolve. Trainers could acquire a Gengarite Mega Stone in Kalos’ Laverre City after previously logging a Gastly and its evolutions in the Pokedex. When Mega Evolved,Mega Gengar will retain its dual Ghost/Poison typing, unlike some other Mega Evolutions, but have its lower body sink into the ground.
Mega Gengar will temporarily boost Gengar’s Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed stats, with its Special Attack and Speed stats still being its highest stats at 170 and 130. While Gengar was already a popular Pokemon before receiving a Mega Evolution, Mega Gengar greatly increased its popularity, with selectGameStop locations distributing free white shiny Mega Gengarsin October 2014. Mega Gengar continued to be usable inPokemon Omega Ruby,Alpha Sapphire,Sun,Moon,Ultra Sun, andUltra Moon, but it did not return inPokemon Sword,Shield,Scarlet, orViolet.
Gengar did receive a new temporary Gigantamax form inPokemon SwordandShieldand Mega Gengar has already been confirmed to return in the upcomingPokemon Legends: Z-A.
Mega Gengar’s Potential Role in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Aside from Mega Gengar, only two other Ghost-type Pokemon have received a Mega Evolution, those beingMega Banette and Mega Sableye, though Sableye’s Ghost typing is a secondary type alongside its primary Dark typing. With thePokemon Legends: Z-Anew Mega Evolution leak detailing only one new Mega Evolution Ghost type with Mega Chandelure—unless other leaked Mega Evolutions receive new Ghost secondary typings—Gengar may be used less compared to the similarly popular Chandelure.Z-Aplayers may additionally face more hurdles in utilizing Mega Gengar compared to its fellow Ghost-type Mega Evolutions due toZ-A’s notable lack of multiplayer.
Similar to 2022’sPokemon Legends: Arceus,Pokemon Legends: Z-Ais expected not to feature any kind of multiplayer. Due to the lack of multiplayer options, acquiring a Gengar inZ-Amay be difficult compared to other mainlinePokemongames. Instead of simplifying trading over a Haunter to acquire a Gengar, players may have to complete side tasks to acquire a Linking Cord similar toArceus. Plus, based on theoriginal Game Boy Link Cableused to trade Pokemon inPokemon RedandBlue, giving a Linking Cord to a Haunter inArceuswould immediately evolve it into a Gengar.
Where to Potentially Acquire a Gengarite in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
WithPokemon Legends: Z-Aexpected to take place solely in Lumiose City, it’s highly likely that the spooky Laverre City won’t be accessible in the game. However, if the Linking Cord does return inZ-Ato easily evolve Haunter into Gengar, it could possibly be acquired inProfessor Sycamore’s laboratoryalongside several Mega Stones.
Sycamore himself is currently unconfirmed inZ-A, though his lab still could appear, and it would be a perfect place to find the Linking Cord and Mega Stones due to his technological and Mega Evolution research. Sycamore’s lab could specifically be home to both the Alakazite and Gengarite Mega Stones as both Kadabra and Haunter needed the Linking Cord to evolve into Alakazam and Gengar inArceus.
