On Thursday, October 16th,Pokemonfans will finally return toPokemon XandY’s France-inspired Kalos region inPokemon Legends: Z-A. However, this upcoming visit to the Kalos region will be drastically different, asPokemon Legends: Z-Atakes place during the urban redevelopment of Lumiose City, years afterXandY’s ending. Here, players will embody a young tourist who will begin their own journey in Lumiose after selecting Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile as their starter Pokemon. Of these three Pokemon, which are starters originally fromPokemon Gold,Silver,Black, andWhite, one may be set to face an uphill battle inZ-Adue to its rumored Mega Evolution: the Leaf Pokemon Chikorita.
Meganium’s Rumored Mega Evolution in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
WhenPokemon Legends: Z-Awas first officially announced in early 2024,Pokemon XandY’s Mega Evolution mechanic was already confirmed to return in some form after its absence inPokemon Sword,Shield,Legends: Arceus,Scarlet, andViolet. In early 2025, official gameplay of Mega Evolution was shown during a Pokemon Presents event, giving fans a look at Mega Lucario, Mega Absol, Mega Sableye, Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, Mega Altaria, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Ampharos, and Mega Gyarados. Over the course of 2025, more pre-established Mega Evolutions were confirmed to be coming toZ-A, such as Mega Gengar and Mega Tyranitar, but rumors and supposed leaks began popping up suggesting27 new Mega Evolutions would debut inPokemon Legends:Z-A, including:
These supposed leaks were seemingly confirmed to be real following the official reveal of Mega Dragonite during the July 2025 Pokemon Presents event. More leaks detailing these new Mega Evolutions’ typings have since appeared. While many Pokemon retain their pre-Mega Evolution typing, such as Mega Emboar remaining a Fire/Fighting-type, others will gain new typings, such as Feraligatr Mega Evolving from a basic Water-type to a dual Water/Dragon-type. The Herb Pokemon Meganium, the final form of Chikorita, will also supposedly gain a new typing with Mega Evolution, going from a basic Grass-type to a dual Grass/Fairy-typing and becoming super effective againstMega Feraligatr’s Water/Dragon-typing.
Mega Meganium’s Potential Uphill Battle in Z-A
WhileMega Meganium’s rumored Grass/Fairy-typingwould make it a strong rival against Mega Feraligatr, it may face a more difficult time battling in otherPokemon Legends: Z-A’s encounters. For instance,Z-A’s latest trailer showcased the Steel and Poison-focused faction known as the Rust Syndicate. While it hasn’t been confirmed this faction will beZ-A’s main antagonistic group, akin to Team Rocket or Team Flare, the Rust Syndicate’s appearance and mannerisms suggest its members may come into conflict with the player and Team MZ at some point in the game. At the very least, players will have to battlethe Rust Syndicate’s leader Corbeauduring the Z-A Royale.
Corbeau specializes in using Poison-type Pokemon such as Arbok, so he could be a difficult foe to defeat for Mega Meganium users inPokemon Legends: Z-A, as Poison-type Pokemon are super effective against both Grass and Fairy-type Pokemon. On top of Meganium’s potential difficulty with the Rust Syndicate, Mega Evolution is still a temporary transformation, leaving Meganium susceptible to Bug, Fire, Flying, Ice, and Poison-type Pokemon once it transforms back to its normal self. With powerful Alpha Houndooms andRogue Mega-Evolved Pokemonof various types running around Lumiose, Chikorita may be the least ideal starter choice once more despite its new Grass/Fairy Mega Evolution.
