Did Pokémon Remove Mega Evolution? The Definitive Answer & FAQs
The short and direct answer is: Yes, Mega Evolution has been effectively removed from the main series Pokémon games, specifically starting with Pokémon Sword and Shield (Gen 8). While it’s not explicitly “banned” in the sense of a competitive rule, the game mechanics simply do not support Mega Evolution. This means you can no longer use Mega Evolution in the latest generations of games, despite it previously being a celebrated feature. Although, the mechanic is available in some side games and older entries. This has led to widespread discussion and disappointment among fans.
The Rise and Fall of Mega Evolution
A Gimmick to Refresh Battle
Mega Evolution was introduced as a new battle mechanic in Pokémon X and Y (Gen 6). It allowed certain Pokémon to transform into more powerful forms during battle, often granting them significant stat boosts, type changes, and new abilities. It was designed to inject some “freshness” into the battle system. Players embraced the concept, eagerly anticipating which Pokémon would get a Mega form. The popularity of Mega Evolution reached its peak during Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, where a lot of new Mega Evolutions were added. It was seen as a thrilling and strategic element that added a new layer of depth to the gameplay.
The Shift to Z-Moves and Dynamax
However, as the main series moved into Pokémon Sun and Moon (Gen 7), a new battle gimmick called Z-Moves took center stage. Z-Moves were powerful, one-time-use moves that added another strategic element to battles, as players could choose a powerful Z move to use at a critical time. As Z-Moves became the new focal point, Mega Evolution was sidelined, although they were still present in the game. This was the first sign that Game Freak had plans to move on from the Mega mechanic. Then, with the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield (Gen 8), both Mega Evolution and Z-Moves were completely removed, replaced by a new mechanic called Dynamaxing. Dynamax allows Pokémon to grow to giant size and utilize powerful max moves. The mechanics differ in that Dynamaxing is for only a limited amount of turns and effects are given to moves rather than the base Pokemon like mega evolution.
Why Was Mega Evolution Removed?
The most cited reason for the removal of Mega Evolution is that the developers at GameFreak felt the games were severely rushed and they could not integrate both Mega Evolution and Dynamax into the same game. Adding to this, the developers also wanted to focus heavily on their new Dynamaxing mechanic and felt that the presence of both Mega Evolution and Z-Moves would detract from its core experience and would be too much for players to manage. Ultimately, the focus was on promoting the new generation’s unique features.
Mega Evolution in Side Games and Older Titles
It’s crucial to note that while absent in the recent main series games, Mega Evolution hasn’t entirely disappeared from the Pokémon franchise. You can still use them in games such as Pokémon X and Y, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Sun and Moon, Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee, and Pokémon GO. This highlights that while the mechanics are absent in current main games, they are still present in other titles. This suggests the concept is not entirely abandoned and could be revisited at some point in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mega Evolution
Here are some common questions about Mega Evolution, addressing its current status and history:
1. Is Mega Evolution banned in Pokémon?
Mega Evolution isn’t technically “banned” in the sense of a competitive ruleset. It’s more accurate to say it’s absent in the most recent main series games, like Sword and Shield, Scarlet and Violet where the game itself does not have the functionality for it. If you go back to previous main series entries, such as Pokémon X and Y, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, or Sun and Moon, you can still use Mega Evolutions in the battles.
2. Why was Mega Evolution removed from Pokémon games?
The main reasons are that GameFreak wanted to focus on the new Dynamax mechanic, felt the development for the games were rushed and that having multiple gimmicks such as Mega Evolutions and Z-moves would make the game feel too cluttered.
3. Which Pokémon games feature Mega Evolution?
Mega Evolution is available in Pokémon X and Y, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Sun and Moon, Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee, Pokémon GO, and some other Pokémon side games. It is not present in Pokémon Sword and Shield, or Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
4. Can all Pokémon Mega Evolve?
No. Only certain Pokémon can Mega Evolve, and these transformations are specific to those species. Shadow Pokémon cannot Mega Evolve.
5. Is Mega Evolution worth it?
Mega Evolution provides significant stat boosts and often grants new abilities or type changes making them considerably stronger. In Pokémon Go, it provides bonuses such as increased candy for that type of Pokémon and a higher chance of getting XL Candy.
6. How long does a Mega Evolution last?
In most games, a Mega Evolution lasts for the duration of the battle. In Pokémon Go, however, it will remain for 8 hours before reverting to its base form.
7. Can you Mega Evolve multiple Pokémon at once?
No, you can only Mega Evolve one Pokémon at a time. Attempting to Mega Evolve another Pokémon will revert the first one back to its normal form.
8. Is Mega Evolution painful for Pokémon?
Some Pokémon entries suggest that the process of Mega Evolution can be painful, highlighting the dramatic physical changes that occur during transformation.
9. Why is Mega Lucario banned in some formats?
Mega Lucario is often banned because it is too unpredictable. It can be built with physical or special builds and is very hard to counter.
10. Why is Mega Gengar banned?
Mega Gengar’s Shadow Tag ability makes it impossible for opponents to switch, which can lead to easy knockouts, making it too powerful for some formats.
11. Why is Mega Gallade banned?
Mega Gallade’s ban is often attributed to its high Speed and Attack stats, making it exceptionally powerful and difficult to handle in some battle formats.
12. How does Rayquaza Mega Evolve?
To Mega Evolve Rayquaza, it must learn Dragon Ascent. This requires the use of a Meteorite item in addition to Mega Energy.
13. Will Mega Evolution return in future Pokémon games?
There is currently no official confirmation if Mega Evolution will return. It is a much loved mechanic however, so there is a high chance it will eventually make its way into new games in the series.
14. Is Mega Evolution stronger than Z-Moves?
In many cases, Mega Evolution is considered stronger than Z-Moves. Although Z moves provide powerful one time uses, Mega Evolution provides continual boosts throughout the battle, making them more impactful, in most situations.
15. Should I power up my Pokémon before Mega Evolving?
Yes, you should power up your Pokémon before Mega Evolving in Pokémon Go. The Mega Evolution stats are based on the Pokémon’s base stats, so it is beneficial to power them up first to maximize their potential.
Conclusion
While Mega Evolution has been sidelined in the main series Pokémon games, its impact on the franchise is undeniable. Despite its absence in the current generation, the potential for its return remains. Whether as a nostalgic callback or a revisited mechanic, the legacy of Mega Evolution continues to be a topic of discussion and a beloved feature among fans of the Pokémon series.