Pokemon Champions will have mega evolution, and much more
Pokemon Champions is set to completely upend the competitive Pokemon scene and that was illustrated through the game’s use of mega evolution.
Competitive Pokemon has been growing at an exceptional rate. Though an official tournament circuit has existed for over a decade, it has long operated in the shadows. Even in a game like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, ranked matchmaking is buried within the game’s menus.
Greater visibility for the pro scene, and an increase in popularity for Pokemon content creators have pushed the pro scene forward at a breakneck pace. While that has played out across the mainline Pokemon games, Pokemon Champions will seemingly change that.
Will Pokemon Champions have mega evolution?
Pokemon Champions is confirmed to have mega evolution, alongside other generational battle mechanics.
One of the major selling points of Pokemon Legends: Z-A to fans is the return of mega evolution. The mechanic was introduced in Pokemon X and Y and returned in Sun and Moon. Then it was controversially removed in Pokemon Sword and Shield, and hasn’t appeared since despite being fondly remembered by fans.
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Pokemon Champions is confirmed to be bringing it back, though. The initial trailer showed a Mega Charizard X battling against a Terastalized Dondozo, which confirms that the Game will have mega evolution. This introduction carries big implications for the game itself and competitive Pokemon moving forward.
Pokemon Champions set to split from mainline Pokemon with battle mechanics
Pokemon Champions is bringing back mega evolution, which will be featured alongside other battle mechanics in ways that haven’t been seen in past Pokemon generations.
Since Pokemon X and Y, each new Pokemon generation has introduced a new battle mechanic. While Pokemon Sun and Moon brought together X and Y’s mega evolution with its own Z-moves, each Nintendo Switch Pokemon game has only had one at a time.
That makes Pokemon Champions’ showing of a Terastalized Pokemon fighting against a mega evolution strange but exciting. The Game is seemingly set to leave behind the limitations of existing Pokemon games. This could lead to a new “anything goes” format in official battles. This carries many other implications, too.
It could result in features like balance patches. Pokemon games have never been particularly well-balanced, but certain games have been uniquely brutal due to a handful of overpowered Pokemon.
Patches to fix bugs have existed in Pokemon games since X and Y. Similarly, Pokemon games have adjusted the balance of individual moves and items across games on multiple occasions dating back to the series’ olden days. But hotfixes for broken mechanics has never actually happened.
By creating a clear divide between Pokemon Champions’ gameplay and those of the mainline games, it allows Game Freak and Pokemon Works to actually create a balanced competitive game.
Alternatively, the game could introduce “regulations” of its own. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has a shifting ban list that bars certain Pokemon. Pokemon Champions could allow or ban certain battle mechanics, depending on the season.
Regardless, one thing is certain; Pokemon Champions will have mega evolution and much more.
Steven Rondina is a true lifelong gamer. His earliest memories are of playing video games, and he has continued playing them throughout his life with no plans to stop any time soon. Steven’s favorite franchises in gaming include Pokemon, Dark Souls, and Counter-Strike. He has previously published with Bleacher Report and other gaming outlets.
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