Mega Evolution is the headline feature of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Set in Lumiose City, the game brings back classic Megas from X and Y and adds brand-new ones, with even more in the Mega Dimension DLC. Here’s how to unlock Mega Evolution, get Mega Stones and use them in battle.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Unlock the Mega Ring
You can’t Mega Evolve until the story gives you the tools. Progress through the main missions until Main Mission 9, where you receive the Key Stone and your Mega Ring. After that, Mega Evolution is available both in the wild zones and in battles.
Step 2: Get Mega Stones
Each Pokémon that can Mega Evolve needs its own Mega Stone (for example, Absolite for Absol). Guides count dozens of Mega Stones in the base game, and the DLC adds more. The main ways to get them:
- Story and side missions — several stones are mission rewards.
- Calm Rogue Mega Pokémon — defeating a rogue, out-of-control Mega rewards its stone.
- Buy them from shops such as the Stone Emporium in Lumiose.
- Exchange Mega Shards collected while exploring.
- Ranked battle seasons and Mystery Gifts — some special Megas have been given as ranked rewards or event gifts.
Step 3: Give the Mega Stone to your Pokémon
- Press X to open the menu.
- Go to the Mega Stones section in your bag.
- Choose the stone and select Give to Pokémon.
- Pick the matching Pokémon in your team.
Step 4: Mega Evolve in battle
Legends: Z-A uses a real-time battle system, so Mega Evolution works differently from older games:
- Fight to fill your Mega Energy gauge — it builds up as you battle.
- When the gauge is full, press the Mega button (shown on screen — R3 by default on many setups) to Mega Evolve the Pokémon holding the stone.
- Your Pokémon stays Mega Evolved while the energy lasts, so use its strongest moves quickly.
If you have more than one Pokémon able to Mega Evolve, you can switch between them as the situation demands.
Tips for Mega battles
- Build energy before tough fights. Start rogue Mega battles with a full gauge whenever possible.
- Match types. A Mega with a type advantage ends fights much faster — see our Pokémon type chart explained.
- Keep a backup Mega in your party in case your first one faints.
- Upgrade moves that suit the Mega form’s new stats and ability.
Mega Dimension DLC
The Mega Dimension expansion added a new batch of Mega Evolutions, including new forms of familiar Pokémon. If you own the DLC, check its missions and shops for the extra stones.
FAQ
When do you get Mega Evolution in Legends: Z-A?
After receiving the Mega Ring and Key Stone during Main Mission 9.
Can every Pokémon Mega Evolve?
No. Only species with a Mega Stone can Mega Evolve.
Can I transfer Mega Stones?
Mega Stones are items in your save. Some special stones are one-time rewards, so don’t worry about missing them — follow the story and side missions.
More Pokémon guides: best Pokémon game to start with and how to transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME.
Hi, I’m Emam Hasan — an English teacher and the founder of Anirban Lexicon Center in Mirpur, Dhaka. I run Takedownloads to share honest game guides, tips and app reviews that help players choose well and play better. Alongside teaching, I work in digital marketing and SEO, and I enjoy turning complex topics into simple, helpful lessons anyone can follow.
