Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s DLC Excludes a Key Mega Evolution

▼ Summary
– The Mega Dimension DLC for Pokémon Legends: Z-A completes the game’s Mega Pokédex, allowing all eligible Pokémon to Mega Evolve.
– The DLC introduces new “Z forms” for Lucario and Absol, which feature altered appearances and a special cooldown mechanic.
– A third Z form for Garchomp exists in the game’s code but is currently unobtainable through normal gameplay.
– Dataminers have discovered the model for Mega Garchomp Z, leading to fan speculation it will be released in a future event.
– The author notes the Garchomp Z form’s absence seems logical, as it doesn’t fit as an endgame battle reward after the final boss.
The Mega Dimension DLC for Pokémon Legends: Z-A finally brings a complete roster of Mega Evolutions to the game, addressing a notable gap from the base experience. This expansion allows every Pokémon with a canonical Mega form to achieve that powerful transformation within the RPG. Yet, despite this comprehensive update, a single enhanced evolution remains conspicuously absent from standard gameplay, a detail primarily known to those following community leaks and data mining efforts.
This downloadable content introduces an innovative twist with “Z forms” for two specific Pokémon. Both Lucario and Absol, who possessed standard Mega Evolutions since their debut in X and Y, receive these new variants. The Z forms alter their appearances and incorporate a unique mechanic: they can accelerate ability cooldowns by sacrificing a portion of their transformation duration. The decision to develop an entirely new system for just two creatures seemed unusual, leading many to speculate that more were planned. This suspicion appears validated, as data miners have uncovered evidence of a third Z form hidden within the game’s code, currently inaccessible through normal play.
That third Pokémon is Garchomp. While players cannot obtain this form in the current version of Mega Dimension, its model exists in the game’s files. The prevailing theory among fans is that developer Game Freak intends to distribute a special Mega Stone for Garchomp via a future in-game event. This would allow trainers to unlock the new “Mega Garchomp Z” transformation. The mined model, which has circulated online, showcases a formidable redesign for the dragon and ground-type Pokémon.
For players deeply invested in the DLC, the absence of Garchomp’s Z form becomes noticeable after extensive play. Encountering new Mega forms for legendary and mythical Pokémon is common, making the omission of such a popular and powerful species like Garchomp stand out. Its potential exclusion from the main DLC storyline suggests it may be reserved for post-game content, positioned as a challenge beyond the final boss. Whenever Game Freak chooses to release it, acquiring the Garchomp Z Stone will likely involve a significant grind, consistent with the rewarding yet demanding progression found throughout the Mega Dimension expansion.
(Source: Kotaku)





