Pokémon has announced that not every Mega Evolution will be available in the mainline story in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, with at least three locked behind Ranked Battles.
Set for release on October 16, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the first title launching on Nintendo Switch 2, though it’s also available on the original console, and features the return of the fan-favorite Mega Evolutions.
However, following the reveal of new Mega Evolutions during September’s Nintendo Direct, it was announced that at least three of the new additions won’t be available through main story progression.
Greninja, Delphox & Chesnaught Mega Evolutions Locked to Ranked Battles
In a news post, Pokémon announced the Mega Evolution items required to evolve Greninja, Delphox, and Chesnaught are obtainable through the Z-A Battle Club—the game’s ranked mode.
Greninjite, Delphoxite, and Chesnaughtite “can only be obtained as rewards for being promoted up the ranks,” though the exact specifics are not detailed. It may be a reward for reaching a specific rank, or for participating and winning matches.
In Season 1, which begins at launch on October 16, Greninjite is the first to be available, with Delphoxite coming in Season 2 and Chesnaughtite in Season 3. Details about future seasons, as well as the start dates for seasons one and two, will be announced at a later date.
Ultimately, it means that, initially at least, a total of five Mega Evolutions will be locked behind extra payment, with Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y coming in paid DLC for Legends: Z-A.
It remains to be seen whether further distribution of the Mega Stones will take place, though it’s likely to ensure that people who play the game later into the release cycle don’t miss out completely. If that happens, the distribution method could change.
What are your thoughts behind the unlock method for these Mega Evolutions? Let us know in the Insider Gaming forum.
For more Legends Z-A, check out our hands-on preview from Gamescom, and read about the four-player PvP mode.
