📘 Pokédex Entry: Mega Evolution
Name: Mega Evolution
Introduced In:Pokémon X & Y (Gen VI)
Region: Kalos
Category: Battle Mechanic – Temporary Evolution
🔷 What is it?
Mega Evolution is a powerful phenomenon discovered in the Kalos region, allowing certain Pokémon to temporarily evolve into a stronger form mid-battle. Unlike standard evolution, this transformation is reversible and strategic, providing boosts in stats, typing, and/or abilities.
🌟 Visual & UI
Activated using the "Mega Evolve" button during move selection.
Pokémon glows and transforms into a visually enhanced "Mega Form" with new features (e.g., horns, armor, energy effects).
Many also receive new cry sounds and animations.
⚙️ Activation & Rules
Feature: Mega Evolution
Where - Kalos, Hoenn (ORAS), Alola (Sun/Moon)
Trigger - Hold specific Mega Stone + Key Stone on Trainer
Activation - During move selection
Duration - Until Pokémon faints or is switched out
Recharge - One-time per battle
Speed Check - Mega Evolution happens before move order, but after turn starts (important tactically)
🔥 Battle Effects - Effect Type Details
Stat Boosts - Most Megas get significant increases, typically - +100 BST (Base Stat Total)
Form Change - Appearance changes drastically
Ability Change - Gains a new ability unique to the Mega Form
Type Change - Some Megas gain or lose types (e.g., Mega Charizard X becomes Fire/Dragon)
Move Changes - None – retains the original moveset
🧪 Examples Pokémon - Mega Form - Type Change? - New Ability
Charizard - Mega Charizard X - Yes (→ Fire/Dragon) - Tough Claws
Gengar - Mega Gengar - No - Shadow Tag
Mawile - Mega Mawile - No - Huge Power (massive buff)
Mewtwo - Mega Mewtwo X/Y - Yes (X: Fighting) - X: Steadfast / Y: Insomnia
🎯 Strategy & Notes
Mega Evolution is team-central; your team is usually built to support one Mega.
Each Mega Form is unique, requiring specific synergy with teammates.
You can only Mega Evolve once per battle, even if multiple team members can Mega Evolve.
Common in Singles formats (e.g., Smogon OU), banned or restricted in some official VGC formats post-Gen VI.
⚔️ Competitive History
Gen VI (XY, ORAS): Main mechanic, centerpiece of competitive formats.
Gen VII (SM, USUM): Still allowed, but not emphasized; no new Megas were introduced.
Gen VIII & IX: Removed from games, but still available via older titles, ROM hacks, and fangames.
🧩 Trivia
Only one Mega Evolution allowed per team per battle.
Some Pokémon (like Charizard and Mewtwo) have two different Mega Evolutions, each with its own stone and strategy.
Primal Reversion (Kyogre, Groudon) is a related mechanic that uses Red/Blue Orbs, not Mega Stones, but works similarly in form and power.