10 Early Gen Pokémon Who Deserve Weird Mega Evolutions In Legends: Z-A

The latest Mega evolution revealed for Pokémon Legends: Z-A was Mega Victreebel, whose new form is one of the strangest in the series. Despite the unnerving appearance of Mega Victreebel, more weird Mega forms for Pokémon are far more interesting than only “safe” transformations. This is especially true for pocket monsters of earlier Generations, who could be brought back into the spotlight with an unnatural Mega evolution.

Victreebel is a Grass/Poison-type that’s existed since Generation 1, all the way back in the Kanto region. The popularity of Pokémon from the first four Generations makes them perfect candidates for new Mega forms due to their established notoriety. With two more upcoming Mega Evolutions for Legends: Z-A having a planned reveal soon, Victreebel’s appearance opens the door for more unorthodox forms to leave their mark.

Kabutops

Underrated Fossil From Kanto Could Gain New Life

Kabutops looking menacing in Pokemon Generations

Many Pokémon fans may remember the two fossils they could choose between in Kanto, but a majority usually end up grabbing the Helix Fossil. The lesser-known Dome Fossil eventually creates Kabuto, whose evolution Kabutops is often overlooked from the first Generation. This Rock/Water-type sports an incredible design that’s just begging for a Mega form.

Kabutops’ twin-blade arms and sharp features already give it a unique look compared to other Pokémon. Its horseshoe-crab appearance could be taken further, with longer blades similar to Mega Garchomp or heavier armor that shifts it into a Steel-type. The angle of a fossil Pokémon reaching its full potential could create an interesting Mega Evolution, especially if the design goes all-in for Cryptid-esque visuals.

Zangoose

Fierce Features Might Transform Into Something Feral

Pokemon Go Zangoose.webp

Zangoose is a Normal-type Pokémon from Generation 3’s Hoenn region, with no evolution of any kind. In the past, Zangoose was only available in Pokémon Ruby, while Seviper in Pokémon Sapphire was highlighted more for its appearance in Team Rocket’s new team in the anime.

Much like Kabutops, Zangoose is often forgotten, especially with Absol being the solo form Pokémon from Hoenn that got one of the coolest original Mega Evolutions. Zangoose’s sharp claws and disheveled fur give it a combative design, which could easily be emphasized further with a good Mega form.

Possible Mega Evolutions for Zangoose could elongate its features, making it appear more wild. Zangoose has always been different from Luxray, Delcatty, or other “cat” Pokémon, with a rugged look that suggests it has intense battles all the time. A new form that creates almost a veteran, scarred design for Zangoose could make it look similar to Mega Lucario as a warrior that’s been through a lot of fights.

Sudowoodo

Imitation Can Be Taken To A New Level

Sudowoodo celebrating in the Pokémon anime

Pokémon as obstacles were common in Gens 1 and 2, with Sudowoodo taking over Snorlax’s role in the Jhoto region. Sudowoodo is a pure Rock-type with no evolution, with its predecessor form Bonsly only arriving in future Generations. This Pokémon is known for its ability to hide in plain sight, disguising itself as a growing tree to fool trainers and block their path.

A great idea for a Sudowoodo Mega Evolution would be for a complete camouflage of a tree, similar to a Pokémon like Trevenant. Only this time, Mega Sudowoodo would be like a Bonsai or Redwood tree, with tall features that look somewhat uncanny.

Doubling down on Sudowoodo’s imitation could create a fascinating Mega Evolution encounter in the scope of Legends: Z-A‘s large world map. Much like Exeggutor’s weird Alolan form in past Pokémon games, Sudowoodo getting an abnormal form would help make it more memorable, instead of just the knock-off Snorlax obstacle from other games.

Arbok

Team Rocket’s Signature Cobra Deserves Another Chance In The Spotlight

Arbok from the Pokémon anime
Arbok from the Pokémon anime

Arbok was, along with Wheezing, the main Pokémon from Team Rocket in the anime, but this Poison-type hasn’t been considered much in any games. This striking cobra is often outshined by other Poison-types, from Gengar, Venusaur, Crobat, or Nidoking/queen from earlier Generations. With a new Mega form though, this snake could strike fear into trainers’ hearts once more.

Possible Mega Evolutions for Arbok could see the snake grow much larger, harkening to snake deities of myths like Jörmungandr or Apophis. Elaboration on the markings or patterns on Arbok’s hood could create a far more intimidating presence, giving a menacing aura to the Poison-type that puts in on par with others in its classification.

Magcargo

Give Something Silly Far More Unnerving Attributes

Pokémon Magcargo in front of Professor Oak's Laboratory.
Pokémon Magcargo in front of Professor Oak’s Laboratory.

The Fire/Rock-type Magcargo is one of the few Fire-type Pokémon from Hoenn in Gen 3, but definitely the least known one compared to Houndoom or Blaziken. This lava snail is a simple creature, but it has the potential to become something more. A future Mega Evolution could raise the heat of this Pokémon further, using unexpected inspirations to create a unique Fire-type transformation.

One of Charizard’s mega evolution gives it blue fire, which could be shared in a potential Mega Magcargo. However, the lava snail could gain even more Rock-type features to make it look like an entire volcano, similar to Camerupt. This type, though, Mega Magcargo would look like a volcano about to explode, creating a far more dynamic Pokémon that fans might expect from the whimsical and small form it had before.

Kricketune

Unleash The True Opera In A New Form

Kricketune in battle in the Pokémon anime

Kricketune is a strange Pokémon already, one that players will remember for its melodic sounds when encountered in the Sinnoh region. This Gen 4 Pokémon doesn’t need to be intimidating or magnificent like other Mega Evolutions in Legends: Z-A, but rather has a whimsical form that plays to the unique nature of the pure Bug-type.

The string-instrument patterns on its chest and large mustache already make Kricketune a visually different creature than most Pokémon. With a Mega Evolution, this Pokémon has an opportunity to use even more musical references in its design.

The appearance of an orchestral conductor for Kricketune can evolve further, turning the insect into something even grander. Larger comparisons to bigger instruments, like an organ or piano, might make Kricketune stand out even more. In addition, Kricketune’s operatic references could include a cape or suit, giving it a greater resemblance to a conductor it already imitates.

Kecleon

Ultimate Type Swapping Creature Can Get Even More Versatile

Pokémon Legends Z-A Kecleon
Pokémon Legends Z-A Kecleon

Fans of Pokémon: Mystery Dungeon games will likely recognize Kecleon as the main merchant in those spin-off RPG titles. However, in mainline Pokémon games, Kecleon is a very rare creature that only really appears in Gen 3. This Pokémon has an ability no other one has, Color Swap, which allows it to transform its type into whatever type of move hits it last.

The possibilities behind a Mega Kecleon could be endless, either focusing on its Color Swap ability or its natural stealth it uses to hide from trainers. Any aspect of Kecleon that is exaggerated into a Mega form might make for a special encounter or quest in Legends: Z-A, helping it gain more recognition in another spin-off game.

Vespiquen

Turn One Queen Into A True Monarch

Pokemon BDSP Vespiquen

A personal favorite Pokémon from Gen 4 for me was Vespiquen, the rare evolution of Combee, but only the female version of the latter Pokémon. Combee was already extremely rare, only caught from slathering Honey on specific trees in the Sinnoh region. As a Pokémon most trainers only saw in the Elite Four, a Mega Evolution could raise this Bug/Flying-type status into something legendary.

Already, Vespiquen’s design resembles a powerful matriarch of a hive, ready for intense battle. A strange Mega form for this Pokémon could see several Mothim or Combee come to defend her, similar to how Mega Kangaskhan’s child comes out of its pouch.

Electrode

Give An Uncommon Electric-Type A Necessary Upgrade

Electrode with a grimace on its face in the Pokemon anime.
Electrode with a grimace on its face in the Pokemon anime.

An extremely unorthodox Mega Evolution might go to Electrode, the Pokémon from Kanto who trainers often mistake for an item on the ground. This upside-down Poké Ball has an easy Mega form just waiting to be used – turning it into a Great Ball, Ultra Ball, or even a Master Ball imitation.

Over the years, Pokémon games have introduced many different types of Poké Balls. A Mega Electrode could resemble any of them, including the special Premier Ball you get when purchasing the capture items en masse from a vendor.

This Electric-type can fulfill the same role it always has, being a false item that lures players into a battle they didn’t expect. The Mega Evolution of Electrode doesn’t have to be complicated, but its inclusion would be a huge surprise to players who might never suspect the classic Pokémon from the first Generation to get such an upgrade.

Tentacruel

Turn This Sea Monster Into A Full Kaiju

Tentacruel Pokémon bubbles animated show

Tentacruel has been around since the beginning, giving the common Water/Poison-type Tentacool a fantastic evolution. This Pokémon has always had a sinister appearance, with massive red bulbs on its back and a jellyfish-like appearance, with stingers and a huge beak. Evolving all these features into something Mega would be great, but a stranger route could take things to the next level.

Those who remember the first Pokémon anime might recall an episode where a massive, kaiju-sized Tentacruel rampaged through a city, causing tons of mayhem. This is the form I would love to see in a Mega Evolution for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, that takes a strange rendition of the sea creature and modifies it for a game to defy player expectations.


pokemon-z-a-cover-art-1.jpg

Pokemon Legends: Z-A


Released

October 16, 2025

Developer(s)

Game Freak, Creatures Inc.

Publisher(s)

Nintendo, The Pokemon Company

Franchise

Pokemon

Nintendo Switch Release Date

October 16, 2025

Nintendo Switch 2 Release Date

October 16, 2025



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