Evolution is an important and exciting key mechanic of the Pokémon series. From a starter evolving for the first time, to giving an evolution stone to an Eevee, evolution is an exciting milestone in gameplay that marks the growth and progression of a player's Pokémon party. Generation 6 took evolution in a new direction, when Pokémon X and Y introduced the mechanics of Mega Evolution. With the use of a few items, 46 fully evolved Pokémon species can progress a step further in battle, and achieve abilities and power they couldn't before.
Mega Evolution features prominently in Pokémon X and Y, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, and Sun and Moon. Mega Evolution has even made it into Pokémon GO. There are several components that go into achieving Mega Evolution. First, players will obtain either a Mega Ring if they are playing X and Y, or a Mega Bracelet if they are playing later titles like Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. While Mega Evolution will become available after the third Gym in X and Y, it is used as an endgame mechanic in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. This occurs when the Mega Bracelet is received from Steven after beating Team Magma or Team Aqua. The Mega Bracelet is received in Sun and Moon after the player defeats the Elite Four and takes on the Battle Tree.
Once in the possession of Pokémon's Mega Ring or Bracelet, the next step is to locate each of the Mega Stones. Mega Stones must be held by the Pokémon the player would like to Mega Evolve. These special stones are scattered all over the Kalos, Hoenn, and Alola regions. While holding a Mega Stone, the Pokémon cannot hold other battle items, so players may want to limit how many Mega Evolution Pokémon they have in their party.
Mega Evolution Lasts Longer Than Dynamax, Gigantamax, or Z-Moves
Unlike the Gigantamax abilities in Pokémon Sword and Shield, or the Z-Moves in Sun and Moon, Mega Evolution lasts an entire battle. Only one Pokémon in the party can Mega Evolve during an encounter, but the effects stay in place until the Pokémon is knocked out, or the battle ends. Mega Evolved Pokémon will hold their Mega form when withdrawn, allowing players to heal if their Mega Evolved Pokémon is low on HP or suffering a status effect. Because of this, Mega Evolution can be a huge advantage in battle.
Unfortunately, Mega Evolution did not make its way into Sword and Shield via DLC content, or endgame options. This was likely to focus on the new battle mechanics like Max Raids and the Gigantamax ability. However, there is the possibility Mega Evolution could make a return in upcoming Pokémon titles, potentially expanding the way players can experience the thrill of the mechanic in battle.