Is Mega Victreebel the Surprising Evolution Fans Didn’t Know They Wanted in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?

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Summary

  • Pokemon Legends: Z-A will be the main release for the franchise in 2025, returning to Kalos and featuring Mega Evolutions.
  • The addition of new Mega Evolutions, including for Victreebel, may not sit well with fans expecting representation from other Generations.
  • While Mega Victreebel may be a strange choice, it could bring the underdog Pokemon into the spotlight in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

This year breaks a long tradition with Pokemon games, as there are not going to be Gen 10 titles in 2025 unless they are shadow-dropped or announced later, making Pokemon Legends: Z-A the only big new release for the franchise. Many fans are hyped about Pokemon Legends: Z-A‘s return to Kalos, specifically to Lumiose City, as the game promises an enticing combat system as well as returning Mega Evolutions and possibly new critters too. Mega Evolutions remain by far one of the most beloved battle gimmicks in the series, if not the, and it seems that Pokemon Legends: Z-A will add a new, unexpected one to the mix.

Leaks for Pokemon games are nothing new, and there are several insiders who have a good track record with the information they share. In the case of Pokemon Legends: Z-A, it seems that the notorious leaker Riddler Khu teased new Mega Evolutions last year, and the newest trailer for the game is seemingly confirming one of them. It was to be expected that the first game since Gen 6 to feature Mega Evolutions as the main battle gimmick was going to add new ones, but fans may not expect this to be the case for a Gen 1 Pokemon that was never very popular – Victreebel.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s First New Mega Evolution Could Be a Double-Edged Sword

Gen 1 had many Mega Evolutions in the original roster, even adding two for both Mewtwo and Charizard. As such, it would have probably been best for Pokemon Legends: Z-A to represent other Generations with new Megas, such as Gen 6 itself and anything beyond that since those critters were not even around at the time. The fact that Victreebel may get a Mega Evolution doesn’t mean that Pokemon from other Generations won’t get one as well, but it can seem a strange choice.

In summary, Victreebel and Vileplume are similar Pokemon due to their shared type (Grass/Poison) and identical base stat totals (BST). They both evolve using a Leaf Stone. If Victreebel receives a Mega Evolution in the game “Pokemon Legends: Z-A,” it might seem unusual if Vileplume does not receive one as well, although some may argue that the Oddish line already has an advantage over the Bellsprout line due to Bellossom’s addition in Generation 2.

Even though both Victreebel and Vileplume appeared in the Generation 6 games (Pokemon X & Y, as well as Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire), it’s reasonable to expect that Vileplume would be included in the game, if not given a Mega Evolution too. This could potentially lead to other creatures receiving Mega Evolutions in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, to keep them on par with their counterparts from different generations. If Vileplume doesn’t receive a Mega Evolution, some fans might be disappointed – under the assumption that this is indeed happening.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A is in a Catch-22 Situation With Mega Evolutions

Even if it’s just Victreebel, it’s a strange choice for a new Mega Evolution given the Pokemon’s current status in the main series. On the other hand, it could be exactly what Victreebel needs to see some time in the limelight. With Pokemon Legends: Z-A being most likely a solo game with no PvP, if PLA is anything to go by, Mega Victribeel could be a nice addition, but not truly move the needle in favor of this critter. What’s more important is that the game should try and avoid giving new Megas to Gen 1 mons exclusively, or for the most part. If Victreebel is the exception rather than the rule, it could be a great addition.

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2025-03-16 21:16