Potential Addition of Mega Evolution DLC to Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Some Pokemon in the anticipated Mega Evolution expansion for Pokemon Legends: Z-A have sparked interest by seemingly representing only a single half of existing duo arrangements, hinting that Game Freak may have plans for future DLC to cover those missing halves. While rumors and leaks should always be taken with a grain of salt, one of the more reliable leakers in the Pokemon community, CentroLeaks, has shared a list of potential Mega Evolutions slated for Legends: Z-A. If these leaks hold any truth, it opens up intriguing questions about why some Pokemon are getting new evolutions when they’re part of pairs.

From the 27 Mega Evolutions expected to debut in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, apart from notable ones like its mascot Zygarde or the starter trio, there are several Pokemon whose usual counterparts are noticeably absent. Although these pairings aren’t always explicitly acknowledged by the games, their exclusivity based on version and similar type and design traits have traditionally tied them together. Game Freak has often balanced these duos with new evolutions or forms, so it’s possible that the Mega Evolutions in Legends: Z-A are setting the stage for DLC that introduces Mega counterparts for those pairs.

Switching gears a bit, it’s worth noting that pairs like Gardevoir and Gallade, Pinsir and Heracross, or even Latios and Latias have received Mega Evolutions across various games like Pokemon X and Y, and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, even if not simultaneously. If the leaks regarding Legends: Z-A turn out accurate, there’s potential for long-awaited Mega Evolutions, like those for the gender-offshoots Froslass and Mega Glalie. However, the leaks also indicate that several pairings may not be getting balanced Mega shocks at the same time.

Let’s break down some specific cases: Wigglytuff doesn’t seem to be joined by Mega Clefable, there’s a missed pairing for Cloyster alongside Mega Starmie, and similar situations occur with Vileplume and Mega Victreebel, among others. It’s challenging to overlook the numerous instances of split pairs, especially when additional counterparts like Slowbro with Slowking or Gyarados with Milotic also await their Mega moments.

This many seemingly incomplete evolutions might signal Game Freak’s plans for post-launch expansions, much like its expansions for Pokemon Sword and Shield, and more recently, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Legends: Arceus didn’t receive DLC, but Legends: Z-A isn’t sticking to any traditional script, introducing a fresh battle system in a unique present-day setting. So, Legends: Z-A could surprise us with DLC that rounds out these partial aspects, especially the Mega Evolutions for sidelined Pokemon counterparts.

Lastly, the notion of counterparts may not be as clear-cut as we expect in Legends: Z-A. Pairs might seem simple like Wigglytuff and Clefable or Turtonator and Drampa, but evolving dynamics could complicate things. Take Vileplume and Victreebel, for example—introduced as a pair in Gen 1, but Bellossom’s entry in Gen 2 splits Vileplume’s evolutionary path. As some pairings aren’t based on official lore—think Seviper with Zangoose or Heatmor with Durant—Game Freak might not have aimed to split counterparts through these Mega Evolutions, or perhaps they have bigger DLC plans in store.