Speculative Meta Analysis of Legends Z-A Megas in Pokémon GO

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is upon us, and we finally have a slew of new Megas in our midst, as well as a bunch of leaked Mega Evolutions for the DLC. This is an exciting period for the community, and the buzz is sure to reach new heights once these Megas arrive in Pokémon GO.

With Megas being among the top attackers in our beloved mobile game, you must be curious how they would fare in the meta. We have the stats of all the confirmed Megas in Legends: Z-A, so we can use their Pokémon GO stats and current moveset to deduce how they would perform in their eventual debut.

Disclaimer: Stats and moveset in Pokémon GO are subject to change, so take this write-up with a grain of salt. Some Megas gain a new typing on Mega Evolution, and can adopt new moves, so keep that in mind as well.

With that being said, let’s jump into a speculative Pokémon GO meta analysis of every new Mega Evolution available in Legends: Z-A, and see if they can shake up the current host of Megas.

Speculating all New Mega Evolutions in Pokémon GO

Mega Dragonite

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	91
Attack	124
Defense	115
Sp. Atk	145
Sp. Def	125
Speed	100
BST	700

Pokémon GO stats

Even Mega Dragonite is quite tanky, allowing it to keep the Mega boost running awhile in Raids, its damage output is easily surpassed by fellow Pseudo Legendary Dragons, Mega Garchomp and Mega Salamence.

In fact, Mega Dragonite ends up one of the lowest ATK of all Mega Evolved Dragon types in Pokémon GO, only beating Mega Altaria, and even lower than Mega Latias.

In the mainline games, Mega Dragonite is now a Special Attacker, paving the way for new strategies as the base has always been a Physical Attacker. Sadly, it’s kind of slow, with a base speed of only 100. 

But the bigger disappointment is its showing in Pokémon GO as it won’t be ruffling any feathers in the meta despite possessing such majestic wings.

Mega Greninja

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	72
Attack	125
Defense	77
Sp. Atk	133
Sp. Def	81
Speed	142
BST	630

Pokémon GO stats

Great news for all Greninja fans as Mega Greninja is poised to be the best Water-type Mega Evolution in Pokémon GO and also one of the leading Water types in the game! With Hydro Cannon, this upside-down Mega easily outpaces Mega Swampert, Kyogre, and Hydro Cannon Inteleon in combat, and is trailed only by Primal Kyogre, Shadow Kyogre, and Ash Greninja (if released). Yes, the Ash variant is superior in performance, but its release remains a theory at the moment. 

Either way, Greninja fans stay winning, making the Mega a cheaper option than Primal and Shadow Kyogre to power up. To be fair, 299 ATK isn’t too high for a top-tier Mega Evolution in Pokémon GO, but the Water department isn’t known for too high Attack stats other than Primal Kyogre, making Mega Greninja a meta leader.

As a Dark type, Mega Greninja would need Feint Attack and Brutal Swing to be dominant, but it would still be surpassed by Mega Absol and Mega Tyranitar. Mega Greninja would be substantially bulkier than Mega Absol, offering longer Mega Boosts. 

Mega Delphox

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	75
Attack	69
Defense	72
Sp. Atk	159
Sp. Def	125
Speed	134
BST	634

Pokémon GO stats

Mega Delphox surpasses Mega Charizard Y and is more or less on par with Mega Blaziken in Fire-type performance.

It resists Grass, Ice, and Steel, making it good against them, but then again, Megas Blaziken and Charizard Y have clear advantages, with Mega Char Y being better against Grass (and Bug) due to the Flying subtyping, and Mega Blaziken against Ice and Steel due to its Fighting subtyping.

As a Psychic type, it doesn’t stand a chance against Mega Mewtwo Y and X, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Latios. However, Mega Delphox would be better than Mega Latias.

Overall, a good Mega but outclassed.

Mega Chesnaught

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	88
Attack	137
Defense	172
Sp. Atk	74
Sp. Def	115
Speed	44
BST	630

Pokémon GO stats

In the Grass department, Mega Chesnaught is on par with Mega Venusaur in DPS, and in the Fighting department, it’s behind even Machamp. It will be used extensively as a Grass-type attacker, with the Fighting subtyping helping it resist Rock type attacks (something a pure Grass type can’t).

As such, it is an excellent counter against Rock Raid Bosses.

Mega Feraligatr

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	85
Attack	160
Defense	125
Sp. Atk	89
Sp. Def	93
Speed	78
BST	630

Pokémon GO stats

Mega Feraligatr is a Water/Dragon Pokémon, joining the ranks of Kingdra, Palkia, Palkia Origin, Dracovish, Tatsugiri, and Walking Wake.

As a Water type, it is better than Shadow Kyogre on offense (Mega Feraligatr is not as bulky, though), but Mega Greninja races ahead, surpassing even Primal Kyogre.

Speaking of ‘draconic,’ Mega Feraligatr needs a Dragon moveset to be even considered viable, ideally gaining access to Dragon Tail and Breaking Swipe in Pokémon GO. With that, it will edge out Mega Salamence, giving way to a viable Dragon-type attacker!

Mega Meganium

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	80
Attack	92
Defense	115
Sp. Atk	143
Sp. Def	115
Speed	80
BST	625

Pokémon GO stats

Surprise, surprise… the PvE irrelevant Meganium packs a punch with its Mega Evolution! Frenzy Plant Mega Meganium matches the powerful Kartana in Grass damage output. In fact, Mega Meganium is just behind Mega Sceptile in Grass DPS, making it a top-tier attacker. Talk about a peak Mega(nium) performance!

So it’s time to give your Meganium some respect. Against Ground Raid Bosses, Mega Meganium is technically better than Kartana as well, though it’s still behind Mega Sceptile (which is the best against Water Raid Bosses). Not to mention, Mega Meganium is tankier than Mega Sceptile, making it amazing for prolonged Grass Mega Boost in the battle. 

The grass is certainly greener on Mega Meganium’s side!

Mega Emboar

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	110
Attack	148
Defense	75
Sp. Atk	110
Sp. Def	110
Speed	75
BST	628

Pokémon GO stats

Mega Emboar looks superb, but sadly, it is below par. Forget the Mega Blaziken and Mega Charzard Y duo, Mega Emboar is behind Mega Delphox. It is bulky, which can aid in Raid battles.

In the Fighting front, the situation is worse. Mega Lucario and Mega Blaziken are in another dimension, and even Mega Lopunny is way better. Even Terrakion is a stronger Fighting Pokémon, pinning Mega Emboar on the mat… 1, 2, 3.

Mega Chandelure

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	60
Attack	75
Defense	110
Sp. Atk	175
Sp. Def	110
Speed	90
BST	620

Pokémon GO stats

Mega Chandelure has an exceptionally high Sp. Atk of 175 in Legends: Z-A, so its stats obviously get nerfed in Pokémon GO, with its ATK dropping from 335 to 305. 

Even with 335 ATK, Mega Chandelure is a great attacker, although it will be surpassed in this role.

As a Ghost type, Mega Chandelure will trail behind Mega Gengar and Dawn Wings Necrozma, but still higher than Shadow Gengar and Mega Banette.

As a Fire type, Megas Blaziken, Charizard Y, and Mega Delphox overtake it. The good thing is that Mega Chandelure can do double duty as a Ghost and Fire type, establishing itself as a fine attacker in both roles. Not a bad Mega Evolution at all!

Mega Excadrill

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	110
Attack	165
Defense	100
Sp. Atk	65
Sp. Def	65
Speed	103
BST	608

Pokémon GO stats

Mega Excadrill may be one of the most silly-looking Megas, but it is a solid attacker in Pokémon GO!

In the Ground department, it’s behind Primal Groudon and Shadow Groudon in damage output, roughly on par with Shadow Garchomp. That’s actually quite impressive, and with the plenty of resistances the Steel subtyping offers, Mega Excadrill is neat in Raid Battles.

It holds a similar standing in the Steel meta, being surpassed by Zacian Crowned Sword, Zamazenta Crowned Shield, Dusk Mane Necrozma, Mega and Shadow Metagross, Shadow Excadrill, and Shadow Dialga. While there’s a handful of Pokémon ahead, Mega Excadrill is a good option nonetheless.

Preferably, go with the Ground type role.

It is not as top-tier as Mega Delphox is in the Fire typing, but it is a very viable option overall. Definitely a Mega Evolution worth digging into!

Mega Hawlucha

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	78
Attack	137
Defense	100
Sp. Atk	74
Sp. Def	93
Speed	118
BST	600

Pokémon GO stats

Hawlucha is blessed with the incredible Flying Press move, but due to its low stats, it never managed to stir the Fighting meta. Now, all that changes with the Luchador getting a meaty 280 ATK via Mega Evolution. Not only is Mega Hawlucha one of the coolest-looking ones in the lot, it also delivers big time, taking over as one of the premier Fighting Pokémon, just behind Mega Lucario. It is reasonably bulky as well, making this Mega a total package in Raids, and we all know how useful Fighting types are in the PvE meta.

It also learns powerful Flying type moves like Wing Attack, Fly, Sky Attack, and Brave Bird. These additions would also establish it as a dominant Flying type attacker, after Mega and base Rayquaza.

Mega Hawlucha is bound to be one of the best Mega Evolutions in Pokémon GO, a complete champion in the making. It already has the Fighting moves it needs, and a judicious serving of Flying would make it a double champ.

Mega Malamar

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	86
Attack	102
Defense	88
Sp. Atk	98
Sp. Def	120
Speed	88
BST	582

Pokémon GO stats

Mega Malamar has balanced stats across the board, but its offensive potential is quite low for the Raids meta, especially when both Dark and Psychic are brimming with powerhouses that aren’t even Megas or Shadows (Hydreigon, Tyranitar, Darkrai, Mewtwo, Hoopa Unbound, Alakazam).

As groovy as Mega Malamar looks, it is destined to be a fun ‘dex addition only.

Mega Barbaracle

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	72
Attack	140
Defense	130
Sp. Atk	64
Sp. Def	106
Speed	88
BST	600

Pokémon GO stats

The Rock/Water type Barbaracle is often a forgotten Pokémon, but this humanoid abomination gets an eye-catching glow-up in Legends: Z-A with a Rock/Fighting-type Mega Evolution, and this is reflected in Pokémon GO as well.

Mega Barbaracle would need to learn some Fighting moves to be considered in that meta (it currently only knows Cross Chop). The best-case scenario would be Low Kick and Focus Blast, which would still put it behind Terrakion in Fighting-type damage output. 

Similarly, Barbaracle needs to learn a Rock type Fast Move to pair with Stone Edge, and become a viable Rock type attacker. It learns Smack Down, so that would be nice.

Ultimately, Mega Barbaracle won’t be turning heads as much as other rocky or fighting behemoths, but it would still be decent.

Mega Clefable

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	95
Attack	80
Defense	93
Sp. Atk	135
Sp. Def	110
Speed	70
BST	583

Pokémon GO stats

Clefable is a dreaded PvP mon, but its Mega Evolution is slated to be a great PvE addition! It gains a respectable 253 ATK, leaving regular Gardevoir, Hatterene, and Togekiss in the dust. In fact, Mega Clefable is a Fairy/Flying type, making it a superior version of Togekiss. 

There aren’t too many strong Fairy types, and while Mega Gardevoir, Enamorus Incarnate, Xerneas, and Zacian Crowned Sword lead the charge, the bulky and hard-hitting Mega Clefable isn’t far behind. Its Flying subtyping makes it particularly efficient against Fighting type Raid Bosses, while also keeping the Mega Boost active for a long time.

On the Flying side, it only learns Dual Wingbeat from its Scarlet and Violet, so there isn’t much to explore in that part.

But yes, as a Fairy type, Mega Clefable isn’t necessarily top tier, but it’s definitely a very useful Mega Evolution in Pokémon GO!

Mega Drampa

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	78
Attack	85
Defense	110
Sp. Atk	160
Sp. Def	116
Speed	36
BST	585

Pokémon GO stats

It is always difficult for a new Dragon type to make an impact in the meta when you have titans like Mega Rayquaza, Eternatus, Mega Garchomp, and Black Kyurem around. Mega Drampa, oozing in style, is just a worse base Salamence. With Dragon Tail and Outrage added to its arsenal, Mega Drampa would be a slightly stronger Salamence, not exactly meta for a Mega, but useful in a heartbeat if you’re lacking better Dragons.

Mega Victreebel

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	80
Attack	125
Defense	85
Sp. Atk	135
Sp. Def	95
Speed	70
BST	590

Pokémon GO stats

Mega Victreebel has one of the most talked-about designs in the game, and it’s slated to be decently meta-relevant in Pokémon GO. 

On the Grass forefront, it has a higher ATK than Mega Venusaur but lacks Frenzy Plant, making it fall behind the classic starter Mega. There aren’t too many heavy hitters in the Grass typing, so Mega Victreebel is certainly viable even though it’s not ahead in the picking order.

It does better as a Poison type, beating Nihilego in DPS and trailing behind Mega Beedrill, Eternatus, and Naganadel. The Poison typing is, again, one with few heavy hitters, so Mega Victreebel is a welcome addition in taking down Fairy and Grass Raid Bosses. A great upgrade for an evergreen Kanto Pokémon!

Mega Scrafty

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	65
Attack	130
Defense	135
Sp. Atk	55
Sp. Def	135
Speed	68
BST	588

Pokémon GO stats

By this juncture, players know that Mega Evolutions in Pokémon GO are of three types: One, which are extremely viable, to a more or less degree (Mega Rayquaza, Mega Tyranitar, Mega Salamence); Two, which perform nicely but at the level of regular powerhouses (Mega Excadrill, Mega Victreebel, Mega Clefable); and three, which are bad (Mega Sableye, Mega Medicham).

Mega Scrafty comes in the second category, in that it has good stats but doesn’t perform up to ‘mega’ proportions. As a Dark type, it will be worse than regular Hydreigon and Tyranitar, but due to the Mega Boost, it would wind up being somewhere close.

As a Fighting type, it needs Focus Blast and would be around the level of Machamp.

Ultimately, Mega Scafty will be one of those passable Megas that you can run to add some spice to your Raid party when battling in large lobbies.

Mega Eelektross

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	85
Attack	145
Defense	80
Sp. Atk	135
Sp. Def	90
Speed	80
BST	615

Pokémon GO stats

Mega Eelektross is only the third Electric type Mega Evolution, and in Pokémon GO, it would end up behind the two only Electric Megas, Mega Manectric and Mega Ampharos, along with other powerhouses like Regieleki, Thundurus Therian, Zekrom, and Xurkitree, and some Shadows. 

However, if it gets access to Wild Charge, it would comfortably steer ahead of Mega Ampharos. If it also gets Thunder Fang, Mega Eelektross would also overtake Mega Manectric. But regardless, the Legendaries and UB Xurkitree would remain the most electrifying. Keep in mind that Mega Eelektross isn’t too bulky, but is a good attacker overall.

Mega Starmie

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	60
Attack	140
Defense	105
Sp. Atk	130
Sp. Def	105
Speed	120
BST	660

Pokémon GO stats

Okay, Mega Starmie may be the worst Mega Evolution of all time in terms of design because it’s literally Starmie but with longer legs. 

With an ATK of 303 but an underwhelming HP, it’s well behind the strong Megas in both the Water and Psychic typings. This Pokémon is meant for the memes and is a fun Buddy to watch run around you, but that’s about it. It does decent damage but its moveset is lacking. 

Mega Pyroar

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	86
Attack	88
Defense	92
Sp. Atk	129
Sp. Def	86
Speed	126
BST	607

Pokémon GO stats

Pyroar is hardly ever associated with meta relevance, but Mega Pyroar claims this schtick with a lion’s mane, quite literally!

Mega Pyroar performs similarly to Mega Houndoom and regular Blast Burn Blaziken in Pokémon GO, making it quite meta-relevant. Its Normal subtyping makes it a top-tier counter to Raid Boss weak to Fire while also having the Ghost typing, like Mega Froslass and Decidueye. Quite a niche usage, but handy for sure!

Mega Dragalge

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	65
Attack	85
Defense	105
Sp. Atk	132
Sp. Def	163
Speed	44
BST	594

Pokémon GO stats

There is no sugarcoating Mega Dragalge. It’s such an interesting concept, but this Pokémon is defensive, sporting an incredible 265 DEF. The ATK stat is pretty low, and makes it a forgettable Dragon type.

As a Poison type, it is okayish, but its ATK is lower than even Roserade. As such, the tanky Mega Dragalge is strictly meant to keep the Poison type Mega Boost afloat for a long time, especially against Grass type Raid Bosses. Once again, a niche application, but one that helps large lobbies to a great extent.

Mega Scolipede

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	60
Attack	140
Defense	149
Sp. Atk	75
Sp. Def	99
Speed	62
BST	585

Pokémon GO stats

Pokémon GO could really use more Bug type attackers, and unfortunately, Mega Scolipede fails to deliver as it’s well behind other Mega Bugs like Mega Heracross, Mega Pinsir, Mega Beedrill, and Mega Heracross in performance.

As a Poison type, it is pretty good, beating Nihilego and Mega Victreebel in damage output, and positioned behind Mega Beedrill, Eternatus, and Nihilego. While Mega Beedrill (sharing the same Bug/Poison typing) is clearly ahead, Mega Scolipede is way bulkier, and as such, is a very viable Poison type Pokémon, especially against Grass Raid Bosses while also being very good against Fairy types in general.

Mega Froslass

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	70
Attack	80
Defense	70
Sp. Atk	140
Sp. Def	100
Speed	120
BST	580

Pokémon GO stats

Doesn’t Mega Froslass look like a Gigantamax that didn’t make the final cut in Pokémon Sword and Shield?

Anyway, right off the bat, it’s quite obvious that Mega Froslass can’t keep up with Ghost types like Mega Gengar, Mega Chandelure, Mega Banette, as well as Dawn Wings Necrozma (who has Moongeist Beam). So while it is a strong Ghost Pokémon, it is widely outclassed.

However, this spooky Mega is going to be a super meta-relevant addition to the Ice type field. Existing Ice Megas, Mega Glalie (252 ATK) and Mega Abomasnow (240 ATK), are underwhelming. Enter Mega Froslass with the already designated moveset of Powder Snow and Avalanche with an ATK stat of 284, and you see where this is going.

Mega Froslass will surpass Galarian Darmanitan Standard, Chein-Pao, and Baxcalibur in Ice type performance, situated behind only White Kyurem and Galarian Darmanitan Zen Mode. This Mega will be one of the premier Dragon killers in Pokémon GO, particularly against those with a double weakness to Ice. The best Ice type Mega Evolution by miles!

A well-deserved meta surge for an epic Pokémon, prep up your Froslass right away!

Mega Falinks

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	65
Attack	135
Defense	135
Sp. Atk	70
Sp. Def	65
Speed	100
BST	570

Pokémon GO stats

The pure Fighting type Mega Falinks isn’t going to pack much of a punch in Pokémon GO. It stays behind Terrakion in DPS and is close to Conkeldurr in performance, making it a low-tier Mega Evolution. Honestly, nothing else to talk about here, it’s just another Mega.

Mega Skarmory

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	65
Attack	140
Defense	110
Sp. Atk	40
Sp. Def	100
Speed	110
BST	565

Pokémon GO stats

Golden bird Mega Skarmory needs Iron Head to be viable, and even with that, its damage output is similar to Dialga. Needless to say, Steel behemoths like Zacian Crowned Sword, Zamazenta Crowned Shield, Dusk Mane Necrozma, Mega Metagross, Mega Lucario, Metagross, and Shadows of Metagross, Excadrill, and Dialga lead the steely mob. With its current Flash Cannon, it plummets further down in relevancy.

Mega Skarmory, even with its current moveset, is a strong Flying type attacker, edging past Yveltal but still behind Mega Pidgeot in damage figures. A neat Mega Evolution, but nothing meta-defining to say the least.

Mega Eternal Flower Floette

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	74
Attack	85
Defense	87
Sp. Atk	155
Sp. Def	148
Speed	102
BST	651

Pokémon GO stats

Eternal Flower Floette itself is not available in Pokémon GO, so we can speculate with its best-case scenario Fairy moveset of Fairy Wind and Dazzling Gleam. It outperforms Enamorus Incarnate, but it is bulkier. As such, this theoretical Mega Eternal Flower Floette would become the strongest Fairy type behind Mega Gardevoir and Shadow Gardevoir, adding another premier Dragon killer to the game.

Fingers crossed for this one, as it would be huge for the Fairy type meta in Pokémon GO!

Mega Zygarde

Legends: Z-A stats

Type
HP	216
Attack	70
Defense	91
Sp. Atk	216
Sp. Def	85
Speed	100
BST	778

Pokémon GO stats

Ladies and gentlemen, we have saved THE best for the last, and yes, those stats are AFTER the 9% nerf.

And YES, Mega Zygarde’s ATK is a point higher than Mega Rayquaza and 25 points higher than Primal Groudon.

This monster has a new signature Dragon move called Nihil Light, learns another Dragon move called Core Enforcer, as well as signature Ground moves Thousand Arrows and Thousand Waves.

With these moves treated right, Mega Zygarde will take over the crown of Pokémon GO, displaying power levels take make even Mega Rayquaza and Primal Groudon shy. A to Z, Mega Zygarde is slated to be THE STRONGEST CATCH IN POKÉMON GO.

Brace yourselves, trainers.

With so many new Megas as well as others leaked/rumored for the DLC (Mega Raichu X & Y, Mega Baxcalibur (!!), Mega Scovillain, etc), we players are in for a “mega” treat. 

As we adventure through Pokémon GO and catch all the new Mega Evolutions, remember to always have fun! All the best, trainers!