Game Freak has confirmed that all three Hoenn starter Mega Evolutions—Mega Sceptile, Mega Blaziken, and Mega Swampert—will be available in Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Mega Dimension DLC. However, there's a significant catch: these fan-favorite forms aren't immediately accessible and must be earned through competitive ranked battles.
Hoenn Starters Join the Mega Evolution Roster
The Mega Dimension DLC brings back three of the most beloved Mega Evolutions from Generation 6, giving trainers the chance to power up Sceptile, Blaziken, and Swampert in the streets of Lumiose City.
These Mega Evolutions were fan favorites in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, and their return has been highly anticipated since Legends: Z-A's initial announcement. Each brings unique competitive advantages and stunning visual designs to the Kalos region.
Why This Matters
- Nostalgia: Hoenn starters are among the most popular in the franchise
- Competitive: All three Mega forms are competitively viable with distinct roles
- Completion: Fills out the Mega Evolution roster alongside Kalos starters
- Cross-Generation: Represents cross-generation fan service
Mega Sceptile - The Lightning Rod Dragon
Sceptile transforms into a sleek Grass/Dragon-type Mega Evolution, gaining enhanced speed and special attack alongside the defensive utility of Lightning Rod.
Mega Sceptile Stats
- Typing: Type: Grass/Dragon (removes 4x Ice weakness)
- Ability: Ability: Lightning Rod (immune to Electric, raises Sp. Atk when hit)
- Speed: Speed: 145 (extremely fast)
- Special Attack: Special Attack: 145 (powerful special sweeper)
- BST: Base Stat Total: 630
Competitive Role
Mega Sceptile excels as a fast special attacker with excellent offensive typing. Leaf Storm, Dragon Pulse, and Focus Blast provide great coverage, while its Lightning Rod ability makes it an excellent switch-in against Electric-type threats.
The Dragon typing removes Sceptile's crippling 4x weakness to Ice-type moves, though it does introduce a new Ice weakness at 2x instead. The trade-off is worthwhile for the Dragon STAB and defensive benefits.
Signature Move: Leaf Storm (130 power Grass-type special attack)
Availability
- Season: Season 5 (January 8-29, 2026)
- Requirement: Reach Rank S in Ranked Battles
- Stone: Reward: Sceptilite
Mega Swampert - The Swift Swimmer
Swampert bulks up into a powerhouse physical attacker with Mega Evolution, trading its low speed for incredible offensive presence and the Swift Swim ability.
Mega Swampert Stats
- Typing: Type: Water/Ground (only one weakness: Grass 4x)
- Ability: Ability: Swift Swim (doubles Speed in rain)
- Attack: Attack: 150 (massive physical power)
- Defense: Defense: 110, Special Defense: 110 (balanced bulk)
- BST: Base Stat Total: 635
Competitive Role
Mega Swampert is a devastating rain sweeper that transforms from one of the slowest Pokémon into a speed demon under rain conditions. Swift Swim doubles its Speed, allowing it to outpace even the fastest threats while hitting like a truck.
Its Water/Ground typing gives it only one weakness (4x to Grass), making it incredibly difficult to counter without specific team building. Waterfall, Earthquake, and Ice Punch provide excellent coverage against most teams.
Signature Strategy: Rain team centerpiece with devastating physical attacks
Availability
- Season: Seasons 6 and 7 (February-March 2026, estimated)
- Requirement: Reach specific rank tier (TBA)
- Stone: Reward: Swampertite
Mega Blaziken - The Speed Boost Striker
Blaziken becomes an even more fearsome mixed attacker with Mega Evolution, retaining its incredible Speed Boost ability while gaining stat boosts across the board.
Mega Blaziken Stats
- Typing: Type: Fire/Fighting (weak to Water, Ground, Flying, Psychic)
- Ability: Ability: Speed Boost (Speed increases every turn)
- Attack: Attack: 160 (one of the highest in the game)
- Special Attack: Special Attack: 130 (excellent mixed attacking)
- Speed: Speed: 100 (increases every turn with Speed Boost)
- BST: Base Stat Total: 630
Competitive Role
Mega Blaziken is widely considered one of the most powerful Mega Evolutions in competitive Pokémon. Speed Boost allows it to become faster every turn, and its massive 160 base Attack stat makes it a constant knockout threat.
It can run both physical and mixed sets effectively thanks to its respectable Special Attack. Flare Blitz, Close Combat, Stone Edge, and even special moves like Flamethrower give it incredible versatility. After a few turns of Speed Boost, almost nothing can outpace it.
Competitive History:
Mega Blaziken was banned to Ubers tier in Smogon competitive play due to its overwhelming power. It's unclear if Legends: Z-A will implement similar restrictions in ranked play.
Availability
- Season: Season 7 (Mid-to-late February 2026, estimated)
- Requirement: Reach specific rank tier (TBA)
- Stone: Reward: Blazikenite
- Note: May not be available until February 18, 2026 or later
The Big Catch: Not Available at DLC Launch
⚠️ Important to Know
These Mega Evolutions are NOT available when you purchase the Mega Dimension DLC. You must earn them through competitive play.
This is the most important detail for players expecting immediate access to Hoenn starter Mega Evolutions. When the Mega Dimension DLC launched on December 10, 2025, these Mega Stones were not included in the purchase.
Instead, Game Freak and The Pokémon Company opted to distribute them as exclusive ranked battle rewards across multiple seasons in early 2026. This means even players who purchased the DLC on day one must wait and compete to unlock these forms.
What This Means for Players
- Completionists can't get all Mega Evolutions immediately
- Competitive players get exclusive rewards for their efforts
- Casual players may miss out on these Mega Stones entirely
- Full Hoenn starter collection won't be possible until late February 2026 at earliest
Comparison to Other Mega Stones
- Many Mega Stones ARE included in the base DLC (Mega Raichu, Mega Chimecho, etc.)
- Some Mega Stones are earned through DLC story missions
- Kalos starter Mega Stones (Greninjite, Delphoxite, Chesnaughtite) also locked behind ranked
- Starter Mega Stones appear to be the "prestige" rewards requiring competitive play
Complete Release Timeline
December 10, 2025 - Mega Dimension DLC Release
Included Mega Evolutions at launch
Hoenn starter Mega Stones NOT included
Ranked season schedule announced
January 8-29, 2026 - Season 5
Sceptilite available for Rank S players
First Hoenn starter Mega Stone becomes obtainable
February 2026 (Estimated) - Season 6
Swampertite expected as reward
Awaiting official announcement
Late February 2026 (Estimated) - Season 7
Blazikenite expected as reward (Feb 18+ estimated)
All three Hoenn starter Mega Evolutions finally available
Stay Updated:
Official announcements for Seasons 6 and 7 should arrive 1-2 weeks before each season begins. Follow the official Pokémon website, Serebii.net, and PokeVerse for breaking news.
Prepare for the Hoenn Starter Marathon
The return of Hoenn starter Mega Evolutions to Pokémon Legends: Z-A is exciting news for fans of Generation 3. Mega Sceptile, Mega Swampert, and Mega Blaziken bring competitive viability, nostalgic appeal, and stunning designs to the Kalos region.
However, the ranked battles requirement means these aren't casual rewards—you'll need to dedicate time to competitive play across multiple seasons in early 2026. If you want all three, prepare for a marathon that may last until late February.
For competitive players, this system offers prestige rewards that showcase skill. For collectors and casual players, it's a trade-off: you'll need to step into ranked battles or risk missing out on these iconic forms. Either way, start practicing now—Season 5 and Sceptilite are just days away.