Mega Evolution is making a comeback in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, bringing excitement for fans who love seeing their favorite Pokémon gain new forms and battle power. Yet, there’s an unspoken downside in the community: the so-called “Mega Evolution curse.” If this pattern holds true, one of the Pokémon rumored to receive a Mega Evolution in Z-A could face a long-term setback.
The Return of Mega Evolution
First introduced in Pokémon X and Y, Mega Evolution allows certain Pokémon to temporarily evolve beyond their final form using a Mega Stone and a Trainer’s Key Stone. It boosts stats, often changes a Pokémon’s ability or type, and gives it a striking new design.
To trigger a Mega Evolution in battle, the Pokémon must hold its unique Mega Stone while the Trainer carries a Key Stone. When their bond resonates, the Pokémon temporarily Mega Evolves, gaining boosted stats, sometimes a new ability, and even a type change. This form only lasts for the duration of the battle.
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After being absent from mainline Pokémon games since Generation VII, Mega Evolution is finally returning in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, giving fans a nostalgic feature that previously survived only in spin-offs like Pokémon GO, Masters EX, and UNITE.
In the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A, leaks and the official trailer confirm the addition of 26 new Mega Evolutions, including highly anticipated options like Mega Dragonite. For competitive and casual players alike, the feature offers fresh strategies and eye-catching transformations.
What Is the Mega Evolution Curse?
While Mega Evolution is exciting, long-time fans have noticed a troubling trend. Pokémon that receive a Mega Evolution often:
- Never get cross-generation evolutions (like Scizor from Scyther or Mamoswine from Piloswine).
- Rarely get regional forms in later generations.
- Risk becoming permanently “finished” designs with no future updates outside their Mega form.
Classic examples include Pinsir and Heracross. Both received impressive Mega Evolutions in Generation VI but have since been overlooked for new evolutions or regional variants. Outside of special cases like Galarian Slowbro, most Mega-capable Pokémon never receive additional development in future games.
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This fan-observed pattern is jokingly called the Mega Evolution curse, but its consequences are very real for underutilized Pokémon.
Why Barbaracle Faces the Mega Evolution Curse
Among the leaked Pokémon receiving a Mega Evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Barbaracle might be the worst candidate to fall under the curse. Here’s why:
- New Type Change: Its Mega Evolution allegedly shifts Rock/Water → Rock/Fighting, giving it better offensive coverage.
- Stage 1 Pokémon: Unlike fully evolved Stage 2 starters like Meganium or Feraligatr, Barbaracle is still eligible for a future cross-gen evolution—something it desperately needs.
- Low Popularity & Weak Battle Presence: Barbaracle is not a fan favorite, and without a proper evolution, it risks remaining a niche or “forgettable” Pokémon.
Barbaracle’s Mega form also places it in an exclusive club of only four Pokémon in Z-A to receive a type change: Clefable, Meganium, Feraligatr, and Barbaracle. Unlike the other three Stage 2 Pokémon, Barbaracle’s Stage 1 status means it could have benefited from a future evolution, which this Mega may now prevent.
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If the curse holds, Mega Barbaracle might enjoy a brief spotlight in Z-A before fading back into obscurity, never receiving the permanent evolution boost that could elevate its relevance in future generations.
Even with a striking new design, Mega Barbaracle may not affect competitive play since Mega Evolutions are unlikely to return to official VGC tournaments outside Pokémon Champions. This could limit its impact to Pokémon Legends: Z-A alone.
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Pokémon Legends: Z-A is reigniting excitement for Mega Evolutions, giving overlooked Pokémon a moment to shine. Yet for Barbaracle, this might be a double-edged sword.
If the Mega Evolution curse continues, this underappreciated Pokémon may never receive the lasting boost it needs to become a true fan favorite. Whether Z-A can break this trend remains to be seen, but for now, Mega Barbaracle may only enjoy a temporary moment in the spotlight.
