Best Mega Evolution Designs In Pokemon

When Mega Evolutions were first introduced to the series with Pokemon X and Y, they drastically shook up the core gameplay formula by enabling players to take their Pokemon to the next level in terms of strength. In a way, Mega Evolutions can essentially be seen as the ‘final forms’ of these pocket monsters, and though not every Pokemon has been lucky enough to receive one, there’s still ben quite a few who feature some downright breathtaking designs.

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Of course, the Pokemon’s traditional appearance still needs to remain at least somewhat intact to make them recognizable, but with Mega Evolutions, the designers are free to get pretty creative and experimental when conjuring up a new look. Because these forms grant the Pokemon an immense surge of power, the designs can also be used to highlight this newfound strength, so needless to say, the appearance of a new evolution is extremely important, but which has stood the test of time as the most visually interesting of them all? It’s time to find out.

8

Manectric

Bright, Bold, And Hard To Look Away From, Manectric Dazzles In His Mega Evolution Form

While most Pokemon will have small details added to their appearance to reference their natural affinity, Manectric ensures that everyone is fully aware of its lightning powers through this stunning Mega Evolution design. By far the most noticeable aspect of the appearance is the giant zagged yellow spikes stretching out from Manectric’s back, resembling a thunderous surge of lightning shooting out from his body.

The glistening golden pads covering his front paws have also become even more spiky, while his eyes, that peek out from under his gigantic hood, glow a bright red. Though it’s not quite as creative as some other Mega Evolutions, this is still a real feast for the eyes which earns a spot for how bold and bombastic it is.

7

Tyranitar

Tranitar Assumes A Big And Bulky Set Of Armor Which Is Packed Full Of Small Details

The dinosaurian Pokemon known as Tyranitar is often used by trainers who are looking for a monster capable of tanking more than a few hits in battle thanks to its impenetrable defense. This is largely what makes the Pokemon so special, so it only makes sense its Mega Evolution would see it become even more bulked-up with a giant set of spiked green armor featuring spikes shooting out in each and every direction.

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An interesting little detail which calls back to Tyranitar’s previous evolutions is the black and red markings on his chest. This seems to resemble the mouthless appearance of Pupitar, providing a nice callback to the Pokemon’s upbringing and past appearances, while still being extremely unique from a visual perspective.

6

Mewtwo Y

Only Mewtwo Could Pull Off A Design This Otherworldly And Strange

This is actually one of two forms Mewtwo can acquire when using a Mega Evolution, but this one stands out because of just how bizarre and intriguing it is to look at. Considering Mewtwo has one of the most alien-like appearances out of the roster, it means this bizarre design, which makes him look like he came from an entirely different planet, or even universe, ends up being a perfect fit for Mewtwo.

While he’s a lot smaller this time around, Mewtwo’s head also goes through a drastic makeover, with him now having a long tail flowing behind him, allowing him to keep his balance as he soars through the skies. It also possesses a small ring which is attached to its head, which only adds to the whole otherworldy deity aesthetic that it has going on. Though some fans feel that it’s a bit over the top, many see it as an intriguing new style for the fan-favorite Legendary Pokemon.

5

Gengar

The True Embodiment Of Fear Comes Alive In This Final Form

As arguably the most recognizable Ghost-type Pokemon in the series, it’s understandable Genga would have a pretty eerie appearance, but he becomes pure nightmare fuel when entering his Mega Evolution form. With Gengar’s arms growing into large spiky fists, the spooky Pokemon assumes an all-fours position while its face is covered with a giant creepy smirk, and a third yellow eye rests at the top of its head.

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To put it simply, this is a terrifying design which is guaranteed to invoke fear into any of Gengar’s opponents, which feeds into his persona as an unnerving and spine-chilling Ghost Pokemon. Though it does feel as though Game Freak could have gone even further with this design, it has still remained a fan favorite since it was released back in X and Y.

4

Charizard X

Charizard’s Dark And Menacing Mega Evolution Provides A Nice Contrast To His Original Design

This is specifically referring to the black and blue variant of Mega Charizard, as this one has the most visually interesting and creative appearance of the two. In stark contrast to Charizard’s usual bright orange appearance, its Mega Evolution design changes the colors entirely, presenting it as a much darker and ferocious beast which feeds into the new Dragon typing.

Chairizard’s wings also grow much larger with this form, and it’s hard to ignore the blue smoke seeping from the monster’s mouth, signifying the underlying power that oozes out of it. This is a frankly jawdropping design that, somehow, manages to make Charizard look even cooler than he did before.

3

Blaziken

Blaziken Looks Far More Intimidating When Sporting His Fiery Mega Evolution Appearance

Blaziken has always been admired for its stylish and fearsome design, but its Mega Evolution takes this to a whole new level. While patches of red can still be seen on its arms and legs, the yellow fur, which is seen in its regular design, has been replaced with black, allowing the Pokemon to really stand out thanks to the clever use of color coordination.

Additionally, as a way to show off his underlying fiery strength, Mega Blaziken also acquires flames that emanate from its arms, making for a small addition that makes it look even more epic. As if that wasn’t enough, his horns also double in size, which is a nice addition that makes it seem as though the Pokemon has truly matured and grown due to the temporary Evolution.

2

Rayquaza

The Legendary Beast Of The Skies Looks Truly Terrifying And Mythical In This Form

No longtime Pokemon fan can ever forget the first time they laid eyes on Rayquaza; a Legendary Pokemon whose long green snake-like appearance has made it instantly recognizable. With its Mega form, Rayquaza gains some new electric strands that hover around it at all times and when also taking into account the large spikes surrounding its long and scaly body, Mega Rayquza makes for a pretty terrifying sight, but in a good kind of way.

The truth is, when unleashing this fearsome beast into battle, it will embarrass the opponent not only in strength, but in looks too, as this is a stunning new look for the iconic Legendary which perfectly showcases its superiority over the skies. Game Freak clearly spent a lot of time and effort making this design worthy of such a beloved Pokemon, and considering how epic it is, it’s fair to say they succeeded with flying colors.

1

Lucario

A Truly Jawdropping Appearance, Suitable For A Warrior Such As Lucario

Lucario already has one of the most unique designs in all of Pokemon, but when activating his Mega Evolution, it decorates the Pokemon with a ton of small details that feed into its obsession with being a fighter. For example, the long stretch of light fur that reaches down to his legs, which almost looks like some kind of heroic cape, is just one example of an added feature that adds to the grandiose style of the Pokemon’s final form.

Additionally, Lucario also gains new strands of red and black hair that flow behind him as it fights, alongside a plethora of new body markings, showing off Lucario’s traditional warrior aesthetic. Lucario may already be a highly regarded Pokemon when it comes to design, but it is among one of the very best when focusing solely on its Mega Evolution appearance.

Systems

Released

October 12, 2023

ESRB

e