According to a recent supposed leak, Pokémon Legends: Z-A may feature over 26 new Mega Evolved Pokémon beyond several original Mega Evolved Pokémon first introduced in Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire. Throughout mid and early March, several credible Pokémon leakers announced that several Pokémon from generations 1-7 will have new Mega Evolutions within Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Some of these include Centro LEAKS who correctly leaked that nighttime would change how Z-A is played as well as the logo of Z-A Royale on March 18th prior to both features’ official reveal at the March Nintendo Direct. Among the several alleged Pokémon to receive Mega Evolutions, one particular sixth-generation Pokémon stands out: the Subterrene Pokémon Excadrill.
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What Gamers May Expect From Mega Excadrill
In 2010’s Pokémon Black and White, dozens of new fan-favorite Pokémon were introduced in the United States-inspired region of Unova. From the celebrated dragons like Hydreigon to the comical Vanilluxe, many players discovered then-new Pokémon to become attached to among Unova’s 156 unique creatures. For several fans, one specific ground and steel-type Pokémon caught their eye: the mole-like Excadrill. With its giant drill-like claws, a long blade resembling a hat over its head, and slick black and red fur, Excadrill was quick to be signaled out among the other Unovan Pokémon. Excadrill’s battle capability and move set weren’t bad either, as it had a Base Attack stat of 135, a Base HP stat of 110, and learned powerful moves including Drill Run and Earthquake.
Excadrill was heavily featured in the Pokémon anime and continued to appear relatively regularly in subsequent Pokémon games. However, it didn’t receive a Mega Evolution, a Gigantimax, or a Paradox form in later Pokémon titles. Instead, the only Unovan Pokémon to receive Mega Evolutions or other forms were Audino, Garbodor, Amoonguss, Volcarona, Hydreigon, Virizion, Terrakion, and Cobalion. If the leaks prove to be true, Excadrill may finally return to the spotlight after 15 years with a Mega Evolution. This transformation traditionally alters the Pokémon’s Base stats, ability, or type, so Mega Excadrill could change drastically or only slightly compared to its typical strong self. Due to its normally low Special Attack and Defense stats, Mega Excadrill could see those stats increased to become a more offensive tank in battle.
The Potential Appearance of Mega Excadrill
If Mega Excadrill does have its Special Attack and Defense increased, it should have its new strength and defense reflected in its physical appearance. According to several Pokédex entries, Excadrill can drill over 300 feet underground through thick soil, ores, and metals and is sometimes referred to as the Drill King. Based on these descriptions, Mega Excadrill could feature a large headpiece resembling the more spiked and bulbous industrial drill bits designed to quickly mine through rock. This headpiece could function both as a way for Mega Excadrill to mine deep underground and for the Pokémon to appear more like an actual subterranean king. Mega Excadrill could additionally appear larger than its usual more as most other Mega Evolutions do.
If Excadrill does eventually Mega Evolve, it would join Mega Steelix as the only two Steel/Ground Mega Evolved Pokémon in the series.
Where Excadrill Could Appear in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
In most Pokémon games, Excadrill and Drilbur can typically be found in caves, canyons, mines, mountains, and other rocky areas. However, not many of these areas have been shown in Z-A yet save for a small sandy area in a Wild Zone filled with Krokoroks and Sandiles. Excadrill could potentially spawn in a similar small sandy area as both Drilbur and Sandile are Ground types, but there may be a hidden underground area somewhere in Lumiose City. Z-A appears to be only taking place within the city and its nearby areas just beyond its walls and buildings, preventing players from encountering the variety of areas encountered in the rest of Kalos.
To rectify this, Game Freak could introduce a new underground area beneath Lumiose City in Pokémon Legends: Z-A for players to easily find Ground, Rock, and Steel type Pokémon such as Excadrill. This could be explained in the game’s story as a place specially created by Quasartico Inc’s urban redevelopment plan to provide subterranean Pokémon with a place to live. This underground area could additionally serve as the hideout for a currently unknown group of villains, similar to how Team Flare’s bases were often built underground. Here, players could potentially find the Excadrillixite Mega Stone to let Excadrill Mega Evolve.
