Pokémon Legends Z‑A starters and their Mega Evolutions, explained

Pokémon Legends Z‑A brings back Johto’s Chikorita and Totodile alongside Unova’s Tepig, and each line now caps off with a new Mega Evolution. There are no traditional gyms dictating a “right” pick, and you’ll quickly fill type gaps with other early partners, so the best choice comes down to how you want to play — and which Mega form fits your plan.

Starter lines and evolution breakpoints

All three starters evolve along their classic lines before gaining access to a new Mega form later. If you care about reaching your final (non‑Mega) stage quickly, Totodile completes its line first.

Mega starters at a glance (typing and base stats)

Each line gains a distinct identity at the Mega level. Meganium pivots to a mixed special tank and Dragon immunity, Emboar stays a dual attacker with broad coverage, and Feraligatr becomes a raw physical breaker.

Type changes and what they mean

• Mega Meganium (Grass/Fairy) gains key resistances and a full Dragon immunity. It remains weak to five types, but the defensive profile plus high special attack makes it a patient, status‑oriented controller that can chip and heal while threatening with special damage.

• Mega Emboar (Fire/Fighting) keeps its original typing but evens out its offenses. The draw here is flexibility: strong physical attack, viable special sets, and a wide move pool that lets you target common threats. You trade some bulk and speed for coverage and setup potential.

• Mega Feraligatr (Water/Dragon) flips into a two‑weakness powerhouse, vulnerable only to Dragon and Fairy. With 160 Attack and solid physical defense, it’s the most straightforward option for cracking bulky foes.

Which starter fits your playstyle

• Pick Chikorita if you like sustained, tactical battles. Meganium’s Mega form leans into special bulk and Dragon immunity, and the line has access to healing and attrition tools that reward careful positioning.

• Pick Tepig if you want a flexible attacker. Emboar’s Mega keeps Fire/Fighting coverage and can pressure teams from both physical and special sides, making it easy to slot into many compositions.

• Pick Totodile if you want early power and late‑game brute force. Feraligatr reaches its final evolution sooner than the others, and its Mega form is the trio’s cleanest physical wallbreaker.

There are no gyms dictating matchups, and specialty trainers arrive later, so you have room to build around your starter’s gaps. Early on, you’ll also pick up other starters from Kanto and Kalos, making type coverage even easier to manage with a rotating party.

Notable interactions in Legends Z‑A’s combat loop

Poison status is unusually effective for wearing down opponents in this game’s pacing, which favors attrition and timed swaps. If you plan to lean on status strategies, Meganium’s kit complements that approach well. If you prefer to end encounters quickly, Mega Feraligatr’s raw Attack and favorable Water/Dragon coverage make short work of neutral targets. Mega Emboar sits between them, trading top‑end damage for coverage and set variety.

Quick reference: evolution timing vs. Mega roles

The bottom line: all three starters are viable, and their Mega forms are distinct enough that your preference should drive the pick. Choose the play pattern you want to rely on — control and sustain (Chikorita), flexible offense (Tepig), or direct power (Totodile) — and fill the rest of your team around that choice.