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Pokémon Legends Z-A: Mega Dimension DLC Reveals Raichu X & Y, Plus Chesnaught, Delphox, and Greninja

23 September 2025
Nintendo Switch 2Nintendo Switch
8 min.
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Pokémon Legends Z-A: Mega Dimension DLC Reveals Raichu X & Y, Plus Chesnaught, Delphox, and Greninja

Summary:

We break down everything you need to know about Pokémon Legends Z-A’s fresh wave of reveals. The headline is clear: a paid expansion called Mega Dimension is coming, and it features two distinct Mega Evolutions for Raichu—Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y—each tied to its own Mega Stone. Pre-orders are open on the Nintendo eShop with early cosmetic bonuses, while additional story content is planned after launch. At the same time, the base game confirms new Mega Evolutions for the Kalos starter trio: Mega Chesnaught, Mega Delphox, and Mega Greninja. Together, they signal a full-throttle return of Mega Evolution in a modern Kalos setting centered on Lumiose City. We outline how these additions could shake up team building, exploration, and endgame pursuits, plus practical tips for players who last used Mega Evolution years ago and want a smooth start when Legends Z-A lands.

Mega Dimension DLC overview and what we can expect

The Mega Dimension DLC puts Mega Evolution back in the spotlight with a bold move: two separate Mega Evolutions for Raichu. That alone sparks fresh team-building ideas, but the expansion also promises new story beats that appear to tap into portal and dimensional themes hinted by official materials. The timing is smart—players start the base adventure, settle into Lumiose routines, then step into a self-contained, postgame-style arc that expands the city’s mystery. Pre-orders are already live, signaling confidence in a long-tail rollout with cosmetics at launch and narrative content arriving afterward. Think of Mega Dimension as a second wind for your journey: after you hit key milestones, this add-on likely opens new pockets of the city, unlocks new encounters, and delivers boss-style battles that make those Mega Stones earn their keep.

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Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y: forms, stones, and playstyle ideas

Two Raichu Megas means two strategic directions. Each form is tied to its own stone, and that alone implies different stat spreads and potential typing quirks. Picture Mega Raichu X pushing into brawling territory with bulk and close-range pressure, while Mega Raichu Y leans into speed, precision, and disruptive utility. We won’t assume exact numbers, but the dual-form concept lets you tailor your partner to your core team. Do you want a pivot that zips in, forces switches, and punishes with coverage—or a bulldozer that tanks a hit and claps back? The stones being discovered through story progression also suggests the DLC wants you to explore, solve, and earn rather than simply cashing in a shop token. That loop—investigate, challenge, unlock—fits the Legends rhythm and keeps both forms feeling meaningful.

DLC timing, pre-orders, and bonus items you shouldn’t miss

There are two beats to track here: cosmetic items available at launch and story content planned for a later window. Holo-X and Holo-Y apparel arrive alongside the base game’s release date, giving your Trainer a visual tie-in with the two Raichu paths. Additional narrative content is scheduled afterward, with an official window pointing to early 2026 at the latest. Early purchasers also get a useful in-game item bonus via serial code—a mix of specialty Poké Balls that can speed up early-game catches or fill out dex entries faster. Nothing in the bonuses is pay-to-win, but they do grease the wheels for a smoother run, especially if you like swapping teams often and hate running dry on niche balls just when the perfect encounter appears.

Base game updates: Mega Chesnaught, Mega Delphox, Mega Greninja

The Kalos starter trio getting new Mega forms in the base game is a statement. It anchors Mega Evolution as a core feature, not a DLC-only novelty. Picture Mega Chesnaught as a fortress with momentum—ideal for attrition strategies and counterpunches. Mega Delphox likely thrives on tempo, using long-range control and utility to set the pace of a fight. Mega Greninja, a fan-favorite for its versatility, probably doubles down on speed, mix-ups, and punishing opponents who overextend. Even without final stat sheets, these roles make sense for players who want clear identities in their six. It also means your starter choice can shape your entire run from hour one, adding replay value if you enjoy trying different archetypes on subsequent playthroughs.

How Mega Evolutions are framed in Legends Z-A’s Kalos setting

Legends Z-A leans into a modern Kalos vibe centered on Lumiose City, and Mega Evolution feels culturally embedded rather than treated as a rare artifact. You’ll likely see Mega Stones integrated into exploration loops, side quests, and trainer culture across districts. The city’s redevelopment theme pairs well with Mega Evolution’s temporary transformation—both speak to change, adaptation, and pushing form beyond its usual limits. Expect NPCs to reference Megas as living history, with nods to earlier generations and fresh science-minded explanations. That framing makes Megas feel like part of everyday Lumiose life, from tournament scenes to rooftop rumors, which helps sell their return as more than a nostalgia button.

Team strategy ideas built around new megas

Start by choosing your axis: will Raichu be your tempo engine or your closer? If you’re leaning Mega Raichu Y for speed plays, pair it with hazards and pivots that punish forced switches—think fast setters and status support to keep momentum high. If Mega Raichu X becomes a bruiser, protect it with screens or bulky partners that sponge hits while you line up a knockout. For the starters, Mega Chesnaught appreciates allies who remove its key threats and recycle recovery; Mega Delphox loves partners that bait special walls; Mega Greninja thrives with teammates who open safe entries so it can pick targets. Even early on, you can practice these patterns using non-mega stand-ins, then snap in the stones when you’re ready to level up the plan.

Exploration and story teases: portals, Hoopa, and city life

Official materials strongly hint at dimensional themes, and a certain mythical Pokémon known for portals is all but winking at us from the wings. That sets expectations for city spaces that distort, expand, or rearrange in event sequences, plus set-piece battles where positioning matters. In a Legends-style structure, those moments could function like mini-raids—short, intense bursts that reward routing knowledge and resource management. Around that, Lumiose daily life should stay central: shopping for apparel, customizing fits, grabbing side quests, and catching urban or perimeter species that react to time-of-day or weather. The combination of civic routine and cosmic weirdness gives Mega Dimension room to feel both grounded and wondrous, the way great Kalos stories often do.

Progression, unlock flow, and where the DLC likely fits in the journey

The safest assumption is postgame or near-postgame access, given the power ceiling of Megas and the DLC’s narrative framing. That said, cosmetics at launch mean you can signal your allegiance to X or Y styles from day one, which is a neat roleplay touch. Expect a quest chain that gates the two Raichu stones behind distinct challenges—skill checks that mirror each form’s philosophy. One path might test endurance and positioning; the other might reward read-and-react play. That structure teaches you how to pilot each Mega before you take it into higher-end encounters. By the time story content hits, you’ll likely have a seasoned Raichu that feels like an extension of your own habits, not just a stat stick with a cool hat.

Competitive and showcase modes: what these megas might change

Even without ladder specifics, Megas tend to shake up formats by redefining speed tiers and bulk benchmarks. Two Raichu forms could split mind games at team preview—opponents may overprepare for one set and fold to the other. Mega Greninja threatens builder comfort, forcing answers to fast mixed offense. Mega Delphox complicates stall vs. offense dichotomies with utility and pressure. Mega Chesnaught invites fresh defensive cores that aren’t just copy-pasted from past metas. For casual and creator spaces, showcases and community tournaments will benefit from the variety: fashion-first fits with Holo-X/Y looks, themed teams around Kalos heritage, and highlight reels where a single Mega pivot flips the momentum in seconds.

Tips for returning players who last used Mega Evolution in Gen 6/7

First, reacquaint yourself with the Mega basics: a stone for the Pokémon, a key item for the Trainer, and a once-per-battle transformation that lasts until the battle ends. The art of Megas is timing. Don’t transform just because you can—transform when it meaningfully changes the math. Use screens, terrain, or status to buy the turn you need, then push your advantage. If you’ve been playing entries without Megas, re-learn how speed control and priority interact with new thresholds. And remember, your non-mega partners matter more than ever. The best Mega turns are set up by the rest of your squad, so keep a tight plan for pivoting, cleric support, and hazard control.

Quality-of-life expectations and what players should prep now

Start hoarding items you always run short on—revives for lengthy outings, berries for niche status counters, and balls that match the biomes you plan to scout. Sort your box with tags for potential Mega cores so you’re not hunting through menus when inspiration strikes. If apparel is your thing, plan outfits around Holo-X and Holo-Y so your look and your strategy tell the same story. On the technical side, make sure you’re up to date on system storage for the base game and DLC. Finally, decide early which Raichu path matches your personality. Your first Mega stone sets the tone; your second stone rounds it out. Both are valid, but the sequence you choose can shape your early DLC experience.

Final take: why these reveals matter for day-one players

The Mega Dimension announcement and the Kalos starter megas do more than add power—they set a direction. Legends Z-A isn’t treating Megas as a cameo; it’s weaving them into modern Kalos life, competitive identity, and postgame aspiration. If you plan to be there on day one, these reveals help you sketch a blueprint: which starter you’ll back, which Raichu you’ll bond with, and how your squad will grow into late-game challenges. It’s the kind of clarity that makes a launch feel personal. You won’t just play through Lumiose; you’ll leave your mark on it—one transformation at a time.

Conclusion

Megas are back in a big way, and Legends Z-A is giving us tools to make them sing. With Mega Dimension on the horizon, Mega Raichu X and Y offer two flavors of voltage, while Mega Chesnaught, Mega Delphox, and Mega Greninja anchor the base game with distinct roles. Pre-order bonuses sweeten the runway, and story content slated for later means this world should keep unfolding after the credits. Pick your path, polish your squad, and get ready to light up Lumiose when it’s time to Mega Evolve and move.

FAQs
  • Is Mega Dimension a paid add-on?
    • Yes. Mega Dimension is a paid DLC expansion for Pokémon Legends Z-A with cosmetic items available at launch and additional story content planned afterward.
  • What’s special about Raichu in the DLC?
    • Raichu receives two distinct Mega Evolutions—Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y—each requiring its own Mega Stone discovered through DLC progression.
  • Are the Kalos starter megas part of the base game?
    • Yes. Mega Chesnaught, Mega Delphox, and Mega Greninja are confirmed for the base game, letting you build around them from your first run.
  • Do I get anything for purchasing early?
    • Early purchases include cosmetic items themed around Holo-X and Holo-Y and a serial code bonus with specialty Poké Balls to help with early catches.
  • When will the DLC story content arrive?
    • Cosmetics land with the base release, while additional story content is planned for a later window, with an official timeframe pointing to early 2026 at the latest.
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