Mega Evolution

Learn how to Mega Evolve your Pokémon in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon! Discover when and how to use this powerful battle mechanic, plus essential tips for strategy.

Hey there! So you're curious about Mega Evolution in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon? It's not just some flashy gimmick; it's a serious power-up that can totally turn the tide of a battle. Think of it as your Pokémon temporarily reaching its ultimate form, getting a massive boost to its stats and sometimes even changing its Type or Ability. It was first introduced in X and Y, and it's back in USUM, but with a slight twist on when you can access it.

In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, you can't just Mega Evolve right from the start. You'll need to complete the main story first. After that, you'll get your hands on a Key Stone from some travelers who hail from the Kalos region. Keep this Key Stone safe, as it's essential for any Mega Evolution to happen!

Getting Ready for Mega Evolution

Alright, so you've got the Key Stone. What's next? Well, your Pokémon also needs to be holding its specific Mega Stone. For example, if you want your Alakazam to Mega Evolve, it needs to be holding the Alakazite. You can snag these Mega Stones by earning Battle Points (BP) from challenging the Battle Tree or through other in-game activities. It takes some grinding, but it's totally worth it!

Once you've got both the Key Stone and the correct Mega Stone equipped on your Pokémon, you're almost ready. During a battle, when it's your turn to choose an action, you'll see a big button on the bottom screen, usually on the left side, that says “Mega Evolve.” Just tap that, and then select the move you want your Pokémon to use. Your Pokémon will then Mega Evolve right at the start of that turn, before it even attacks!

Important Rule: One Mega Evolution Per Battle

Now, here's a crucial thing to remember: just like Z-Moves, you can only Mega Evolve one Pokémon per battle. This applies to your entire team, so choose wisely! Also, since both Mega Evolution and Z-Moves require a Pokémon to hold a specific item (a Mega Stone or a Z-Crystal), you can't do both with the same Pokémon in one battle. It's either a Mega Evolution or a Z-Move, not both.

The cool thing about Mega Evolution is that it's way more than just a stat boost. It can change your Pokémon's Type and Ability, which can be a game-changer. Plus, unlike Z-Moves that are a one-off attack, Mega Evolution lasts until your Pokémon faints or the battle ends. This means you can get the benefits of the enhanced stats and new typing for multiple turns.

Because of this, it's often a good idea to Mega Evolve your Pokémon early in the battle to immediately start reaping the rewards. If your Mega Evolved Pokémon is in a tough spot, don't be afraid to switch it out – it'll stay Mega Evolved when you bring it back in later. You can also hold off on the Mega Evolution if you're not sure it's the right time, maybe waiting until the opponent's threat is clearer.