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Earlier this summer I was on vacation and took the opportunity to visit a local game store. While I was browsing, I happened to find a brand-new copy of Pokémon X! I could believe my luck. Pokémon Y was one of my favorite games of the last ten years, but I didn’t own Pokémon X. I snatched it up and started planning my team.
Eventually, I settled on Mega Charizard X as my mega. But after talking about it with friends, I remembered just how many mega Pokémon were developed for these sixth-generation games.
With their help, I began the task of ranking all 48 mega Pokémon based on a set of criteria. This list is subjective, and some Pokémon with a much higher base stat total (overall strength) are lower on this list than you might expect. That’s because our group decided to rate mega Pokémon based on five important factors:
- Design. How does the mega Pokémon look? Does the design match the typing and progression of the Pokémon on which it was based?
- Typing. Does the typing for the Pokémon make sense? Does the typing give it unique advantages for battling.
- Movepool. Does the Pokémon’s move pool function for the mega evolution.
- Viability. Is the Pokémon usable for gameplay? Does it fill a role that other Pokémon cannot
- “It” Factor. Do we like it? How does the whole package of the mega Pokémon come together? Is it memorable?
Bottom Line Up Front
All mega Pokémon available in Pokémon X & Y, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire & Omega Ruby, Pokémon Sun & Moon, and Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon are ranked below (out of a maximum score of 100) using five criteria: design, typing, move pool, viability, and “it” factor.
The rankings of each mega Pokémon are subjective opinions and based on the average score of four mega Pokémon fans.
Rankings
#01 Mega Charizard X Overall Rating: 91.5
- Typing: Fire/Dragon
- Ability: Tough Claws
Stats
- 78 (HP)
- 130 (Attack)
- 111 (Defense)
- 130 (Sp. Attack)
- 85 (Sp. Defense)
- 100 (Speed)
Mega Charizard X is the complete package. A black Charizard that finally gains the dragon type, it also has great stats and an extremely versatile move pool.
It can be an all-out attacker, a set-up sweeper, or a defensive wall. It can fit on any team in just about any role. I was never the biggest Charizard fan, but the game designers got everything right with this take on the ever-popular fire dragon.
#02 Mega Gengar Overall Rating: 87.25
- Typing: Ghost/Poison
Stats:
- 60 (HP)
- 65 (Attack)
- 80 (Defense)
- 170 (Sp. Attack)
- 95 (Sp. Defense)
- 130 (Speed)
Something is watching me…and now I’m trapped! Mega Gengar traps opposing Pokémon with its ability, making it an excellent revenge killer. It has great speed, a special attack, and a move pool to take out nearly any threat. But the best aspect of Mega Gengar is the shiny form, which looks like an evil tooth from the fiery depths.
#03 Mega Metagross Overall Rating: 86.75
- Typing: Steel/Psychic
- Ability: Tough Claws
Stats:
- 80 (HP)
- 145 (Attack)
- 150 (Defense)
- 105 (Sp. Attack)
- 110 (Sp. Defense)
- 110 (Speed)
I always loved Metagross’ design, but I was blown away by Mega Metagross. It also has one of the top shiny designs in the game, with a silver body and golden claws. Oh yes, it is also one of the most powerful mega Pokémon in the game, with a huge attack stat boosted by Tough Claws and a move pool to rival any Pokémon.
#04 Mega Mawile Overall Rating: 86.5
- Typing: Steel/Fairy
- Ability: Huge Power
Stats:
- 50 (HP)
- 105 (Attack)
- 125 (Defense)
- 55 (Sp. Attack)
- 95 (Sp. Defense)
- 50 (Speed)
Don’t let its average stats fool you. Mega Mawile is terrifyingly strong! Huge Power doubles its attack, and with its excellent defensive typing, Mawile has plenty of opportunities to enter the battle. It even gets priority with Sucker Punch, so its low speed isn’t always an issue. If you’ve ever faced Mega Mawile in a battle, you’re sure to have nightmares.
#05 Mega Rayquaza Overall Rating: 86.25
- Typing: Dragon/Flying
- Ability: Delta Stream
Stats:
- 105 (HP)
- 180 (Attack)
- 100 (Defense)
- 180 (Sp. Attack)
- 100 (Sp. Defense)
- 115 (Speed)
Enter the dragon. Tied for the strongest mega by base stat total in the game, Mega Rayquaza is truly a monster. Its ability weakens super-effective attacks used against it, and it is the only mega in the game that mega evolves with an attack, so it can hold items like Choice Band or Life Orb. I only ranked it this low because I had to ask myself, is it too overpowered?
#06 Mega Salamence Overall Rating: 84
- Typing: Dragon/Flying
- Ability: Aerilate
Stats:
- 95 (HP)
- 145 (Attack)
- 130 (Defense)
- 120 (Sp. Attack)
- 90 (Sp. Defense)
- 120 (Speed)
Not a bird, not a plane, but Mega Salamence. Though some people hate the design, I love seeing it tuck its arms and begin the glide. A fearsome Pokémon with a huge move pool, Mega Salamence is only threatened by ice-type attacks or status moves.
#07 Mega Lucario Overall Rating: 83
- Typing: Fighting/Steel
- Ability: Adaptability
Stats:
- 70 (HP)
- 145 (Attack)
- 88 (Defense)
- 140 (Sp. Attack)
- 70 (Sp. Defense)
- 112 (Speed)
The first mega evolution you see in Pokemon X & Y, Mega Lucario is a hardened version of an already powerful Pokemon. Adding a new ability to power up fighting- and steel-type moves, Mega Lucario packs a punch—a lot of them! It is a versatile Pokémon that can be a physical or special attacker.
#08 Mega Charizard Y Overall Rating: 82.75
- Typing: Fire/Flying
- Ability: Drought
Stats:
- 78 (HP)
- 104 (Attack)
- 78 (Defense)
- 159 (Sp. Attack)
- 115 (Sp. Defense)
- 100 (Speed)
Is it getting hot in here, or is it just Drought? Mega Charizard Y’s ability brings the sun, and with it powers up fire-type moves. Mega Charizard Y has a great move pool and can expel powerful Fire Blasts or surprise water types with Solar Beam. But it isn’t all good news. Mega Charizard Y is extremely vulnerable to rock moves like Stone Edge or even Stealth Rock, and its lower speed stat can be exploited.
#09 Mega Blaziken Overall Rating: 82.5
- Typing: Fire/Fighting
- Ability: Speed Boost
Stats:
- 80 (HP)
- 160 (Attack)
- 80 (Defense)
- 130 (Sp. Attack)
- 80 (Sp. Defense)
- 100 (Speed)
Add Speed Boost to a powerful attacker and you get a top-tier Pokémon. Mega Blaziken can dominate opponents through Speed Boost and one Swords Dance. It has a strong move pool and enough bulk to survive most neutral attacks. The fearsome design makes regular Blaziken look like a hatchling.
#10 Mega Gallade Overall Rating: 81.5
- Typing: Psychic/Fighting
- Ability: Inner Focus
Stats:
- 68 (HP)
- 165 (Attack)
- 95 (Defense)
- 65 (Sp. Attack)
- 115 (Sp. Defense)
- 110 (Speed)
Though it generally isn’t much different from Gallade, Mega Gallade can do the same job much better. It is bulkier, has a higher attack stat, and most importantly is a lot faster. The increased speed helps it to move first and knock out opponents before they can respond. Its design is great too and it looks like a noble musketeer charging into battle.
#11 Mega Aggron Overall Rating: 80.75
- Typing: Steel
- Ability: Filter
Stats:
- 70 (HP)
- 140 (Attack)
- 230 (Defense)
- 60 (Sp. Attack)
- 80 (Sp. Defense)
- 50 (Speed)
The first mega Pokemon outside of the top ten might surprise you. But Mega Aggron is high underrated as a wall because of its defensive typing and ability that reduces damage from its three weaknesses. Just how good is Mega Aggron’s defensive ability?
A Mega Aggron can survive two Close Combat attacks from Mega Gallade and easily knock it out with two attacks of its own. While a great wall, Mega Aggron has no recovery and can only set up with moves like Curse.
#12 Mega Scizor Overall Rating: 80
- Typing: Bug/Steel
- Ability: Technician
Stats:
- 70 (HP)
- 150 (Attack)
- 140 (Defense)
- 65 (Sp. Attack)
- 100 (Sp. Defense)
- 75 (Speed)
There’s nothing too complex about Mega Scizor. It’s just doing Scizor things but with better stats. U-Turn, Bug Bite, Bullet Punch, Roost, repeat. Same type, same ability, same strategy. The design is fine, but nothing special. This Pokémon can be added to a variety of teams and can fit several roles.
#13 Mega Sableye Overall Rating: 79.75
- Typing: Dark/Ghost
- Ability: Magic Bounce
Stats:
- 50 (HP)
- 85 (Attack)
- 125 (Defense)
- 85 (Sp. Attack)
- 115 (Sp. Defense)
- 20 (Speed)
I love the design of Mega Sableye. The larger-than-life gem sets up the theme of Mega Sableye as a defensive wall. Though it has very low base stats for a mega Pokémon, Mega Sableye has great defensive potential.
Before it mega evolves, it has access to the ability Prankster and can get priority on moves like Calm Mind, Recover, and Will O’Wisp. Once it mega evolves, it can Magic Bounce non-attacking moves back to the opponent.
#14 Mega Mewtwo Y Overall Rating: 79.5
- Typing: Psychic
- Ability: Insomnia
Stats:
- 106 (HP)
- 150 (Attack)
- 70 (Defense)
- 194 (Sp. Attack)
- 120 (Sp. Defense)
- 140 (Speed)
By stat total and move pool, Mega Mewtwo Y is a top-five mega Pokémon. But by design, ability, and typing, it is uninspiring. Mega Mewtwo Y has all the tools you want for a mega. It has great attack and speed stats and a move pool to keep your opponent guessing. But the design seems lazy and the pure psychic typing is nothing special.
#15 Mega Venusaur Overall Rating: 79
- Typing: Grass/Poison
- Ability: Thick Fat
Stats:
- 80 (HP)
- 100 (Attack)
- 123 (Defense)
- 122 (Sp. Attack)
- 120 (Sp. Defense)
- 80 (Speed)
With a flower bigger and better than ever, Mega Venusaur focuses on defense and is tough to take down. Though its typing doesn’t change when it mega evolves, it gains a new ability that effectively removes two of its weaknesses.
Combine that with extra bulk and access to moves like Synthesis, Leech Seed, and Toxic, and Mega Venusaur is a formidable opponent. However, it fails to climb higher in the rankings due to its average attack stats which can’t make as much of a dent as other mega Pokémon.
#16 Mega Altaria Overall Rating: 78.5
- Typing: Dragon/Fairy
- Ability: Pixilate
Stats:
- 75 (HP)
- 110 (Attack)
- 110 (Defense)
- 110 (Sp. Attack)
- 105 (Sp. Defense)
- 80 (Speed)
When in doubt, get fluffier. Mega Altaria’s strategy to crank up the cotton serves it well as a mega Pokémon. Though it is not as offensively inclined as other mega Pokémon, it has the tools to function as a counter puncher or set-up attacker.
Access the Cotton Guard, Roost, and Dragon Dance make Mega Altaria fit well into a variety of teams, though it can’t do any one role as well as other specialized mega Pokémon.
#17 Mega Gardevoir Overall Rating: 78.25
- Typing: Psychic/Fairy
- Ability: Pixelate
Stats:
- 68 (HP)
- 85 (Attack)
- 65 (Defense)
- 165 (Sp. Attack)
- 135 (Sp. Defense)
- 100 (Speed)
Mega Gardevoir is many people’s favorite sixth-generation fairy type. It has a fun design, great typing, and a helpful ability. Pixilate turns normal-type moves into fairy moves and powers them up. For Mega Gardevoir, the result is blasting opposing Pokémon off the battlefield with powerful Hyper Voice attacks.
Mega Gardevoir also has access to support moves like Wish and Heal Bell. But Mega Gardevoir is let down by its speed stat, which isn’t high enough to hang with many other top Pokémon.
#18 Mega Swampert Overall Rating: 77.5
- Typing: Water/Ground
- Ability: Swift Swim
Stats:
- 100 (HP)
- 150 (Attack)
- 110 (Defense)
- 95 (Sp. Attack)
- 110 (Sp. Defense)
- 70 (Speed)
Mega Swampert can catch you by surprise. Its bulk and high attack mean it can take a hit and dish it right back to you. Adding to its bulk is its great water/ground typing, leaving Mega Swampert with just one weakness. But the real danger of Mega Swampert is when the weather turns wet.
Mega Swampert’s speed doubles in rain, and its speed stat is high enough that it can zoom past Deoxys-Speed, the fastest Pokémon in the game.
#19 Mega Mewtwo X Overall Rating: 76.75
- Typing: Psychic/Fighting
- Ability: Steadfast
Stats:
- 106 (HP)
- 190 (Attack)
- 100 (Defense)
- 154 (Sp. Attack)
- 100 (Sp. Defense)
- 130 (Speed)
Huge stats, a great move pool, and access to Recover may make Mega Mewtwo X an obvious choice for your team’s mega Pokémon.
So why is it ranked so low here? Its ability prevents flinching, but in most battles that won’t help you at all. Something like Trace or Magic Guard would have been better. Also, the Psychic/Fighting typing has been done before. See Gallade and Medicham. It would have been nice for Mega Mewtwo X to branch out into a different type.
#20 Mega Sceptile Overall Rating: 75.5
- Typing: Grass/Dragon
- Ability: Lightning Rod
Stats:
- 70 (HP)
- 110 (Attack)
- 75 (Defense)
- 145 (Sp. Attack)
- 85 (Sp. Defense)
- 145 (Speed)
Mega Sceptile has the look you want in a mega. It’s so confident it turns its back on the opponent, just glancing back with a smirk, knowing it’s going to win the fight. Along with a great design, Mega Sceptile has a unique typing and fun ability that turns resistance into a special attack boost. Its high speed enables it to control the pace, but watch out for any ice attacks.
#21 Mega Pinsir Overall Rating: 74
- Typing: Bug/Flying
- Ability: Aerilate
Stats:
- 65 (HP)
- 155 (Attack)
- 120 (Defense)
- 65 (Sp. Attack)
- 90 (Sp. Defense)
- 105 (Speed)
This is the bug from your nightmares. It brings the pain in the form of ability-boosted normal moves like Quick Attack and Return. It can also use Swords Dance to boost its attack even higher. So what stops this flying brute from rising higher in the rankings?
It’s weak to common attack types such as fire, electric, and ice. But critically, it is 4x weak to the rock type and the move Stealth Rocks, which removes 50% of Mega Pinsir’s health on a switch in. Rock crushes bug.
#22 Mega Garchomp Overall Rating: 73.75
- Typing: Dragon/Ground
- Ability: Sand Force
Stats:
- 108 (HP)
- 170 (Attack)
- 115 (Defense)
- 120 (Sp. Attack)
- 95 (Sp. Defense)
- 92 (Speed)
Mega Garchomp is an extremely powerful Pokémon with a vast move pool, huge attack stat, and cool design. It was given all of the tools to be a mascot of mega Pokémon. Until its speed was dropped from base 102 to base 92.
Once mega evolved, Mega Garchomp is slower than the huge group of Pokemon in the 95–100 speed tier. If that wasn’t bad enough, many attackers in that tier can learn moves like Ice Beam, crippling or knocking out this formidable Pokémon.
#23 Mega Blastoise Overall Rating: 73.5
- Typing: Water
- Ability: Mega Launcher
Stats:
- 79 (HP)
- 103 (Attack)
- 120 (Defense)
- 135 (Sp. Attack)
- 115 (Sp. Defense)
- 78 (Speed)
I wish the mega evolution of my favorite Pokémon was higher on this list, but when you have a defensive Pokémon with no reliable recovery, you can only get ranked so high. Mega Blastoise brings the big guns, but it isn’t an overwhelming attacker.
While its ability boosts the power of a few special attack moves, it can’t quite hit as hard as other mega Pokémon. As the only Kanto starter mega Pokémon without a recovery move, it fails short defensively too.
#24 Mega Kangaskhan Overall Rating: 73.25
- Typing: Normal
- Ability: Parental Bond
Stats:
- 105 (HP)
- 125 (Attack)
- 100 (Defense)
- 60 (Sp. Attack)
- 100 (Sp. Defense)
- 100 (Speed)
One of the strongest mega Pokémon on this list. Mega Khangaskhan’s ability allows it to effectively attack twice per turn (though the second hit is weaker). Want to Power-up Punch for two attack boosts? Want to try to flinch your opponent’s Pokémon with a double Rock Slide?
So many strong combinations to utilize. So why is this Pokémon so low on the list? The other reviewers said the design was lazy. But I like it. You know you’re in for a bad time when a toddler is coming to punch you.
#25 Mega Lopunny Overall Rating: 72.25
- Typing: Normal/Fighting
- Ability: Scrappy
Stats:
- 65 (HP)
- 136 (Attack)
- 94 (Defense)
- 54 (Sp. Attack)
- 96 (Sp. Defense)
- 135 (Speed)
When I first saw Mega Lopunny, I didn’t think it had any potential. I was very wrong. Mega Lopunny is a great attacker with an ability that scares many of its supposed counters. It has access to powerful fighting moves like Hi Jump Kick and Drain Punch and usually attacks first with its high speed.
Its defenses are high enough to even take a hit or two. While Mega Lopunny barely misses out on the top half of this ranking, it has the potential to thrive on the right team.
#26 Mega Medicham Overall Rating: 71.5
- Typing: Fighting/Psychic
Stats:
- 60 (HP)
- 100 (Attack)
- 85 (Defense)
- 80 (Sp. Attack)
- 85 (Sp. Defense)
- 100 (Speed)
A great dual typing and access to priority moves, elemental punches, and even recovery moves, Mega Medicham is a fine addition to most teams. Its ability doubles its attack stat, meaning it can pack a punch. But its stats are what let it down. Poor defenses and average speed for a mega Pokémon make it too reliable on weaker priority moves like Fake Out to do damage.
#27 Mega Tyranitar Overall Rating: 70.75
- Typing: Rock/Dark
- Ability: Sand Stream
Stats:
- 100 (HP)
- 164 (Attack)
- 150 (Defense)
- 95 (Sp. Attack)
- 120 (Sp. Defense)
- 71 (Speed)
Such great stats, but no reason to use them. Mega Tyranitar doesn’t do anything regular Tyranitar can’t do, except hit harder. With the same ability and below-average speed, Mega Tyranitar still relies on setting up, trapping, or being a counterpuncher.
Odds are good your team would rather have a regular Tyranitar and include a different mega Pokémon that can use sand effectively.
#28 Mega Banette Overall Rating: 70
- Typing: Ghost
- Ability: Prankster
Stats:
- 64 (HP)
- 165 (Attack)
- 75 (Defense)
- 93 (Sp. Attack)
- 83 (Sp. Defense)
- 75 (Speed)
Oh, the potential. Mega Banette has an extra spooky design, crazy high attack, and amazing ability. But it just doesn’t come together well. Mega Banette is slow and often relies on weaker priority moves such as Shadow Sneak to get in damage.
Even though prankster is a great ability, Mega Banette only has a few viable options to make good use of it (such as Will ‘O Wisp) and isn’t bulky enough to stall out opponents.
#29 Mega Manectric Overall Rating: 68.5
- Typing: Electric
- Ability: Intimidate
Stats:
- 70 (HP)
- 75 (Attack)
- 80 (Defense)
- 135 (Sp. Attack)
- 80 (Sp. Defense)
- 135 (Speed)
Mega Manectric is probably one of the best offensive pivots created in the X & Y era. The ability to intimidate your opponents’ Pokémon and Volt Switch out before most can attack you is a great strategical advantage. But that’s the problem—Mega Manectric is a one-trick pony. It is very predictable and has a small move pool. Your opponent can play around Mega Manectric with a strong ground type or a strong specially defensive Pokémon.
#30 Mega Ampharos Overall Rating: 65.5
- Typing: Electric/Dragon
- Ability: Mold Breaker
Stats:
- 90 (HP)
- 95 (Attack)
- 105 (Defense)
- 165 (Sp. Attack)
- 110 (Sp. Defense)
- 45 (Speed)
Unlike a lot of other electric types, Mega Ampharos is all about counterpunching and outlasting you. Unfortunately, it lacks reliable recovery outside of rest to truly shine in this role.
But there are workarounds. One set I’ve always enjoyed is a Rest/Cotton Guard set to make Mega Ampharos a physical wall. It also has a unique dual type and can fire off powerful moves like Dragon Pulse and Discharge. Lastly, don’t forget about the opportunity to make hair puns.
#31 Mega Alakazam Overall Rating: 65
- Typing: Psychic
- Ability: Trace
Stats:
- 55 (HP)
- 50 (Attack)
- 65 (Defense)
- 175 (Sp. Attack)
- 105 (Sp. Defense)
- 150 (Speed)
Every ice cream sundae’s (or Vanilluxe’s) worst nightmare, Mega Alakazam brings multiple spoons to the battle. It achieves ultimate cutlery Zen and can fire off powerful special attacks and control the tempo with its high speed. But it is extremely frail defensively and is vulnerable to common super-effective priority moves like Shadow Sneak and Sucker Punch. It can be a good sweeper for your team, just make sure to get its checks out of the way first.
#32 Mega Heracross Overall Rating: 64.75
- Typing: Bug/Fighting
- Ability: Skill Link
Stats:
- 80 (HP)
- 185 (Attack)
- 115 (Defense)
- 40 (Sp. Attack)
- 105 (Sp. Defense)
- 75 (Speed)
Mega Heracross is powerful. Just how powerful? At +6 attack, a level 50 Mega Heracross using Pin Missile does a minimum of 3,475% damage to a level 50 Smoochum. Effectively, one 5-hit Pin Missile would knock out at least 34 Smoochums. Mega Heracross has great attack, a fun ability and move pool, and good bulk. But its so-so speed and 4x weakness to flying leave it vulnerable to attacks.
#33 Mega Beedrill Overall Rating: 63.75
- Typing: Bug/Poison
- Ability: Adaptability
Stats:
- 65 (HP)
- 150 (Attack)
- 40 (Defense)
- 15 (Sp. Attack)
- 80 (Sp. Defense)
- 145 (Speed)
I love the approach to Mega Beedrill. Increased offensive stats and a strong ability make Mega Beedrill a fearsome attacker, especially with moves like Fell Stinger. It can also make use of its amazing speed and pivot out with very strong U-Turns. The one downside to Mega Beedrill: defense. Its defenses are so low that it rarely can survive any strong attack, super effective or not.
#34 Mega Sharpedo Overall Rating: 63
- Typing: Water/Dark
- Ability: Strong Jaw
Stats:
- 70 (HP)
- 140 (Attack)
- 70 (Defense)
- 110 (Sp. Attack)
- 65 (Sp. Defense)
- 105 (Speed)
I love Mega Sharpedo. It is probably one of my favorite mega Pokémon, and I know I am biased. However, the other reviewers balanced out my high scores by dropping Mega Sharpedo down to #34. This Pokemon is a great offensive attacker and can sweep through opposing teams.
But it usually needs some help by staying as a regular Sharpedo for a turn or two to make use of the ability Speed Boost. Give this Pokémon a try if you need a Pokémon to finish off a battle.
#35 Mega Latias Overall Rating: 62
- Typing: Dragon/Psychic
- Ability: Levitate
Stats:
- 80 (HP)
- 100 (Attack)
- 120 (Defense)
- 140 (Sp. Attack)
- 150 (Sp. Defense)
- 110 (Speed)
Summing out the comments from my fellow rankers, Mega Latias looks like the designers needed to hit a quota of mega Pokémon and circled these two as easy additions. It seems like the designers just added wings and saved and closed the design file.
Not inspiring. Mega Latias ranks a bit higher than its brother because of the variety of sets Mega Latias can utilize. With increased bulk, Mega Latias can be bulky, set up Calm Minds, or run all-out offensive sets.
#36 Mega Latios Overall Rating: 61.75
- Typing: Dragon/Psychic
- Ability: Levitate
Stats:
- 80 (HP)
- 130 (Attack)
- 100 (Defense)
- 160 (Sp. Attack)
- 120 (Sp. Defense)
- 110 (Speed)
Summing out the comments from my fellow rankers, Mega Latios looks like the designers needed to hit a quota of mega Pokémon and circled these two as easy additions. It seems like the designers just added wings and saved and closed the design file.
Not inspiring. But because Latios has such a high base stat total, Mega Latios is incredibly strong, especially when used as a special attacker. However, losing access to Soul Dew, Life Orb, or other offensive items hurts.
#37 Mega Aerodactyl Overall Rating: 59.5
- Typing: Rock/Flying
- Ability: Tough Claws
Stats:
- 80 (HP)
- 135 (Attack)
- 85 (Defense)
- 70 (Sp. Attack)
- 95 (Sp. Defense)
- 150 (Speed)
Somehow this extinct pterosaur evolved to like even more primal. Mega Aerodactyl can be a fun Pokémon to use with its high attack and speed and useful ability. Its typing isn’t the best defensively, and it is weak to common types such as water, electric, and rock.
Its design is also a bit of a letdown. They could have turned it into a different species of pterosaur or even given it feathers as a tongue-in-cheek play on evolution.
#38 Mega Steelix Overall Rating: 57
- Typing: Steel/Ground
- Ability: Sand Force
Stats:
- 75 (HP)
- 125 (Attack)
- 230 (Defense)
- 55 (Sp. Attack)
- 95 (Sp. Defense)
- 30 (Speed)
As could be expected from a steel-and-diamond-covered snake, Mega Steelix does have insane base 230 defense. This Pokemon is a good candidate for having fun with “watch how little damage I take from this super-effective attack.” Blessed with the ever-popular golden shiny, Mega Steelix has a fun design and good defensive typing, but the lack of reliable recovery stops it from being higher on this list.
#39 Mega Gyarados Overall Rating: 56.75
- Typing: Water/Dark
- Ability: Mold Breaker
Stats:
- 95 (HP)
- 155 (Attack)
- 109 (Defense)
- 70 (Sp. Attack)
- 130 (Sp. Defense)
- 81 (Speed)
Mega Gyarados has a lot going for it. A good offensive typing, an expansive move pool, and great stats. So why does the design look more like a Magikarp than regular Gyarados?
I remember when I first saw shiny Mega Gyarados I thought he looked like a shrimp, and I’ve never been able to shake that. What should be an imposing, powerful Pokémon sadly can’t strike any fear into the opponents’ team.
#40 Mega Slowbro Overall Rating: 56.25
- Typing: Water/Psychic
- Ability: Shell Armor
Stats:
- 95 (HP)
- 75 (Attack)
- 180 (Defense)
- 130 (Sp. Attack)
- 80 (Sp. Defense)
- 30 (Speed)
Mega Slowbro is a Pokémon that doesn’t need to exist. When Slowbro got the ability Regenerator, it became an excellent defensive pivot.
Mega Slowbro can’t fill that niche, as it gets the most useless ability Shell Armor. Avoiding critical hits is fine, but in many cases wouldn’t impact the battle anyway. Mega Slowbro does have good stat distribution, but since it can’t fill the same role as Slowbro, it isn’t the best choice for the mega slot.
#41 Mega Audino Overall Rating: 55.75
- Typing: Normal/Fairy
- Ability: Healer
Stats:
- 103 (HP)
- 60 (Attack)
- 126 (Defense)
- 80 (Sp. Attack)
- 126 (Sp. Defense)
- 50 (Speed)
I guess for Mega Audino, the main question I have is: why? Mega Audino is just Audino with extra stats. On most teams, Audino functions as a healer with moves like Wish and heal bell. Mega Audino does the same job but now takes up the mega slot.
Not worth it. You can have some fun running setup sets with Calm Mind, but there are better mega Pokémon to utilize for that role.
#42 Mega Houndoom Overall Rating: 54
- Typing: Dark/Fire
- Ability: Solar Power
Stats:
- 75 (HP)
- 90 (Attack)
- 90 (Defense)
- 140 (Sp. Attack)
- 90 (Sp. Defense)
- 115 (Speed)
Critics say solar power isn’t always reliable, and that’s true—at least for Mega Houndoom. Like some of the other lower-tier mega Pokémon, Mega Houndoom suffers from poor defensive stats and a lackluster ability. Solar Power is decent enough in doubles when you can have another Pokémon set up the weather for you, but in most gameplay this ability, like Mega Houndoom, is useless.
#43 Mega Diancie Overall Rating: 51
- Typing: Rock/Fairy
- Ability: Magic Bounce
Stats:
- 50 (HP)
- 160 (Attack)
- 110 (Defense)
- 160 (Sp. Attack)
- 110 (Sp. Defense)
- 110 (Speed)
Mega Diancie has a huge base stat total and good dual typing, but its move pool is poor at best. It has no reliable recovery and is weak to common water-, grass-, and ground-type attacks, plus a 4x weakness to steel. But Mega Diancie does pack a punch, and on the right team, a bulky Calm Mind set could put a dent in your opponents’ team. Just don’t expect Mega Diancie to carry you to a championship.
#44 Mega Absol Overall Rating: 48.25
- Typing: Dark
- Ability: Magic Bounce
Stats:
- 65 (HP)
- 150 (Attack)
- 60 (Defense)
- 115 (Sp. Attack)
- 60 (Sp. Defense)
- 115 (Speed)
A true glass cannon with a 150 base attack, Mega Absol just doesn’t have the tools to back it up. Though its ability Magic Bounce is useful for breaking through stalling strategies, Mega Absol lacks the speed to compete with other powerful heavy-hitting Pokémon.
While 115 base speed is good, it falls behind fast pivot attackers such as Crobat or Greninja. With low-base defenses, Mega Absol can be played around without much difficulty.
#45 Mega Abomasnow Overall Rating: 48
- Typing: Grass/Ice
- Ability: Snow Warning
Stats:
- 90 (HP)
- 132 (Attack)
- 105 (Defense)
- 132 (Sp. Attack)
- 105 (Sp. Defense)
- 30 (Speed)
Another example of lost potential. Mega Abomasnow has a unique typing that is good offensively but defensively leaves it vulnerable to super-effective attacks from seven types, including a 4x weakness to fire. Its extremely low speed also means that it is likely to attack second if it even survives an opponent’s move.
Its ability doesn’t change when it mega evolves, which doesn’t help. Had it been given something like Snow Veil or Ice Body, it would’ve added some bulk or utility.
#46 Mega Camerupt Overall Rating: 47.5
- Typing: Fire/Ground
- Ability: Sheer Force
Stats:
- 70 (HP)
- 120 (Attack)
- 100 (Defense)
- 145 (Sp. Attack)
- 105 (Sp. Defense)
- 20 (Speed)
An interesting third-generation Pokémon that just can’t find a niche. Mega Camerupt’s biggest problems are its typing (fire/ground) and speed (20). Being 4x weak to water-type attacks, Mega Camerupt is almost always going to need to take a strong attack before it gets a chance to respond.
Before it mega evolves, Camerupt has access to the ability solid rock to reduce damage from super effective hits but losing that extra bulk when it becomes a mega Pokémon hurts its ability to be effective.
#47 Mega Pidgeot Overall Rating: 44.5
- Typing: Normal/Flying
- Ability: No Guard
Stats:
- 83 (HP)
- 80 (Attack)
- 80 (Defense)
- 135 (Sp. Attack)
- 80 (Sp. Defense)
- 121 (Speed)
Looking like Pidgeot with a bad haircut, Mega Pidgeot is way too confident in its own ability. Specifically, its ability No Guard ensures moves don’t miss. That’s nice for Mega Pidgeot’s Hurricanes, but not so nice when opposing Pokémon can reliably hit you with Stone Edge, Rock Slide, or Blizzard.
Its typing remains the same through mega evolution and is a mixed bag. Though normal/flying isn’t bad, there are better normal- and flying-type mega Pokémon to choose from this list.
#48 Mega Glalie Overall Rating: 44.25
- Typing: Ice
- Ability: Refrigerate
Stats:
- 80 (HP)
- 120 (Attack)
- 80 (Defense)
- 120 (Sp. Attack)
- 80 (Sp. Defense)
- 100 (Speed)
Well, somebody had to be last. Unfortunately, that somebody is Mega Glalie. This Pokémon suffers from a small, predictable move pool, a so-so ability, and underwhelming stats. You’d think with that huge open mouth Mega Glalie would get a signature ice-type biting move, but instead, its best strategy is to use Refrigerate-boosted Explosion for the memes.
Though Mega Glalie is the only pure ice-type mega Pokémon, there are other mega Pokémon that can make better use of ice-type attacks.
FAQs
Question: How many mega Pokémon are there?
Answer: There are a total of 48 mega Pokémon, introduced in Pokémon X & Y and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire & Omega Ruby. Two other Pokémon, Kyogre and Groudon, have primal forms that are similar to mega evolution.
Question: What is the strongest mega Pokémon?
Answer: By base stat total, it is legendary Pokémon like Rayquaza and Mewtwo. But the best mega Pokémon for you might be different depending on the rest of your team!
Question: Are mega Pokémon in the latest Pokémon games?
Answer: While mega Pokémon were in Pokémon Sun & Moon and Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon, they did not appear in Pokémon Sword & Shield. While not confirmed, it is unlikely they will appear in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.
All Pokemon Mega Evolutions: Conclusion
Mega Pokémon rankings are always subjective. Even if you pick the mega Pokemon with the highest base stats, like Mega Mewtwo Y or Mega Rayquaza, they may not be the best for your team. Personally, I think it is fun planning teams around underrated mega Pokémon and seeing if you can achieve success.
Think about it this way: would you rather plan your attacks and weaken your opponent’s team to set up a Mega Beedrill sweep, or would you rather just click Dragon Ascent six times with Mega Rayquaza? Of course, either approach is a fine way to play the game, but if you are looking for more of a challenge, lower-tier mega Pokémon are the way to go. With 48 mega Pokémon in the game, there is something for everyone.
