Pokemon Legends: Z-A certainly isn't a perfect Pokemon game, but for its faults, its contributions to one of Pokemon's most famous mechanics can't be denied. Mega Evolution is back in a big way, reimplemented alongside several new Mega Evos and redesigned for the real-time action of Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Game Freak isn't stopping there either, as the Mega Dimension DLC already promises to add new Mega Evolutions. Game Freak has yet to reveal most of those forms, other than those for Raichu, but I've got a theory that Mega Dimension might have already teased its most important Mega Evolutions: those for Hoopa.
It's no surprise that Pokemon Legends: Z-A will feature a DLC based on the Gen 6 Mythical Pokemon Hoopa, as it's had quite a bit of staying power in the Pokemon franchise, and its interdimensional powers open doors to whatever new settings Game Freak pleases. Strictly speaking, the developer has not confirmed a Mega Evolution for Hoopa, but in my opinion, it only makes sense, given that there's already a track record of Mega Evolutions for Legendary Pokemon. What's more, Hoopa has a clear chance to get two Mega Evolutions: one for Hoopa Confined, and one for Hoopa Unbound.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Can Give Hoopa the Best of Both Worlds in the Mega Dimension DLC
Hoopa belongs to a prestigious club of Legendary and Mythical Pokemon with a form-change mechanic, rubbing shoulders with Deoxys, Meloetta, Zacian, Zamazenta, and more. Like some of these peers, Hoopa changes types when it switches forms, being a Psychic/Ghost type in its Confined form, or Psychic/Dark in the Unbound form. On top of this, each form of Hoopa has a signature move: Hyperspace Hole for Confined, and Hyperspace Fury for Unbound. Thanks to these moves and type matchups, there's a case to be made for using either form of Hoopa in a battle, even though Hoopa Unbound usually has flat-out better base stats than Hoopa Confined.
Nothing is confirmed, but it's possible Game Freak could adjust Hoopa's base stats to put its two forms more on par.
The best possible way Game Freak could highlight the differences and strengths of the two forms is to give both of them a Mega Evolution. As forms rather than evolutions, it's not at all out of the question that both Hoopas could Mega Evolve, and if Mega Charizard X and Y as well as Mega Mewtwo X and Y can both exist, then Mega Hoopa X and Y can too. As a DLC all about Mega Evolution and Hoopa, it only makes sense for the two core features to combine somehow.
It'd certainly present some logistical questions. For instance, Hoopa Confined might feel like an odd candidate for Mega Evolution, since the point of the design is that it's a restrained version of Hoopa, cut off from its full potential. One also wonders if Pokemon Legends: Z-A would use two different Mega Stones for the two Hoopas, or break convention by simply featuring one "Hoopanite" for the two to share. Ultimately, though, I see these as possible sources of creativity, rather than obstacles. Mega Hoopa Confined could depict the Pokemon as straining against its bounds to the utmost, emphasizing the power of its Unbound form, as well as the overwhelming might of Mega Hoopa Unbound.
Hoopa's Role is Just One Mystery About the Mega Dimension DLC
The question of a Mega Evolution for Hoopa fits into bigger questions for the Mega Dimension DLC that I have after making my way through Pokemon Legends: Z-A. After the base game's story kept Zygarde at arm's length, I wonder if the DLC will instead put Hoopa in the player's hands right away as a partner in their interdimensional adventures. This could allow players to unlock Mega Hoopa Confined relatively early in the story, and build anticipation for Mega Hoopa Unbound near the end. Until the DLC releases, there's no telling how far Game Freak will go to underscore Mega Evolution's return to form.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
- Released
- October 16, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
