The Pokémon Company has revealed new details for Pokémon Champions, set to introduce "Z Mega Evolutions" and potentially its first legendary Pokémon in Regulation Set M-C, beginning September 9. The announcements were made during the Pokémon World Championships, which also featured competitive play in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Z Mega Evolutions represent an alternative form of Mega Evolution, first seen in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. These are expected to function similarly to traditional Mega Evolutions, allowing a Pokémon to Mega Evolve once per match. These new forms for Lucario, Absol, and Garchomp will feature distinct stat distributions and abilities compared to their existing Mega Evolutions.
Mega Absol Z gains the Sharpness ability, which increases the power of cutting moves by 1.5 times. This ability could significantly boost the effectiveness of attacks like Night Slash and Psycho Cut. Mega Lucario Z will be equipped with Wave Shield, an ability that halves damage taken from contact moves, a potentially useful defensive tool for its typically fragile offensive build. Mega Garchomp Z receives the Levitate ability, granting immunity to Ground-type attacks. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Mega Absol Z is designated as a Dark and Ghost type, Mega Lucario Z as Fighting and Steel, and Mega Garchomp Z as Dragon.
Alongside these new evolutions, Rillaboom and Baxcalibur are also confirmed additions to the game's roster for the upcoming set. While Rillaboom was a dominant force in the recent Scarlet and Violet meta, its specific move set in Champions has not yet been revealed. The introduction of these Pokémon suggests further additions are likely, following the pattern of previous sets which often added dozens of new fighters.
The trailer also teased a silhouette resembling Mega Heatran. While its inclusion in Regulation Set M-C is not confirmed, it is speculated to arrive in Regulation Set M-D in December. This would mark the first legendary Pokémon to be implemented in the game, and its potential stat profile suggests it could be a powerful addition, particularly for teams built around Trick Room strategies.