Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • Home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Videos
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
    • G+RLS Podcast
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • GTA 6
  • Future Games Show
  • Countdown to GTA 6
  • Pre-order GTA 6
  • Game of the Week
  • G+RLS Podcast
  • Join our RPG Club
  • Best gaming tech
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games
  2. Adventure Games
  3. Pokemon
  4. Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Pokemon Legends: Z-A buffs up one of X and Y's best 'mons as it introduces Mega Hawlucha, which might have the RPG's coolest new form yet

News
By Catherine Lewis
Published 28 August 2025

It's still Fighting/Flying-type, but now has an even flashier look

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

A screenshot from the animated cinematic trailer revealing Mega Hawlucha, a new Mega Evolution in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
(Image credit: The Pokemon Company, Nintendo)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
0
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

We just got our first look at yet another new Mega Evolution being introduced to Pokemon Legends: Z-A this October, with the powerful Fighting/Flying-type Hawlucha the next in line for a big buff.

Mega Evolution – the battle gimmick introduced in Generation 6's Pokemon X and Y – is making a grand return in Legends: Z-A, allowing certain 'mons to temporarily power up with new forms. As well as returning Megas like Charizard and Absol, The Pokemon Company has also been revealing a few new faces, kicking things off with Mega Dragonite and Mega Victreebel, and now Hawlucha.

Hawlucha's new Mega Evolved form wasn't unveiled in a typical trailer, but rather an animated short of a WWE-style fight between it and a Machamp. After taking a beating, Hawlucha thinks fondly about its friendship with its trailer before powering up – donning a gold and black mask complete with matching gold details along its shoulders.

Latest Videos FromGamesRadar+
Watch full video here:
YouTube YouTube
Watch On

An official press release confirms that Mega Hawlucha keeps the Fighting/Flying typing of its base form – something I don't think fans will be disappointed about since it's a fairly unique combination in the first place, mirrored only by Galarian Zapdos and Flamigo.

"Bulked up by Mega Evolution, it uses its muscles to take hit after hit from opponents' moves and flex its own strength," the press release says. "After luring its opponent into attacking, it retaliates to make them flinch before diving at them using its signature move, Flying Press, to aim for victory." You can see how it looks in the actual game below.

You may like
  • A pink-haired trainer and a Chikorita sit outside a cafe in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Pokemon fan shows what the RPG could look like with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's combat
  • Pokemon Legends Z-A Mystery Gift codes for Mega Garchomp Z All Pokemon Legends Z-A Mystery Gift Codes and Rewards (August 2026)
  • A trainer looking out at the ocean during the trailer for Pokemon Winds and Waves Pokemon Winds and Waves: Everything we know about the next Pokemon games so far

Just revealed: Mega Hawlucha, a newly discovered Mega-Evolved Pokémon! The Mega Evolution of the Wrestling Pokémon will make its debut in #PokemonLegendsZA 💥 pic.twitter.com/wk9GAcaVLHAugust 28, 2025

Hawlucha was already a strong Pokemon in the first place, so I imagine its Mega Evolved form is going to be a particularly powerful one. Notably, out of the three new ones revealed so far, this is the only Mega introduced in Legends: Z-A that's for a Kalos-region Pokemon. This could change, of course, but for now it's a pretty special Gen 6 'mon.

I'll be honest, I wasn't sure if the animated video was also going to show off a Mega Machamp at the same time, but I'll take this. Mega Hawlucha is probably the coolest-looking new form yet, even if I'm admittedly very fond of the significantly sillier Mega Victreebel.

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

I love turn-based RPGs, but 20 minutes of Pokemon Legends: Z-A has convinced me that real-time combat could be the way forward for the series.

TOPICS
The Pokemon Company
CATEGORIES
Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Platforms Nintendo
Catherine Lewis
Catherine Lewis
Social Links Navigation
Deputy News Editor

I'm GamesRadar+'s Deputy News Editor, working alongside the rest of the news team to deliver cool gaming stories that we love. After spending more hours than I can count filling The University of Sheffield's student newspaper with Pokemon and indie game content, and picking up a degree in Journalism Studies, I started my career at GAMINGbible where I worked as a journalist for over a year and a half. I then became TechRadar Gaming's news writer, where I sourced stories and wrote about all sorts of intriguing topics. In my spare time, you're sure to find me on my Nintendo Switch or PS5 playing through story-driven RPGs like Xenoblade Chronicles and Persona 5 Royal, nuzlocking old Pokemon games, or going for a Victory Royale in Fortnite.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
A pink-haired trainer and a Chikorita sit outside a cafe in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
Pokemon Pokemon fan shows what the RPG could look like with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's combat
 
 
Pokemon Legends Z-A Mystery Gift codes for Mega Garchomp Z
Pokemon All Pokemon Legends Z-A Mystery Gift Codes and Rewards (August 2026)
 
 
A trainer looking out at the ocean during the trailer for Pokemon Winds and Waves
Pokemon Pokemon Winds and Waves: Everything we know about the next Pokemon games so far
 
 
In Pokemon Winds and Waves, the large whale-like Pokemon Wailord shoots water up from its blow hole on the surface of the ocean
Pokemon Pokemon Winds and Waves may not have turn-based fights as Game Freak dev hints system "could change"
 
 
Incineroar gets ready for battle in Pokemon Champions.
Pokemon The best Pokemon in Pokemon Champions
 
 
Pokemon TCG Pocket best decks
Pokemon Best Pokemon TCG Pocket Mega Lucario ex deck
 
 
Latest in Pokemon
A pink-haired trainer and a Chikorita sit outside a cafe in Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
Pokemon Pokemon fan shows what the RPG could look like with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's combat
 
 
Screenshot from Pokemon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd and Pichu, showing a yellow mouse and white bird smiling while singing together.
Pokemon New Pokemon series from Wallace and Gromit animation studio Aardman is coming to Disney Plus
 
 
Pokemon
Pokemon The Pokemon Twitter account was briefly taken over by a hacker peddling their crypto memecoin
 
 
Someone holds a Pokemon Polaroid camera in amongst the long grass
Toys & Collectibles Where to buy Pokemon Polaroid cameras
 
 
Pikachu in Pokemon Winds and Waves trailer against beach window backdrop
Pokemon The new head of Pokemon designs made one of 2024's prettiest games
 
 
In Pokemon Winds and Waves, the large whale-like Pokemon Wailord shoots water up from its blow hole on the surface of the ocean
Pokemon Pokemon Winds and Waves may not have turn-based fights as Game Freak dev hints system "could change"
 
 
Latest in News
Cloud Strife wearing a serious expression in Final Fantasy 7 Revelation
Games PlayStation State of Play coming this week featuring "extended look" at Final Fantasy 7 Revelation
 
 
Final Fantasy Final Fantasy creator's underrated Xbox 360 RPG with art from Dragon Ball inventor is free
 
 
Dune: Awakening
MMO Games Dune: Awakening's players might be 80% PvE, but devs are considering ways to spice PvP
 
 
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Metal Gear Solid 4's DLC might only be saved thanks to the uncelebrated work of fan preservationists
 
 
A friendly ghost behind the chocolate counter in Haunted Chocolatier
Simulation Games ConcernedApe says sorry Haunted Chocolatier is taking so long: "I won’t compromise on the quality"
 
 
Half-Life 2
FPS Games Massive 12TB Valve leak includes early Portal 2 builds, a whiff of Half-Life 2: Episode 3, and more
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Stellar Blade female warrior with dark hair
    1
    Stellar Blade and Lies of P "made developers in Korea take up the challenge for console games"
  2. 2
    PlayStation State of Play coming this week featuring "extended look" at Final Fantasy 7 Revelation
  3. 3
    Metro 2039 devs say "it never feels good" to see gameplay leak, but promise the FPS will have been worth the 7-year wait
  4. 4
    Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest creators' Xbox 360 RPG Blue Dragon is finally playable on PC
  5. 5
    Dune: Awakening's players might be 80% PvE, but devs are considering ways to spice PvP

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...