Z Mega Evolutions Arrive in Pokémon Champions Ranked

Z Mega Evolutions in Pokémon Champions are the biggest shake-up to the game's competitive scene since launch, and they are live right now. Regulation Set M-C introduced the first three Z Mega Evolutions (Mega Lucario Z, Mega Garchomp Z and Mega Absol Z) alongside six new standard Mega Evolutions and 24 newly available Pokémon. Here is what changed and how to prepare before the season ends.

What Is Regulation Set M-C?

Regulation Set M-C is the current Ranked Battle ruleset in Pokémon Champions. According to The Pokémon Company, it began on September 8, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. PDT and runs until December 1, 2026 at 5:59 p.m. PST. Pokémon that were eligible in earlier regulation sets stay eligible, so your existing team still works. The set was announced at the 2026 Pokémon World Championships closing ceremony in San Francisco.

How Do Z Mega Evolutions Work?

Z Mega Evolutions debuted in Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension and now bring a new style of play to Champions. A Pokémon that undergoes Z Mega Evolution needs less time to act after you give an order, but it burns through its Mega Power very quickly. That makes Z forms best for a fast, decisive win rather than a long, drawn-out battle.

The three Z Mega Evolutions available now are:

• Mega Lucario Z: a Fighting- and Steel-type that wraps its aura around its whole body to raise defense, flexibility and agility. Launch coverage lists its new ability as Aura Break.
• Mega Garchomp Z: a Dragon-type reported to gain Levitate, which would grant immunity to Ground-type moves and entry hazards.
• Mega Absol Z: a Dark- and Ghost-type reported to gain Sharpness, which boosts the power of cutting moves.

Abilities for the Garchomp and Absol forms come from press coverage of the reveal, so confirm them in-game before you build around them.

New Mega Evolutions and Pokémon

Beyond the Z forms, six additional Mega Evolutions arrive in this regulation, including Mega Salamence, Mega Golisopod and Mega Baxcalibur. Rillaboom, a familiar name from past VGC tournaments, also joins the roster, bringing the total to 24 newly available Pokémon. That is a lot of new matchups to learn in a short window.

Mega Heatran: What We Know

A Mega Heatran appeared briefly at the end of the announcement trailer, and The Pokémon Company said to "stay tuned for more details." It has not been confirmed for Regulation Set M-C, so treat it as a future addition rather than something to plan around today.

Tips for Ranked Battles This Season

1. Plan for speed. Z Mega Evolutions act quickly, so check your team's speed tiers and priority moves.
2. Respect the short Mega window. A Z form that runs out of Mega Power is vulnerable, so stall or protect early if you face one.
3. Prepare for hazards and Ground-types. If Mega Garchomp Z's Levitate holds up, it changes how you use Stealth Rock and Ground coverage.
4. Practice Dark and Ghost answers. Mega Absol Z's typing demands Fairy, Fighting or Dark coverage.

Looking Ahead

With roughly six weeks of Regulation Set M-C left, now is the time to test Z Mega teams in Ranked Battles. The Pokémon Company also confirmed the 2027 Pokémon World Championships for August 13-15, 2027 at Singapore EXPO, so the competitive stakes keep growing. Bookmark Pokémon Database for type matchups and Pokédex entries to prepare your next team.