We're just one week out from the Pokémon Legends: Z-A DLC release, so another new Mega has entered the fray: Mega Lucario Z. However, this alternate form of the Aura Pokémon isn't just a cosmetic change. It's actually the first of presumably a whole line of Z Mega Evolution Pokémon.
Ever since its original introduction in gen six, Mega Lucario is one of the fan-favorites, despite not playing as big a role in Lumiose's story in Pokémon Legends: Z-A as it did in X and Y. The fighting Pokémon exudes coolness and, well, aura, which is fitting of its classification, and I'll admit that, if any 'mon was deserving of a new form, Lucario is definitely a top pick.
According to the Pokémon Legends website, Mega Lucario Z surrounds itself with its aura to increase its agility and defense, which we can see in the trailer as it fires off an Aura Sphere much faster than the opposing Mega Lucario. But this isn't just a feature of Lucario's new form - it's a signature part of Z Mega Evolution. Apparently, "Z Mega Evolutions, such as Mega Lucario Z, need less time to fire off moves after receiving an order. But Z Mega Evolutions also burn through Mega Power very quickly."
This differentiation explains why Lucario's new form gets the Z affix, instead of becoming an X or Y form like the ones that Charizard, Mewtwo, and Raichu have. The wording of this post also suggests that more Z Mega Evolutions are on the horizon, and it's likely that they'll go to Pokémon that already have megas. It's also interesting from a lore perspective that Mega Lucario Z is appearing in the same story that sees the return of Korrina, a fighting gym leader from gen six whose ace was Lucario. Maybe she'll be the one to help us unlock Lucario's new form?
Alongside this news, TPC has also released another side mission for the base game, and this time it leads you to the legendary gen 1 Pokémon, Mewtwo. You can claim Mewtwonite X and Mewtwonite Y from the Pokémon ZA Mystery Gift function to trigger the side mission and face this formidable foe in the depths of Lysandre Labs.
To prepare yourself for the upcoming DLC, check out our Pokémon ZA Pikachu guide, as you'll need two if you want both of Raichu's new mega forms. You can also check out our Pokémon ZA zones guide to find out where to catch a Riolu or Lucario.