A New Mega Ability Revives a Long-Overlooked Grass Starter After 25 Years

In the Pokémon universe, every starter has its merits… except for Chikorita from Pokémon Gold and Silver. This leaf-headed creature evolves into the tropical Meganium, but how bad is Meganium? Until recently, it was firmly stuck in the “zero use” tier among competitive players.

While Meganium received a boost in Pokémon Legends: Z-Avia Mega Evolution, the inability to transfer Pokémon to the mainline games limited its potential. However, with the upcoming release of Pokémon Champions in April, Mega Meganium is set to not only become viable but could actually emerge as the top choice among starters.

All three second-generation Pokémon will receive Mega forms in Pokémon Champions, each sporting a brand-new ability. Mega Emboar will utilize the Mold Breaker ability, allowing it to bypass opponents’ abilities. Mega Feraligatr will finally embrace its reptilian nature with the Dragonize ability, enhancing its moves to be 20% more effective as Dragon-type.

But the real highlight is Mega Meganium. It will gain the Mega Sol ability, which powers up its moves as if it were basking in harsh sunlight. In simpler terms, Meganium will function as if under the Sunny Day weather condition, boosting fire-type moves.

Despite this evolution, some of Meganium’s weaknesses will still linger. It will remain slow and vulnerable to common types and moves in competitive play. However, its strengths have been significantly enhanced. With a high special attack, Mega Meganium can unleash devastating moves like Solar Beam without needing to recharge. Plus, the Sol ability means it won’t have to worry about boosted fire attacks, removing a major vulnerability.

This is just the beginning. Competitive players are bound to discover even more strategies, and some of the possibilities already sound exciting. As one Redditor breaks down, the key additions to Meganium’s arsenal are Weather Ball and Synthesis:

Thanks to Mega Sol, Weather Ball transforms from a 50 base power Normal move into a 100 base power Fire-type move, providing excellent coverage against Ice and Steel types that previously could have stalled Meganium’s momentum. Then there’s Synthesis. Normally, this move recovers 50% of HP, similar to Recover or Roost. But under the sun, Synthesis restores a whopping 66% of HP, giving Mega Meganium, already known for its solid bulk, one of the best self-healing moves in the game!

Chikorita fans are understandably excited. Even those who don’t compete or plan to play Pokémon Champions are thrilled to see their favorite starter rise from the depths of obscurity.

“Yes, us Chikorita fans waited literal decades, but finally it bears flowers!” one commenter joyfully noted.

“Finally, Meganium owners feel long-deserved justice,” another chimed in.

Pokémon Champions is set to launch on April 8 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, with mobile versions arriving at a later, yet-to-be-announced date.