Pokémon Ascended Heroes is shaping up to be one of the most exciting special sets of the Mega Evolution era! Officially revealed as the first major Pokémon TCG release of 2026, this expansion drops on January 30, 2026 and brings back fan‑favorite Mega Evolutions alongside newly revealed cards that are already creating buzz in the collecting community.
With over 290 cards total, a huge variety of rarities, and stunning artwork throughout, Ascended Heroes doesn’t just expand your collection, it celebrates classic Pokémon in a big way.
Why Ascended Heroes matters right now
This set isn’t just another Pokémon release, it’s the follow‑up to Phantasmal Flames and a pivotal point in the Mega Evolution series. Featuring 13 Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, 6 Tera Pokémon ex, and tons of high‑end Trainer cards, there’s a little something for collectors and competitive players alike.
Collectors are especially excited because Ascended Heroes boasts an unusually high number of premium illustration and special illustration rare cards, meaning gorgeous art pieces and high chase potential.
Top chase cards to watch in Ascended Heroes
Here’s our spotlight on the most anticipated and collectible cards from Ascended Heroes. These are the ones most likely to fly off shelves and climb in value!
1. Mega Gengar ex Special Illustration Rare
Already generating buzz as possibly the most valuable card in the set, this ghostly powerhouse brings back a fan‑favorite alt art style that collectors are craving.
2. Mega Charizard Y ex – Mega Hyper Rare
Charizard cards are always major chase pieces, and this Mega variant is already turning heads thanks to early product reveals and hype.
3. Mega Dragonite ex
Featured as a headliner in many previews and officially part of the set’s iconic imagery, this dragon‑type mega evolution is destined to be a highlight for both gameplay and collecting.
4. Entei & N’s Vanilluxe
These classic Pokémon cards have been confirmed early and are being sought after by both fans of nostalgic artwork and competitive players.
5. Illustration Rares & Trainer Favorites
With over 30 Illustration Rares and 20+ Trainer cards, there’s plenty of gorgeous art and tactical staples that could become future staples in your binder.
Product lineup: How to collect Ascended Heroes
You won’t find Ascended Heroes in traditional standalone booster boxes, instead, cards are distributed through a range of special products:
• Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box – Main event for pack opening and early promos
• Booster Bundles & Mini Tins – Great value for opening multiple packs
• Premium Poster Collections – Perfect for displaying art and boosting your card pull count
• 3‑Pack Blisters & Collections – Budget‑friendly ways to snag promos and packs
Each product offers a unique way to chase those golden pulls and grab exclusive promo cards.
Why collectors can’t wait
Whether you’re building a Mega‑themed deck or chasing art rares for your binder, Ascended Heroes is a set with something for everyone. Its huge card count, number of rare treatments, and beloved Pokémon returning in fresh formats make it one of the hottest releases of the year.
Early leaks and community buzz suggest some cards could rival chase staples from recent sets, even picking up steam similar to Ultra Rares from Prismatic Evolutions.
Conclusion
Pokémon Ascended Heroes isn’t just another expansion, it’s a celebration of Mega Evolution and artistry in the TCG. Whether you’re a collector hunting Special Illustration Rares or a player looking for powerful ex cards, this set has hype for a reason.
Stay tuned for full card lists and price guides as more cards are officially revealed, and start planning which products you’ll open first. The quest to pull big starts January 30, 2026!