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The “special” expansions of the Pokemon Trading Card Game are always a bit strange. Booster box? Nope. Release date? That gets complicated. Each releases in special sets over months, and tries to do something very different from a normal set. So what’s the deal with Pokemon TCG Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes? Let’s dig in.
The coolest Pokemon TCG Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes cards
Like any special set, Ascended Heroes feels built around Pokemon TCG chase cards and special art rares. There are some truly elaborate treatments for some of the new Mega Evolutions, including a line with the name of a move in the art. This is a well the TCG returns to from time to time, swapping English with Japanese katakana to make sure each region gets something that looks foreign and “cool.” We’ll be honest: we usually don’t love these! But this time, it feels like the text is more of a part of the design, so it’s not so bad. The full-art cards generally are excellent this time around; it’s tough to find a dud in the bunch. In a way, as much as it’d be more valuable to pull a gold card, we might be happier with an illustration instead!
The most interesting Ascended Heroes cards
We always anticipate seeing new creatures in card form, as they haven’t been assigned a particular niche or gimmick yet and often lock in whatever that’s going to be in the first go. So it’s nice to see some of the newest Mega Evolutions from Z-A making appearances here. So far? The theme for all of them seems to be “very big damage.” Mega Meganium, which remains one of the weirdest Pokemon to type, leans into its line’s legacy of piling on energy cards as much as possible. Mega Feraligatr does more damage if the opponent is damaged, though that feels like it’d usually be overkill when boosting 200 damage to 400. Mega Emboar does recoil damage, which we suppose we’d take over fire’s usual energy discard gimmick.
We’re also curious whether a few more Trainer’s Pokemon will let those cards become more viable. Erika and Larry are new here, but some existing trainers get more options. For example, Team Rocket’s Dugtrio lets you damage retreating opponents. It’s not a huge effect, but with multiples stacking together or other engine pieces, maybe it’d work? And cards like N’s Reshiram and Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex have seen reprints here, making them easier to acquire.
The most meta-relevant Ascended Heroes cards
This is a tough one this time around! Between its focus on big, flashy card effects over efficient engine pieces and a side element of nice-looking versions of ones that had already existed, there’s not a lot that’s new and effective to our initial analysis. But there’s maybe some? Hop’s Pincurchin ex seems to have value outside of its tribal designation, with 200 HP and 30 recoil damage for any hit making it good to stall for a couple of turns early on. Its attack even offers card draw, further helping you out of a jam. (Then again, maybe you don’t want a two-prize on stall duty.)
Ascended Heroes might be most relevant in how it affects a very different sort of meta: The Pokemon Company International’s business model. It’s a special set, putting up some barriers to acquisition even beyond its current runaway demand crisis. So if and when you actually manage to find some packs? We’re not sure you’ll pull something you want. That’s because it’s the company’s biggest set yet, clocking in at an intimidating 295 cards. Is this a sign of things to come, or will players bristle at those sorts of odds? Regardless, we unfortunately have to recommend the secondary singles market if you’re looking for something specific.
The cutest Ascended Heroes cards
To us, the headliner is Larry’s Komala. This little guy is taking it easy on a tatami mat, seemingly at peace in a way we honestly envy. It’s a bonus that it feels like it’d be a source of comfort and appreciation for the overworked Larry. Erika’s Oddish is something of an obvious choice, but that doesn’t make it less valid! It’s smelling the flowers around it. Also enjoying fields of flowers are Marill and Togepi, and worth a mention are some excited little buds in Helioptile and Charmander.
The latest Pokemon Trading Card Game set, Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes, is out now in certain special packages. Others will launch through late April 2026. For more on the Pokemon TCG, check out our archive.
