Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes — Complete Guide to Pokémon TCG’s 2026 Mega Evolution Set

Dec 23rd 2025

Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes—Complete Guide to Pokémon TCG’s 2026 Mega Evolution Set

Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Ascended Heroes arrives on January 30, 2026, bringing one of the most ambitious special sets the game has ever seen. With over 290 cards, a massive lineup of Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, and an incredible spread of illustration rares and product exclusives, this release marks a major milestone for the start of the 2026 Pokémon TCG calendar.

Whether you’re a collector, sealed investor, or competitive player, Ascended Heroes is designed to be a headline-making expansion. Below is a complete breakdown of the set, products, rarities, promos, and what makes this Mega Evolution collection so special.

Click here to buy Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box

What Is Ascended Heroes?

Ascended Heroes is a large special expansion centered around the return of Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, showcasing a fusion of nostalgia and modern TCG mechanics. It pulls inspiration from Japan’s “Mega Dream ex” set while introducing new artwork, premium rarities, and English-exclusive variations.

Core Features

290+ cards — one of the largest English Pokémon TCG sets ever released
13 Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, including the debut of Mega Dragonite ex
6 Tera Pokémon ex
20 Pokémon ex
Over 30 illustration rares and 30+ special illustration rares
7 Mega Attack Rare Pokémon ex, featuring Japanese katakana attack names
Wide selection of Trainer cards, supporter artwork, promos, and product-exclusive prints

Featured Mega Evolution Pokémon

The spotlight of Ascended Heroes shines on a suite of powerhouse Mega Evolutions:

Mega Dragonite ex—debut appearance, key chase card
Mega Charizard Y ex
Mega Gengar ex
Mega Lucario ex
Mega Gardevoir ex

These Mega Pokémon not only headline the set’s marketing, but also appear across premium artwork, chase rarities, and exclusive promos.

Full Release Timeline & Product Guide

Ascended Heroes rolls out across four months, each phase offering unique collectible items and promos.

January 30, 2026—Launch Products

1. Ascended Heroes Main Set

Official release date for the expansion
Contains all 290+ cards and 13 Mega Evolution ex
No traditional booster boxes (special set products only)

2. Ascended Heroes Collections—Erika/Larry

2 booster packs
1 promo card (Erika’s Tangela or Larry’s Komala)
1 themed coin
Highlights the popular Gym Leaders through exclusive Trainer’s Pokémon promos

3. Tech Sticker Collection

3 booster packs
1 promo (Charmander or Gastly)
Sticker sheet featuring Charizard or Gengar themes

February 20, 2026—Mid-Wave Releases

4. Elite Trainer Box (ETB)

9 booster packs
1 full-art promo:
65 sleeves, dice, damage counters, rule guide, and energy pack

5. Mini Tins

2 booster packs
1 art card
1 sticker card featuring:
Clefairy, Pikachu, Togepi, Zorua, or Riolu

March 20, 2026—Premium Release

7. Premium Poster Collection

10 booster packs
Mega Attack Rare promo: Mega Lucario ex or Mega Gardevoir ex
Double-sided collectible poster

April 24, 2026—Final Wave

8. Booster Bundle

6 booster packs
Ideal for players or collectors avoiding the bulk of larger products

Rarity Breakdown: What Collectors Need to Know

Ascended Heroes includes an unusually broad rarity structure, making it a prime set for alternate-art chasers and sealed collectors.

Mega Evolution Pokémon ex

13 total Mega Evolutions
7 Mega Attack Rares, each with unique katakana-style attack names — a highly-anticipated rarity new to English sets

Illustration & Special Rares

33 Illustration Rares
22 Special Illustration Rares (SIRs)
Over 30 full-art and ultra-rare cards, including supporters and Mega Pokémon
Artwork highlight: Mega Gengar ex SIR, expected to be one of the top chases of the entire release

Ultra Rares

14 ultra rare cards spread across Pokémon ex, Mega Evolution ex, and Trainers

Important Note for Collectors

No gold Mega Hyper Rares — a significant shift compared to past Mega-era sets

Promo Cards & Product Exclusives

Each release wave includes exclusive promos that can only be obtained through specific products:

Promo Highlights

Erika’s Tangela (Collection Box)
Larry’s Komala (Collection Box)
Charmander (Tech Sticker)
Gastly (Tech Sticker)
Full-Art N’s Zekrom (ETB & PC ETB)
Mega Lucario ex / Mega Gardevoir ex Mega Attack Rare promos (Poster Collection)

These cards, along with the mini tin variants, posters, and stickers, contribute significantly to the set’s long-term collectibility.

Why Ascended Heroes Matters

1. Largest Card Count for an English Pokémon TCG Set

Breaking previous records, this mega-expansion ensures a huge variety of cards for players and collectors.

2. Major Return of Mega Evolutions

For the first time in years, Mega Pokémon return with high-clarity artwork and new mechanics.

3. Strong Collector Appeal

With its high concentration of illustration rares, SIRs, and product exclusives, Ascended Heroes fits directly into modern collecting trends.

4. Broad Product Range

From sticker packs and mini tins to premium boxes and ETBs, it offers something for every budget and collecting style.

5. Exciting Start to the 2026 Pokémon TCG Calendar

Releasing at the beginning of the year, Ascended Heroes sets the tone for what may be one of the most collectible years in recent Pokémon history.

Other Demanding Pokemon products

Final Thoughts

Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Ascended Heroes is shaping up to be one of the most comprehensive and collector-friendly releases in recent memory. With its massive card list, focus on Mega Evolution ex, deep pool of illustration rares, and wide array of premium products, this set is poised to become a fan favorite throughout 2026 and beyond.

If you’re looking for a set that blends nostalgia, modern design, and high-value collectibles, Ascended Heroes will be an essential addition to your TCG lineup.