Pokémon Ascended Heroes is officially set to release on January 30, 2026, and it already stands out as one of the most ambitious Pokémon TCG expansions ever produced. With nearly 300 cards, Ascended Heroes is the largest English Pokémon TCG set to date, combining brand-new Mega Evolutions, highly anticipated reprints, and multiple chase rarities aimed at both collectors and competitive players.
Even when compared to The Pokémon Company’s recent run of successful expansions, Ascended Heroes feels unusually significant. The set marks the international debut of Mega-Evolved Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, headlined by Mega Dragonite, while also reintroducing fan-favorite cards from 2025 with new artwork and updated rarities.
Ascended Heroes launches alongside a staggered product rollout, beginning with early collection products on January 30, 2026, followed by Elite Trainer Boxes and additional sealed products releasing on February 20, 2026. With Mega Attack Rares, new reverse holo patterns, and some of the most recognizable Pokémon in the franchise, Ascended Heroes is positioned as a cornerstone set for the Scarlet & Violet era.
With so much packed into one release, which cards are fans most eager to pull once Ascended Heroes hits store shelves? Below are the ten Pokémon cards everybody wants from Pokémon Ascended Heroes.
Note: Not all cards discussed have been officially revealed in English. Japanese versions from MEGA Dream ex and Start Deck 100 Battle Collection are shown to preview the artwork coming to the international release.
#10 Any Special Reverse Holo Card
Much like Prismatic Evolutions and Scarlet & Violet—151, the Common, Uncommon, and Rare Pokémon in Ascended Heroes come in two special reverse holo variants. One features an Energy-type symbol matching the Pokémon, while the other showcases a themed Poké Ball or the Team Rocket logo for Rocket-affiliated Pokémon.
In MEGA Dream ex, both reverse holo styles appeared at similar pull rates, though Poké Ball and Team Rocket versions tended to draw slightly more attention. If that trend continues, any of these variants could quietly increase in value, especially for collectors brave enough to attempt completing this massive set.
Pay close attention to cards like Frosmoth, Solrock, and Lunatone. Tournament results often drive unexpected price movement, and these Pokémon all have synergy potential. Frosmoth pairs naturally with Mega Froslass ex, while Solrock and Lunatone could become a reliable engine once Gardevoir ex rotates out of Standard.
#9 Poké Pad
Because Ascended Heroes is releasing in phases, sealed product and singles will be difficult to find during the first few weeks. Many collectors may wait until Elite Trainer Boxes arrive on February 20, but competitive players do not have that option.
With the Pokémon Europe International Championships beginning on February 13, players will need access to the strongest cards immediately. That puts Poké Pad in high demand. This unassuming Uncommon is positioned to become the premier Item-based search card, especially once Nest Ball rotates out of Standard in April.
If you pull extra copies you do not need, set them aside. Someone you know will be looking for a full playset.
#8 Any Mega Attack Rare
Ascended Heroes marks the English debut of Mega Attack Rares, a new rarity first introduced in MEGA Dream ex. These cards feature Mega Pokémon mid-attack, illustrated in a bold, comic-inspired style with the attack name splashed across the artwork.
Previously, Mega Attack Rares fell between Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares in terms of scarcity and price. If that pattern holds, versions featuring Mega Gengar and Mega Dragonite could command especially strong interest. At minimum, collectors will be eager to complete a full binder page featuring all seven Mega Attack Rares alongside the two promo cards in this style.
#7 Illustration Rare Psyduck
All 33 Illustration Rares in Ascended Heroes are likely to be someone’s favorite card, but history suggests one will stand out as a true chase. Psyduck is a strong contender.
Beyond its enduring popularity as a Generation I favorite, Psyduck is also competitively relevant. Its Damp Ability shuts down self-Knock Out effects from Dusclops and Dusknoir, both of which remain legal and dangerous. Combined with calm, charming artwork that finally gives Psyduck a moment of peace, this card appeals to both players and collectors.
With the base version already ranking among the most expensive competitive promos available, demand for the Illustration Rare version should be substantial.
#6 The Special Illustration Rare Mega-Evolved Starters
Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduced Mega Evolutions for its starter trio, and Ascended Heroes gives international fans their first chance to collect those Megas in card form.
Unsurprisingly, the most detailed printings draw the most attention. These Special Illustration Rares ranked among the most valuable cards in Start Deck 100 Battle Collection, trailing only a handful of elite chase cards. Expect similar excitement once they arrive in English.
#5 SIR Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex
Ascended Heroes gives collectors a rare second chance at many of 2025’s most elusive cards, now unified in a single expansion with updated artwork.
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex immediately stands out. The original Special Illustration Rare dominated its previous release, and this new version rises to the challenge with artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita, one of the Pokémon TCG’s most iconic illustrators. A card featuring the franchise’s original villains illustrated by one of its original artists delivers pure nostalgia.
#4 SIR Pikachu ex
The return of Special Illustration Rare Pikachu ex recalls late 2024, when Pokémon TCG Pocket launched globally and collectors raced to pull this card.
This version sets itself apart with a more playful and stylized look that remains just as eye-catching. Illustrated by James Turner, whose designs span generations of beloved Pokémon, it offers strong appeal for fans of both character history and modern Pokémon art.
#3 SIR/MHR Mega Dragonite ex
Mega Dragonite is the unmistakable face of Ascended Heroes. After finally receiving a Mega Evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Dragonite makes its international TCG debut in dramatic fashion.
Based on previous Mega Pokémon releases, the Special Illustration Rare is expected to command the highest value, while the Mega Hyper Rare may be slightly tougher to pull. Either way, Dragonite’s long-standing popularity ensures both versions will be among the most coveted cards in the set.
#2 MHR Mega Charizard Y ex
While Mega Dragonite may dominate the Dragon-type category, it faces serious competition from a dragon-shaped icon.
As the premier chase card from Start Deck 100 Battle Collection, Mega Charizard Y ex enters Ascended Heroes as the only Secret Rare Charizard in the set. With no Special Illustration Rare competing for attention, it stands uncontested as the definitive Charizard pull and is a strong candidate to become the most expensive card in the expansion.
#1 SIR Mega Gengar ex
Gengar has been dominating price charts recently. Whether driven by long-standing fan demand, influencer hype, or pure character appeal, collectors have been eager for a new high-rarity Gengar for years.
Special Illustration Rare Mega Gengar ex already surpassed Mega Dragonite as the most valuable card in MEGA Dream ex, and there is little reason to expect a different outcome here. With striking artwork and enormous fan appeal, Mega Gengar ex stands as the most popular card in Pokémon Ascended Heroes.
Why Pokémon Ascended Heroes Will Matter Long After Release
Pokémon Ascended Heroes has quickly established itself as one of the most important Pokémon TCG releases in recent memory. With its massive card list, debut Mega Evolutions, and a deep lineup of high-end chase cards, the set appeals equally to competitive players, long-term collectors, and fans drawn to iconic Pokémon like Gengar, Dragonite, Pikachu, and Charizard.
Looking ahead, Ascended Heroes also sets the tone for upcoming 2026 Pokémon TCG releases, including additional Mega Evolution-focused expansions expected later in the year and follow-up Scarlet & Violet era sets scheduled throughout spring and summer 2026. As new products continue to roll out and future expansions build on this foundation, the cards featured here are likely to remain some of the most popular and desirable pulls from Pokémon Ascended Heroes for years to come.
