The next major special set for the Pokémon TCG has been officially revealed. Titled Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes, this expansion is scheduled to begin its staggered release in early 2026 and continues the celebration of the Mega Evolution mechanic.
This new English set is the direct equivalent of Japan’s highly anticipated year-end High Class Pack, Mega Dream ex. For collectors who want a deeper look at the Japanese original and the cards that will be included, you can read our complete Mega Dream ex guide here.
Quick-Reference Set Details
- English Set Name: Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes
- Release Dates: Staggered release, beginning January 30, 2026
- Based On: Japanese High Class Pack Mega Dream ex
- Key Features: This is a special set, so booster packs will not be sold in individual booster boxes. The set marks the TCG debut of Mega Dragonite ex, introduces the “Mega Attack Rare” rarity, and features an exclusive N’s Zekrom promo card.
The Chase Cards: What to Look For in Ascended Heroes so Far!
This set is packed with incredible cards for both players and collectors. The main headline Pokémon is the TCG debut of Mega Dragonite ex, directly inspired by the Pokémon Legends: Z-A video game. It’s joined by the return of Mega Charizard Y ex.
The most exciting though, is the full-art Mega Evolution Pokémon ex with a unique pop-art style. These cards feature the attack name written in large Japanese katakana across the card. This creates a striking look that pays homage to the original XY-era Mega cards. Confirmed MA Rares include Mega Lucario ex and Mega Gardevoir ex. Another major draw is the exclusive full-art foil promo card of N’s Zekrom, which can only be found in the Elite Trainer Box.
In a welcome move for collectors, this set will not contain Mega Hyper Rares. Instead, it focuses on a huge number of art cards, with a confirmed 33 Illustration Rares and 22 Special Illustration Rares.
The Complete Product Lineup & Release Schedule
Ascended Heroes will be released in waves throughout early 2026. Here is the full line-up of products announced so far.
Phase 1 (Releasing January 30, 2026)
- Collection—Erika/Larry: Small boxes containing a promo card of either Erika’s Tangela or Larry’s Komala, a coin, and 2 booster packs.
- Tech Sticker Collection: These come with 3 booster packs, a promo card of either Charmander or Gastly, and a large tech sticker of their Mega Evolved form.
Phase 2 (Releasing February 20, 2026):
- Elite Trainer Box: The centerpiece of the release, containing 9 booster packs and the exclusive N’s Zekrom foil promo card.
- Pokémon Center Exclusive Elite Trainer Box: An exclusive version containing 11 booster packs and two copies of the N’s Zekrom promo (one with the Pokémon Center stamp).
- Mini Tins: Five different collectible tins, each containing 2 booster packs and a sticker sheet.
Phase 3 (Releasing March 20, 2026):
- Premium Poster Collections: Large collections featuring either Mega Lucario ex or Mega Gardevoir ex as a foil promo card, alongside 10 booster packs and a double-sided poster.
Phase 4 (Releasing April 24, 2026):
Booster Bundle: A simple bundle containing 6 booster packs.
Get Ready for the Heroes: The Mega Evolution Era is Here!
While this new set is a few months away, the Mega Evolution era is in full swing at WLC. This is the perfect time to explore the foundational sets that brought this exciting mechanic back to the TCG.
You can dive into the action right now with products from the main Mega Evolution set, or hunt for Mega Gengar in the fiery Phantasmal Flames expansion.
Get More From Every Purchase with WLC Rewards!
With so many exciting sets to collect, there’s never been a better time to join the new WLC Rewards Programme. Earn points on every purchase, both online and in-store, and convert them into discounts on your next order.
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