Home » Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution — Ascended Heroes: What You Need to Know in 2026

Ascended Heroes Pokémon TCG: The Ultimate Guide + What Mega Dream ex Teaches Us

The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes expansion is set to become one of the biggest and most talked-about sets of 2026. With more than 290 cards, an impressive total of 78 secret rares, and Mega Evolutions returning to the spotlight, this special set is a must-have for collectors and players alike. But what makes this set so unique — and what can we learn from the Japanese Mega Dream ex release? Read on to discover everything you need to know about Ascended Heroes.

Release dates & why this timing matters

The English release of Ascended Heroes is scheduled for January 30, 2026. This means the expansion kicks off the new Pokémon TCG year and immediately sets the tone for what we can expect in 2026 in terms of Mega Evolutions, secret rares, and premium collectible cards. Historically, January releases tend to be highly influential because they remain relevant for a long time in both the collector market and the competitive scene.

The Japanese Mega Dream ex set releases earlier, on November 28, 2025. As usual, this Japanese release serves as a content preview of the English-language set. In Japan, cards are often released in smaller, more compact sets, while international versions combine multiple Japanese releases into one large expansion. As a result, Mega Dream ex provides valuable insight into what we will later see in Ascended Heroes.

This roughly two-month window between the Japanese and English releases is ideal for collectors, content creators, and investors. During this period, it becomes clear:

• Which Mega Pokémon ex are popular among players
• Which artworks collectors are most drawn to
• Which cards in Japan are already rising in price or scarcity
• Which secret rares or alternate arts turn into true chase cards

Based on Mega Dream ex, we can therefore predict card trends, collector value, and popularity for the English Ascended Heroes set with reasonable accuracy. This makes the Japanese release not only exciting to open, but also strategically important for anyone preparing for pre-orders, single-card purchases, or long-term collecting within the English market.

What exactly is Ascended Heroes?

Ascended Heroes is a special set within the Mega Evolution series of the Pokémon TCG. Unlike regular expansions, this set is:

• Bigger than ever: Estimated at 295 cards in the English set — the largest total ever published.
• A holiday-style release: Often featuring exclusive products and limited print runs.
• Focused on Mega Evolutions: Mega Pokémon ex return with stunning artwork and powerful stats.

Ascended Heroes promises to be a unique and ambitious special set within the Mega Evolution series of the Pokémon TCG. With a record number of cards, a holiday-style release featuring exclusive products, and the return of Mega Pokémon ex with spectacular artwork and powerful effects, this expansion clearly targets both collectors and competitive players. Ascended Heroes sets a new benchmark for what a modern Pokémon TCG special set can be.

New Mega Evolution cards in the latest expansion

One of the biggest highlights of Ascended Heroes is the 78 secret rares that will likely be known before the full set is officially released. These include a mix of fan favorites, reprints, and new versions — including Mega forms of classic Pokémon such as:

• Mega Meganium ex
• Mega Emboar ex
• Mega Feraligatr ex
• And many more from both English and Japanese releases.

Below is a selection of some of the newest cards, including the popular Mega Gengar ex and the set’s top chase card: Mega Dragonite ex.

Pro tip: Secret rares are often among the most sought-after cards by collectors and may increase in value as print runs become more limited.

Mega Dream ex — What can we learn?

The Japanese Mega Dream ex set serves as a preview of Ascended Heroes. Mega Dream ex includes:

• A large number of Art Rares and Illustration Rares (more than 67 premium cards).
• Mega Evolutions and unique promos, many of which return or are adapted in English releases.

By analyzing the card list and secret rares from the Japanese release, collectors can better estimate which cards will become chase cards in the English market.

What does this mean for players and collectors?

• More cards to collect (record set size).
• Unique cards featuring Mega attack rarities and Japanese influences.
• Strategic gameplay value with new Mega Pokémon ex.
• Potentially higher collector value thanks to its holiday-set status.

The power of Mega Evolution in your collection

Ascended Heroes is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Pokémon TCG expansions yet: a record-breaking set, an enormous number of secret rares, and cards with strong long-term value potential. Combine that with insights from Mega Dream ex and you have all the tools needed to prepare for this spectacular release.

Stay up to date with official product releases and pre-order products as soon as they become available — it could take both your collection and your investment to the next level.