Ascended Heroes Set Guide 2026: Release Date, Products, Cards, Prices & Everything You Need to Know

The next English special set after Phantasmal Flames has a name: Ascended Heroes. This is the follow-up special release in the new Mega Evolution era and is already generating massive hype thanks to Mega Dragonite ex, gold cards, and talk of rotation changes. With the release date fast approaching, collectors and players are scrambling for information.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything we know so far about Ascended Heroes, including confirmed details, the most credible rumours collectors are watching, product information, expected card values, and what this means for your collection strategy.

Key Highlights:

• Release Date: January 30, 2026
• Set Size: 217 cards plus 1 secret
• Distribution: Special products only (no traditional booster boxes)
• Main Chase Card: Mega Dragonite ex
• Product Style: Elite Trainer Boxes, Booster Bundles, Collection Boxes

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Ascended Heroes Release Date And Set Size

From current official and retailer information, here's what we know for certain:

• English Name: Mega Evolution – Ascended Heroes
• Type: Special set (no traditional booster boxes)
• Release Date: January 30, 2026
• Card Count: Listed as 217 cards plus 1 secret on early databases
• Product Style: Cards are distributed through special products rather than standard booster boxes

Ascended Heroes is positioned as a big year-opening special set that bridges the end of the Scarlet and Violet era and the ongoing Mega Evolution focus. This makes it a crucial release for collectors who want to stay current with the latest Pokemon TCG trends.

Why the Release Date Matters

January 30, 2026 places Ascended Heroes as:

• The first major English release of 2026
• A bridge between Scarlet and Violet and the Mega Evolution era
• Potentially the last set before rotation (rumored)
• A key set for collectors starting fresh in the new year

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How Ascended Heroes Will Be Distributed

Ascended Heroes is not a normal mainline expansion. Instead, it appears only in specialty products such as:

• Elite Trainer Box (ETB) - Typically contains 8-10 booster packs plus accessories
• Booster Bundles - Usually 6-pack bundles for a better price per pack
• Collection Boxes - Themed boxes with promo cards and packs
• Blisters - Single or multi-pack products with promo cards
• Trainer-focused products - Featuring Gym Leaders and their partner Pokémon

Confirmed Products

Retailer listings already show several confirmed products:

• Booster Bundle - Contains six Ascended Heroes packs
• Larry's Komala Collection - Features Larry's Komala promo with two Ascended Heroes packs and a coin
• Elite Trainer Box - Expected to contain 8-10 packs plus dice, sleeves, and other accessories

This matches the pattern of previous special sets like Celebrations and 151, where boosters come from special boxes rather than full cases of regular booster boxes.

Pricing Expectations

Based on similar special sets, here's what you can expect to pay for Ascended Heroes products:

Note: Prices are estimates based on similar special sets. Actual retail prices may vary. Per-pack cost is higher than regular sets due to special distribution model.

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What Cards We Expect In Ascended Heroes

Based on official news and coverage, Ascended Heroes is expected to pull heavily from recent Japanese releases:

Japanese Set Sources

• Mega Dream ex - High-class pack focused on Mega Dragonite ex and Mega Gengar ex
• Start Deck 100 Battle Collection - Related Mega-themed product cards

Expected Card Lineup

That means Ascended Heroes is very likely to include:

• Mega Dragonite ex as a major chase card (the set's flagship Pokemon)
• Mega Gengar ex - Popular ghost-type Mega Evolution
• Mega Blaziken ex - Fire/fighting type fan favorite
• Other Mega Pokémon ex - Various Mega Evolutions from the Japanese sets
• Trainer Full Arts - Special art rares that first appeared in Mega Dream ex
• Trainer's Pokémon - Partner Pokemon cards featuring Gym Leaders
• Stellar Tera Pokémon ex - New mechanic cards
• Mix of Scarlet and Violet era favourites - Elevated to premium rarities

For collectors who have been following the Japanese cards, Ascended Heroes should act as the English "catch-up" set for Mega Dream ex and associated products.

Rarity Distribution

Based on similar special sets, expect:

• Secret Rares: 1-2 per box/product
• Special Illustration Rares (SIRs): 1-2 per box
• Full Arts: 2-3 per box
• Illustration Rares: 2-3 per box
• Standard Ultra Rares: 3-4 per box

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Confirmed Theme And Design Direction

Product descriptions emphasise a few core ideas:

Main Themes

• Mega Dragonite ex is presented as a flagship Pokémon leading a team of all-star heroes
• Returning Mega Evolution Pokémon ex appear alongside newly introduced Mega cards
• Stellar Tera Pokémon ex and Trainer's Pokémon join the lineup
• The set is framed as a celebration of both Scarlet and Violet era stars and the revival of Mega Evolution

Design Philosophy

Expect a mix of:

• Nostalgia for long-time fans who remember Mega Evolution from the XY era
• New twists on classic Pokémon with modern artwork
• Premium treatments including gold cards and special illustration rares
• Trainer focus with Gym Leaders and their partner Pokemon

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Early Rumours And Leaks

While nothing here is guaranteed until official card images are fully revealed, these are the most widely discussed rumours in the community:

1. Gold Mega Dragonite ex And Mega Charizard Y

Community discussion has heavily hinted at:

• A gold Mega Dragonite ex card tied to the Ascended Heroes set code
• A gold Mega Charizard Y appearing in the same block

Credibility: These are considered highly likely by many collectors, but until English card images are shown in official product galleries, they remain unconfirmed.

Why This Matters: Gold cards are premium chase cards that command high prices. If confirmed, these would be among the most expensive cards in the set.

Expected Value: If these gold cards appear, expect prices similar to other gold Mega cards:

• Gold Mega Dragonite ex: $100-200+ (Near Mint)
• Gold Mega Charizard Y: $150-300+ (Near Mint)

2. Start Deck 100 Battle Collection Cards

Another active topic is whether all of the new cards from the Japanese Start Deck 100 Battle Collection will be folded into Ascended Heroes.

Two Schools of Thought:

• Some players expect only a selection of those cards to appear
• Others speculate that several will be held back for future products

Current Status: At the moment, it is safest to treat full Start Deck imports as a rumour rather than a guarantee.

What to Watch: As more product images are revealed, we'll get a clearer picture of which Start Deck cards made the cut.

3. Regulation Block And Rotation Timing

There is also speculation about how Ascended Heroes interacts with the next regulation block:

Rotation Theories:

• Some community voices think Ascended Heroes may arrive very close to, or just before, the next global rotation
• Others suggest that it could be the first English set to introduce the new regulation letter on certain cards

Why This Matters: Rotation timing affects:

• Which cards are legal in competitive play
• Long-term card values
• Collector interest in certain cards

Current Status: Until an official rotation announcement is made, this remains a watch point rather than a confirmed detail.

4. Additional Rumours

Other less-confirmed rumours circulating:

• Multiple Charizard cards (beyond just Mega Charizard Y)
• Premium trainer cards featuring popular Gym Leaders
• Special promo cards exclusive to certain products
• Alternate art variants of key Mega Evolution cards

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Expected Card Values And Investment Potential

Based on similar special sets and the cards expected in Ascended Heroes:

Top Chase Cards (Expected Values)

Here's a quick reference table of expected card values for Ascended Heroes:

Prices are estimates based on similar special sets and market trends. Actual prices will depend on pull rates, demand, and card artwork quality.

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1. Mega Dragonite ex SIR - $100-200+ (Near Mint)

   • Flagship card of the set
   • High collector demand
   • Low pull rate

2. Gold Mega Dragonite ex - $100-200+ (Near Mint)

   • Premium treatment
   • Very low pull rate
   • Strong long-term value

3. Gold Mega Charizard Y - $150-300+ (Near Mint)

   • Charizard premium
   • Gold treatment
   • Highest value potential

4. Mega Gengar ex SIR - $60-120+ (Near Mint)

   • Popular Pokemon
   • Strong artwork appeal
   • Good investment potential

5. Trainer SIRs - $40-100+ (Near Mint)

   • Depends on character popularity
   • Trainer cards often appreciate well
   • Good for grading

Investment Outlook

Short-term (3-6 months):

• Prices likely to spike on release day
• Stabilize 2-4 weeks after release
• Top chase cards maintain premium prices

Long-term (1-2 years):

• Strong appreciation potential for gold cards
• Mega Evolution theme could drive long-term value
• Special sets often appreciate well as supply tightens

Sealed Product:

• ETBs and bundles may appreciate 20-40% over 1-2 years
• Limited distribution could drive scarcity
• Good long-term hold potential

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What This Means For Collectors

Ascended Heroes looks set to deliver:

For Collectors

• High-end Mega Evolution chase cards with special art and gold treatments
• A second chance to pick up Mega Dream ex favourites in English
• Premium trainer cards and Trainer's Pokémon that could become long-term staples for collectors
• Complete set building with 217 cards plus secret

For Investors

If you are mainly interested in value and chase cards:

• Expect Mega Dragonite ex and any gold Mega cards to sit at the top of the price ladder
• Special Illustration Rares of fan favourites should become key grading targets
• Trainer SIRs connected to popular characters may track similarly to past hits like Iono and Serena
• Sealed product could appreciate well due to limited distribution

For Players

• Competitive viability of Mega Evolution cards
• Rotation implications (if rumours are true)
• Deck building options with new Mega Evolution mechanics
• Trainer cards that could impact the meta

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Should You Buy Sealed Or Singles?

Because Ascended Heroes is a special set, sealed product tends to:

Sealed Product Considerations

Pros:

• Higher price per pack than regular expansions (but justified by special distribution)
• Driven heavily by chase-card lottery appeal - the thrill of pulling gold cards
• Limited availability - special sets often become harder to find over time
• Sealed investment potential - ETBs and bundles often appreciate well

Cons:

• More expensive per pack than regular sets
• No traditional booster boxes - less bulk opening options
• Higher variance - fewer packs means less guaranteed value

Singles Considerations

Singles may be the smarter move if you are only chasing:

• Mega Dragonite ex - Specific chase cards
• Gold Mega cards - Premium treatments
• Specific Trainer SIRs - Targeted collecting
• Specific Mega artwork - Cards you really want in a binder or slab

Pros:

• Guaranteed value - Know exactly what you're getting
• Cost-effective - Avoid the risk of low-value product
• Condition control - Choose the exact condition you want
• Time efficient - No need to open packs

Cons:

• No pack-opening experience - Miss the thrill of the pull
• Higher upfront cost - Premium cards are expensive
• Less fun - Some collectors enjoy the opening experience

Our Recommendation

Best Strategy:

1. Buy 1-2 ETBs or bundles for the opening experience and chance at chase cards
2. Purchase singles for specific cards you want
3. Hold 1-2 sealed products for long-term investment
4. Wait 2-4 weeks after release for singles prices to stabilize

This approach gives you:

• The fun of opening packs
• Guaranteed cards you want
• Investment potential with sealed product
• Best prices by waiting for market to stabilize

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How Ascended Heroes Compares to Other Special Sets

Similar Sets Comparison

Here's how Ascended Heroes compares to other recent special sets:

Sealed appreciation based on 1-2 year holding period. Ascended Heroes appreciation is projected based on similar sets.

What Makes Ascended Heroes Different

• First 2026 release - Year-opening momentum
• Mega Evolution focus - Unique theme
• Potential rotation timing - Could affect competitive play
• Gold card emphasis - Premium treatments

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Pre-Order Guide: When and Where to Buy

When to Pre-Order

Best Time: 2-4 weeks before release (December 2025 - early January 2026)

• Early pre-orders often get better prices
• Limited availability on release day
• Price increases as release approaches

What to Pre-Order:

• Elite Trainer Boxes - Best value for pack count
• Booster Bundles - Good for opening multiple packs
• Collection Boxes - If you want specific promos

Where to Pre-Order

Recommended Retailers:

1. Pokemon Center - Official source, guaranteed authenticity
2. Local Card Shops - Support local, often competitive prices
3. Online Retailers - TCGPlayer, eBay (reputable sellers)
4. Big Box Stores - Target, Walmart (on release day)

What to Avoid:

• Suspiciously low prices - Too good to be true usually is
• Unverified sellers - Risk of resealed or fake product
• Pre-orders without guarantees - Make sure you can get refunds

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FAQ: Ascended Heroes Set Guide

When does Ascended Heroes release?

Ascended Heroes releases on January 30, 2026 in English markets.

How many cards are in Ascended Heroes?

The set contains 217 cards plus 1 secret card, for a total of 218 cards.

Will Ascended Heroes have booster boxes?

No, Ascended Heroes is a special set distributed only through special products like Elite Trainer Boxes, Booster Bundles, and Collection Boxes. There are no traditional booster boxes.

What is the main chase card in Ascended Heroes?

Mega Dragonite ex is the flagship chase card, with both regular and Special Illustration Rare versions expected. Gold Mega Dragonite ex and Gold Mega Charizard Y are also rumored to be top chase cards.

How much will Ascended Heroes products cost?

Based on similar special sets:

• Booster Bundles: $25-30 (6 packs)
• Elite Trainer Boxes: $50-60 (8-10 packs)
• Collection Boxes: $15-25 (2-3 packs plus promo)
• Per Pack: $4-5 (higher than regular sets)

Should I pre-order Ascended Heroes?

Pre-ordering can be beneficial if you want guaranteed product and potentially better prices. However, waiting until release can sometimes yield better deals as retailers compete. Pre-order 2-4 weeks before release for best results.

Will Ascended Heroes cards be legal in competitive play?

This depends on rotation timing. If Ascended Heroes releases before rotation, cards will be legal. If it's the first set of a new rotation, some cards may have new regulation marks. Check official Pokemon TCG announcements for rotation details.

What Japanese sets is Ascended Heroes based on?

Ascended Heroes pulls heavily from:

• Mega Dream ex - High-class pack with Mega Dragonite ex and Mega Gengar ex
• Start Deck 100 Battle Collection - Mega-themed product cards

Are the gold Mega cards confirmed?

Gold Mega Dragonite ex and Gold Mega Charizard Y are rumored but not officially confirmed. They're considered highly likely by the community, but wait for official card images to be certain.

Should I buy sealed product or singles?

Buy sealed if: You enjoy opening packs, want multiple cards, or are investing in sealed product.

Buy singles if: You want specific cards, are on a budget, or want guaranteed value.

Best strategy: Buy 1-2 sealed products for fun, then purchase singles for specific cards you want.

How does Ascended Heroes compare to Phantasmal Flames?

Both are special sets with Mega Evolution themes. Ascended Heroes is larger (217 cards vs 130), features different distribution (no booster boxes), and focuses on Mega Dragonite ex as the flagship. Phantasmal Flames had strong Charizard cards, while Ascended Heroes emphasizes Dragonite.

Will Ascended Heroes cards be expensive?

Top chase cards (Mega Dragonite ex SIR, gold cards) will likely be expensive ($100-300+). However, many cards will be affordable. Special sets often have a wide price range from common cards to premium chase cards.

Can I complete the Ascended Heroes set?

Yes, with 217 cards plus 1 secret, it's possible to complete the set. However, it will require either opening significant sealed product or purchasing singles. The secret card and top chase cards will be the most expensive to obtain.

Is Ascended Heroes a good investment?

Special sets often appreciate well over time, especially sealed product. Top chase cards (gold cards, SIRs) typically hold or increase in value. However, like any investment, there are no guarantees. Collect what you enjoy!

Where can I see all Ascended Heroes cards?

Once the set releases, check our Ascended Heroes set list page (if we add it) or official Pokemon TCG sources. For now, follow official Pokemon TCG social media and news for card reveals.

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Final Thoughts

Ascended Heroes is shaping up to be a major anchor point for the Mega Evolution era in English. With its January 30, 2026 release date fast approaching, collectors and players are eagerly awaiting more information.

Confirmed Details

• A large special set with over 200 cards
• Heavy focus on Mega Dragonite ex and other Mega Pokémon
• Distribution entirely through special products like ETBs, bundles and collections
• Premium treatments including gold cards and special illustration rares

Rumours to Watch

Rumours point toward gold Megas, Start Deck imports and interesting rotation timing, but those elements should be treated as speculative until officially confirmed. As more English card images are revealed in the coming weeks, we'll update this guide with confirmed information.

Why This Set Matters

As more English card images are revealed, this set has a strong chance to become one of the most important releases of 2026 for both collectors and players. The Mega Evolution theme, premium card treatments, and special distribution model all suggest this could be a standout set that appreciates well over time.

Key Takeaways:

• Pre-order 2-4 weeks before release for best prices
• Focus on Mega Dragonite ex and gold cards as top chase cards
• Consider both sealed product and singles for your collection strategy
• Watch for official card reveals in the coming weeks
• This could be a great investment opportunity, especially for sealed product

Whether you're a collector, player, or investor, Ascended Heroes is definitely a set to watch. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available!

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