Ascended Heroes Set Review: Powering Up Your Pokemon TCG Deck

Ascended Heroes brings back the beloved Mega evolution mechanic through new Mega ex cards, introducing the innovative Ascension system that allows basic ex Pokemon to evolve into their Mega forms during play. At 295 total cards with 22 Special Illustration Rares, this expansion represents the largest Pokemon TCG set to date. The nostalgic return of Mega evolutions combined with stunning artwork has created massive excitement in both competitive and collector circles.

High-Value Singles

• Mega Gengar ex Special Illustration Rare — The #1 chase card of the set at $830-$975, with PSA 10 graded copies approaching $5,000
• Mega Charizard Y ex Mega Hyper Rare — The gold-bordered premium variant commands $638-$651, ranking among the most expensive modern Charizard cards
• Mega Dragonite ex Special Illustration Rare — The set mascot at $497-$572, described as one of the most beautiful Pokemon cards ever printed
• Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rare — Two SIR versions exist (#276 and #277), both valued at $364-$516
• Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex Special Illustration Rare — A fan-favorite at $336-$350 with strong collector demand
• Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Illustration Rare — The vibrant artwork and Lillie fan appeal have made this a dark horse collector favorite at $247-$272

Notable Interactions

This marks the TCG's most ambitious expansion yet, featuring nearly 300 cards including an unprecedented 22 Special Illustration Rares. The reintroduced Mega evolution system allows basic ex Pokemon to transform into powerful Mega ex forms, creating exciting new deck building possibilities. Mega Gengar ex and Mega Dragonite ex have already found their way into competitive tournament lists, working synergistically with the new Ascension mechanic cards to create formidable strategies.

What the Community Is Saying

The Pokemon community finds itself split over the set's unique distribution model, as traditional booster boxes aren't available—packs only come through specialty products, maintaining tight supply and elevated single prices. Players are thrilled about the nostalgic return of Mega evolutions to modern gameplay, though collectors are frustrated by the regional release strategy that many perceive as artificially limiting availability. Pull rates for Special Illustration Rares have proven exceptionally difficult, with collectors reporting streaks of 35+ packs without hitting any of the 22 SIRs. Among collector favorites, Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Illustration Rare has emerged as an unexpected standout at $247-$272, while N's Zoroark ex Special Illustration Rare sits around $164 as another beloved chase card.

Available Products

• Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box — 9 Booster packs + energy cards + accessories
• Ascended Heroes Booster Bundle — 6 Booster packs + promo card
• Ascended Heroes Booster Box — 36 Booster packs