Pokémon TCG “Ascended Heroes” — Full Breakdown of the 2026 Holiday Set
The Pokémon TCG is kicking off 2026 with a major release: Ascended Heroes, the first English Holiday Set of the Mega Evolution era. Launching 30 January 2026, this set brings back iconic Mega Evolutions while introducing several brand‑new ones — making it one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
A New Wave of Mega Evolutions
Ascended Heroes introduces a powerful lineup of Mega Evolution Pokémon, including both returning favourites and first‑time debuts in the TCG.
Returning Mega Evolutions
- Mega Charizard Y
- Mega Dragonite
- Mega Gengar
- Mega Hawlucha
- Mega Eelektross
New Mega Evolutions Making Their TCG Debut
- Mega Dragonite
- Mega Froslass
- Mega Hawlucha
- Mega Eelektross
- Mega Scraggy
These cards feature vibrant artwork and are positioned as collector highlights for the set.
Set Details & Card Breakdown
Ascended Heroes is packed with content, boasting a large card list and a strong focus on Mega Evolution ex cards.
Key Set Stats
- Release Date: 30 January 2026
- Card Count: 285+
- Mega Evolution ex Cards: 20+
- Includes Charizard, Gengar, Gardevoir & Lucario
- Trainer Cards: 15+
- Illustration Rares (IR): 33+
- Includes Charizard & Gengar
- Ultra Rares (UR): 12+
- Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, Trainers, and first‑ever Item/Stadium/Tool URs
- Special Illustration Rares (SIR): 8+
- Mega Evolution Pokémon & Supporters
This makes Ascended Heroes one of the largest and most diverse Holiday Sets to date.
What Makes a Holiday Set Different?
Holiday Sets in the Pokémon TCG differ from standard expansions:
- No booster boxes
- Smaller, curated product lineup
- Typically more limited in availability
- Often become more valuable over time
Ascended Heroes follows this model, offering a range of premium products instead of traditional booster boxes.
Ascended Heroes Product Lineup
Here’s every product confirmed for the set:
Booster Pack
- 11 cards per pack
- Includes 9 unique cards, 1 Energy, and 1 TCG Live code
- Release: 30 January 2026
Premium Poster Collection
- 10 booster packs
- Includes special Mega Attack promo cards
- Two versions: Lucario or Gardevoir
- Release: 20 March 2026
Booster Bundle
- 6 booster packs
- Release: 24 April 2026
Elite Trainer Box (ETB)
- 9 booster packs
- Includes an exclusive N’s Reshiram promo
- Release: 20 February 2026
3‑Pack Blisters
- Includes Charmander or Gastly promo
- Release: 30 January 2026
Mini Tins
- 2 booster packs + artwork insert
- Release: 20 February 2026
Ascended Heroes Collection
- A 2‑pack blister featuring Larry and a Larry coin
- Release: 30 January 2026
Japanese Equivalent: Mega Dream
Fans won’t have to wait long for early previews — Japan’s equivalent set, Mega Dream, releases 28 November 2025, two months earlier than the English version.
Japanese sets typically feature:
- Higher print quality
- Booster boxes (unlike English Holiday Sets)
- Early access to artwork and card reveals
This makes Mega Dream a popular import option for collectors and players eager to experience the set early.
Final Thoughts
Ascended Heroes is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Holiday Sets in years, combining:
- Fan‑favourite Mega Evolutions
- Brand‑new Mega debuts
- A large card pool
- Premium product offerings
- Strong collector appeal
With its January launch, it sets the tone for a massive year in the Pokémon TCG.