Mega Evolution drops on September 26, 2025, marking a defining moment for the Pokémon TCG. This series of expansions introduces Mega Evolutions as stronger versions of fan-favorite Pokémon, sporting higher HP and bigger attacks than anything we’ve seen before. Beyond competitive play, collectors will chase tricked-out alternate art versions at rarities like Special Illustration Rare and the brand-new Mega Hyper Rare.
Pull rates are tough—making these cards some of the most elusive and desirable in years. On top of that, Pokémon is leaning into connected art spreads more than ever, giving players and collectors reasons to build complete binder pages. With that in mind, here’s a closer look at the cards everyone’s talking about in Mega Evolution.
10. Marshadow #146
Marshadow sneaks into Mega Evolution as one of the most stylish Illustration Rares. Its alternate art showcases a moody, spectral design that stands out among the set’s more explosive cards. About 11% of Mega Evolution booster packs contain an Illustration Rare, so collectors can expect to pull one roughly every nine packs. Still, assembling a full Illustration Rare binder page takes work, and Marshadow’s unique theme makes it a piece worth hunting.
9. Mega Absol ex #180
Mega Absol ex combines competitive flexibility with strong collector demand. Its sleek design makes it one of the most striking Mega Evolutions visually, and Absol has always had a dedicated fanbase. The Special Illustration Rare version falls in the ~1% pull rate range, meaning you’ll likely need to open dozens of packs to see one. Historically, Absol cards age well, and this Mega form feels destined for the same trajectory.
8. Mega Kangaskhan ex #182
As a classic powerhouse from the X & Y era, Mega Kangaskhan ex returns with a new take in Mega Evolution. The card’s sheer HP and damage potential keep it interesting for players experimenting with tank strategies. Its Special Illustration Rare version is among the hardest pulls, averaging around one copy per 2929 packs if you’re aiming to complete the whole set. Kangaskhan’s parent-and-child theme only heightens its appeal, ensuring this card doesn’t slip under the radar.
7. Mega Venusaur ex #177 (plus Ivysaur #134, Bulbasaur #133)
Mega Venusaur ex headlines one of Mega Evolution’s centerpiece connected art trios. Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Mega Venusaur ex form a stunning triptych by artist mashu, echoing some of Pokémon’s best binder-page spreads to date. Mega Venusaur ex lands in the Special Illustration Rare tier, appearing in only about 1% of booster packs. Combine that with the Illustration Rares of Bulbasaur and Ivysaur at 11% each, and it’s clear that completing this trio will be a challenge collectors can’t resist.
6. Lillie’s Determination #184
Every era has its defining Supporter, and for Mega Evolution it’s Lillie’s Determination. This card offers unparalleled draw support, often compared to Cynthia and Iono, but with the ability to draw even more cards early in the game. The Special Illustration Rare version carries the same 1% pack rate as other SIRs, making it one of the toughest pulls in Mega Evolution. Its dual appeal as both a competitive staple and a high-rarity chase card will make it the single most expensive Supporter in the set.
5. Mega Latias ex #181
Mega Latias ex enters the set with eye-catching art and solid mid-tier playability. Players may test it as a secondary attacker, but its main draw lies in its aesthetics. Collectors are especially excited about its Special Illustration Rare version, which is roughly a 1 in 100 pack hit. Mega Latias has always been a fan-favorite legendary, and this Mega Evolution treatment ensures it won’t be overlooked.
4. Mega Lucario ex #179
Lucario is one of the faces of Mega Evolution, and its Special Illustration Rare card embodies that status. Atsushi Furusawa’s art squeezes a parade of Mega-Evolved Pokémon into one dazzling image, creating a single-card homage to the Mega Evolution trailer. At about a 1% pull rate, finding this card won’t be easy. Every Lucario collector will want a copy, ensuring long-term demand that far outweighs its actual competitive value.
3. Mega Gardevoir ex #178
Mega Gardevoir ex is the other central headliner of Mega Evolution, and Raita Kazama’s prism-like art makes the Special Illustration Rare a masterpiece. The card combines Gardevoir’s entire evolution line into one breathtaking visual, further elevating its collector appeal. With a 1% pull rate, obtaining the SIR version will test even dedicated collectors. On the competitive side, its flexibility as an alternate attacker keeps it playable now and potentially beyond rotation.
2. Mega Gardevoir ex #187 (Hyper Rare)
One of only two Mega Hyper Rares in the set, Mega Gardevoir ex #187 features the monochromatic gold treatment that collectors will fight to acquire. These are the rarest cards in Mega Evolution, appearing in less than 0.03% of booster packs—on average, you’d need to open around 3750 packs to find both Hyper Rares. Its aesthetic is unlike anything else in the set, combining prestige with ultra-scarcity. For Gardevoir fans, this is the ultimate centerpiece.
1. Mega Lucario ex #188 (Hyper Rare)
Topping the list is the other Mega Hyper Rare: Mega Lucario ex #188. Its golden finish paired with Lucario’s franchise mascot status ensures sky-high demand. Like Mega Gardevoir’s Hyper Rare, it’s an ultra-rare pull, found in only a fraction of 1% of packs. The chase factor alone puts it alongside the most valuable modern Pokémon cards, making it the pinnacle of Mega Evolution for players, collectors, and investors alike.
Mega Evolution is more than just another Pokémon TCG expansion—it’s a statement set. Between the introduction of Mega Hyper Rares, the return of connected art spreads, and headliner cards that balance playability with collector appeal, it’s already shaping up to define the next era.
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