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.
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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.
Mega Evolution Base Set Chase Cards, Ranked
Per booster pack, the odds listed for Mega Evolution Base Set are:
- Mega Hyper Rare (the gold full-art chase cards): 0.08% ± 0.08%, or about 1 in 1260 packs. For one specific card, the estimate is about 1 in 2520 packs. The two MHRs are Mega Gardevoir ex #187 and Mega Lucario ex #188.
- Special Illustration Rare: About 1 in 101 packs.
- Everyday hits: One guide says you can realistically expect to pull around 4 Illustration Rares and 3 Ultra Rares in one 36-pack box.
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.
Is Mega Evolution Base Set Worth Buying or Holding?
Mega Evolution Base Set Booster Box
The Enhanced Booster Box contains the same 36 packs as the standard booster box plus a stamped Bulbasaur promo card, which makes it the better choice if you’re buying a box for the base set, though I couldn’t find a current price for it. The standard booster box has recently sold for roughly $280 to $340 and is the usual pick for holding sealed product long term.
Here are four reasons the base set is worth considering now:
- Generous everyday hits. Collectors can realistically expect around 4 Illustration Rares and 3 Ultra Rares in a 36-pack box, so you’re likely to pull something exciting even without a chase card. The pull rates for the “everyday” hits have been noticeably “buffed.”
- Chase cards with established value. The Mega Lucario ex Mega Hyper Rare has traded in the low-to-mid $200s, and several Special Illustration Rares are in the $60 to $230 range, so the top of the set has real market value.
- Momentum in the Mega era. A Q2 2026 market report says market attention has shifted entirely to the Mega Evolution era, and the Mega Pokémon franchise has a lot of fan demand behind it.
- Cheap to complete with singles. If you want the whole set rather than sealed product, you can complete most of the set by buying singles for cheap. That lowers the cost of collecting it.
Mega Evolution Base Set ETB
Mega Evolution Base Set Booster Bundle
The Elite Trainer Box comes in Mega Lucario and Mega Gardevoir versions, each with a full-art foil promo, sleeves, energy cards, and dice. Resale listings have been well above retail, so it’s better suited to opening than to flipping. The Booster Bundle is the cheapest way in with six packs, but listings disagree on its retail price ($26 or $42), so check the current price before buying.
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