Mega Evolution is back: how Mega Pokémon ex work, and every set so far
Mega Pokémon ex give up three Prize cards and evolve like any other Pokémon. How they work, how they differ from the XY-era Megas, and every Mega Evolution set so far, in order.
In September 2025 the Pokémon TCG began a new series, Mega Evolution, built around a new kind of card: the Mega Evolution Pokémon ex. If you last played or collected in the XY era, when Mega-EX cards first appeared, a lot has changed. Here’s what you need to know.
How Mega Pokémon ex work
- They evolve like any other Pokémon. A Mega ex evolves from its usual pre-evolution, so Mega Lucario ex evolves from Riolu and Mega Gardevoir ex from Kirlia.
- No Mega Stone, and your turn carries on. In the XY era, Mega Evolving ended your turn unless the right Spirit Link card was attached. Today’s Mega ex follow the normal evolution rules: evolve, and keep playing.
- They’re worth three Prize cards. When a Mega ex is Knocked Out, your opponent takes three Prize cards, one more than for a regular Pokémon ex. Their big attacks and high HP make up for it.
How they turn up in packs
Most Mega ex appear first as a Double Rare (★★), the regular-art version you’ll pull most often. The same Pokémon can then appear as a full-art Ultra Rare, a Special Illustration Rare and, for usually one card per main set, a gold Mega Hyper Rare, the hardest pull in the set. Our guide to rarity symbols explains each tier.
Every Mega Evolution set so far
- Mega Evolution, 26 September 2025: the set that brought Mega Evolution back, with Mega Venusaur ex, Mega Gardevoir ex, Mega Latias ex and Mega Absol ex among its Megas.
- Phantasmal Flames, 14 November 2025: Mega Charizard X ex, Mega Gengar ex and Mega Lopunny ex.
- Ascended Heroes, 30 January 2026: the era’s big special set, and the return of Trainer’s Pokémon. Read our Ascended Heroes guide.
- Perfect Order, 27 March 2026: four new Mega ex, led by Mega Zygarde ex. Read our Perfect Order guide.
- Chaos Rising, 22 May 2026: Mega Greninja ex and a set full of Kalos favourites. Read our Chaos Rising guide.
- Pitch Black, 17 July 2026: six Mega ex, led by Mega Darkrai ex. Read our Pitch Black guide.
- 30th Celebration, 16 September 2026: the all-foil anniversary set, with 30 Pikachu in the main set.
- Delta Reign, out 6 November 2026: the next expansion, led by Mega Rayquaza ex.
Where to start
If you want one of everything, the regular-art Double Rares are the cheapest way to own each Mega ex, and they play just the same as the rarer versions. If you’re collecting, pick a favourite Pokémon and follow it up the rarity ladder, from Double Rare to full art to special illustration. Browse every Double Rare and Ultra Rare in stock, or start with the newest sets.
