Pokemon TCG Pocket Mega Rising: Best Cards to Collect
The digital evolution of the Pokémon Trading Card Game is on the horizon with Pokémon TCG Pocket, and its inaugural expansion, "Mega Rising," is set to make a colossal impact. Centered around the fan-favorite Mega Evolution mechanic, this set introduces a powerful new dynamic to digital deck-building. With a massive checklist of cards to collect, players will need a strategy for opening packs and hunting down the most dominant threats.
This guide breaks down the best cards to chase in the Mega Rising expansion, detailing the game-changing Mega Evolutions, the ultra-rare chase cards, and the essential support you'll need to build a winning deck from day one.
What is the Mega Rising Expansion?
Mega Rising is the first major card set announced for Pokémon TCG Pocket, launching with the app to introduce the powerful Mega Evolution mechanic to the digital format. This mechanic allows certain Pokémon-EX to evolve one step further into an even stronger "Mega" form, boasting immense HP and devastating attacks that can single-handedly turn the tide of a match.
The expansion is substantial, containing a confirmed 331 unique cards. This large card pool ensures a diverse and exciting meta right from the start. As suggested by the name, the set's primary theme revolves around the Kalos region's iconic Mega-Evolved Pokémon, promising to bring some of the most popular and powerful creatures in the franchise's history to the forefront of digital play.
The Best Cards to Chase in Mega Rising
With over 300 cards to collect, knowing what to look for is crucial. The Mega Rising set is divided into three different pack types, meaning you'll need to prioritize your pack openings to target the cards you want most. Here are the absolute must-have cards that should be on every player's radar.
The Six Game-Changing Mega Evolutions
The stars of the show are the six Mega Evolution Pokémon-EX cards. These are the titans of the set and will undoubtedly be the cornerstones of many top-tier decks. In the physical TCG, evolving into a Mega Evolution immediately ends your turn, a strategic trade-off for unleashing incredible power on your next move. This high-risk, high-reward gameplay is expected to translate to the digital app. While the full list of six is still under wraps, we can anticipate some of the most iconic Megas to be included.
Key Mega Evolution cards to watch for:
- Mega Charizard-EX: A perennial favorite, Mega Charizard (in either its X or Y form) is known for attacks that require a high energy cost but deliver knockout blows. Expect this to be one of the most sought-after cards for aggressive, fire-based decks.
- Mega Lucario-EX: Often a more technical fighter, Mega Lucario typically features attacks that become more powerful based on the number of Pokémon in play or other board-state conditions. It’s a strategic choice for players who enjoy complex, combo-oriented strategies.
- Mega Kangaskhan-EX: A classic powerhouse from the X & Y era of the TCG, Mega Kangaskhan is known for its ability to hit for staggering damage with minimal setup, making it a consistent and threatening attacker.
Uncovering the Gold Crown Rares
Beyond the Mega Evolutions, the Mega Rising set features three "Gold Crown" cards. These are the ultimate chase cards for collectors and competitive players alike. In the modern TCG, gold cards typically represent Secret Rare versions of Pokémon, Trainer cards, or Energy cards, featuring stunning golden borders and unique textures.
These three cards will likely be the rarest and most visually impressive in the expansion. Their in-game value will depend on what they are. A Gold Crown Pokémon would be a deck's centerpiece, while a Gold Crown Trainer card, like a popular Supporter, could become an auto-include in nearly every deck, making it incredibly valuable for competitive play.
Essential Pokémon-EX
You can't have Mega Evolution without the base Pokémon-EX to evolve from. These powerful Basic Pokémon are formidable in their own right and will be essential for any deck aiming to use a Mega.
- Lucario-EX: Before it can Mega Evolve, Lucario-EX will likely have versatile attacks that help set up your strategy or apply early pressure.
- Charizard-EX: A solid attacker on its own, Charizard-EX will be the foundation for one of the set's most explosive strategies.
- Other Potential EX Pokémon: Look for other popular Pokémon from the Mega Evolution era, such as Venusaur-EX, Blastoise-EX, or Mewtwo-EX, to make an appearance as strong contenders.
Meta-Defining Trainer and Support Cards
A deck is only as good as its engine. The most powerful Pokémon are useless if you can't get them into play or attach the necessary energy. Mega Rising will be packed with crucial Trainer cards that enable strategies and provide consistency.
- Draw Supporters: Cards that let you draw more cards (like Professor Juniper or N from past eras) are the lifeblood of any deck. A powerful draw Supporter in this set will be a day-one staple.
- Energy Acceleration: With high attack costs on Mega Pokémon, cards that allow you to attach extra energy per turn will be critical.
- Search Cards: Cards that let you search your deck for specific Pokémon (like Ultra Ball) are vital for finding your key EX and Mega Evolution pieces at the right time.
How Mega Evolution Will Shape the TCG Pocket Meta
The introduction of Mega Evolution is a foundational moment for Pokémon TCG Pocket. This mechanic immediately creates a new layer of strategy.
- Pacing: The rule that your turn ends upon Mega Evolving forces players to think critically about timing. Do you evolve now and sacrifice a turn of attacking to set up an unstoppable threat, or do you wait for a safer moment?
- Deck Building: Decks will be built around supporting a single Mega Evolution Pokémon. This means including multiple copies of the Basic EX, the Mega form, and Trainer cards dedicated to searching for them and powering them up.
- Increased Power Level: With HP pools likely exceeding 200 and attack damage reaching new heights, the speed of the game will increase. Decks that can't keep up with the damage output of a fully powered Mega Evolution will be left behind.
Pokémon TCG Pocket: Mega Rising FAQ
What is the "Mega Rising" set? Mega Rising is the first major expansion for the upcoming mobile game Pokémon TCG Pocket. Its central theme is the introduction of the Mega Evolution game mechanic.
How many cards are in the Mega Rising expansion? The Mega Rising set contains 331 unique cards, making it a large and diverse expansion for players to collect and build decks with.
What is the main new mechanic in Mega Rising? The headline feature is Mega Evolution, which allows certain Pokémon-EX to evolve into incredibly powerful Mega Pokémon-EX with higher HP and stronger attacks.
How many Mega Evolution cards are in the set? Mega Rising will feature six different Mega Evolution Pokémon-EX cards, which are expected to be the most powerful and sought-after cards in the expansion.