Well, 2025 is almost over and, while we've capped it off with the brilliant Phantasmal Flames expansion, all eyes are already on Pokémon TCG's upcoming special set, Ascended Heroes. As the 2026 equivalent of Prismatic Evolutions, this is a set packed full of hits and chases that will be as elusive as they are breathtaking. If you're hoping to plan your SIR or IR collection like me, here are the 10 biggest chase cards of Pokémon Ascended Heroes.
With 2026's first expansion already sold out from most places, I'd recommend checking out our article on making your Pokémon Ascended Heroes pre-orders - this will help you potentially get your orders in early. I also personally recommend going with our partner Chaos Cards because it has an invitation system, so you can add your email and hope, with crossed fingers, that you'll be one of the lucky ones.
It's worth noting that the upcoming Pokémon TCG set's full card list hasn't been revealed just yet, so my picks are based on the chase cards from Mega Dream ex, the newly released Japanese set on which it'll be based. Ascended Heroes will have all of these cards, as well as some additional ones, but the majority of the chases here will remain the set's most valuable cards.
10. Mega Dragonite ex (Mega Hyper Rare)
As one of the rarest cards from Mega Dream ex, I have no doubt that this gold Mega Dragonite ex will be just as valuable once Ascended Heroes releases. In that case, why is it at the bottom of my top 10 list? Well, sorry, but in my view, these all-gold cards suck. They're hard to pull, so they still have a place here, but fewer people will want ugly cards. This isn't Trump Tower, we don't need everything in tacky gold.
It helps that it's a Mega Hyper Rare of the set's mascot, but in all honesty, the other options on this list are far better. If it were easier to pull a Mega Hyper Rare, there's a solid chance this wouldn't be anywhere near the top 10 list.
9. Steven's Metagross ex SIR
Kicking off our long list of Special Illustration Rares, Steven's Metagross ex showcases the trainer and his Pokémon, with Metagross' dangerous-looking feet (paws?) on display, with the spike glimmering in strength. It's not a hugely popular duo, but it's a nice-looking single that will no doubt look brilliant in your binder.
Personally, while I'm not a fan of Steven or Metagross, I genuinely think this is a fantastic-looking card. The artwork really showcases Metagross' scale, and I love the fact that the trainer is a minor focus compared to the 'mon.
8. Iono's Bellibolt ex SIR
Another set, another Iono's Bellibolt pairing. While 2024 has seen its fair share of Bellibolt, from promos to Journey Together, I actually love this card. Iono and Bellibolt are seemingly circling each other, with the pair surrounded by vibrant colors, which is a fitting style when compared to the long list of other Iono's Bellibolt we've seen this year.
I love this card. I think it's a gorgeous piece of art that really highlights how fun and vibrant the Pokémon series can be. Bellibolt's green body really contrasts well with Iono's pink hair and yellow jacket, making the entire artwork feel bouncy and energetic. I think this would be a top-three chase if it weren't for the fact that we've seen quite a few examples of this pairing over the last year.
7. N's Zoroark ex SIR
If it weren't for the fact that N's Zekrom was an Ascended Heroes promo card, I think that would take this spot. However, it is, and that gives N's Zoroark ex a chance to shine as a major chase of the set. Both N and Zoroark are front and center here, sitting next to each other in a stained-glass-style background, and as a Kingdom Hearts fanatic, I can only say - MORE OF THIS… please. N is really giving his inner Sora here, let me tell you.
N's cards don't really become any set's main chases, hence why it's lower on this list, but I can't deny that this is a gorgeous Pokémon card. I personally have this in my top three and, considering that N's Reshiram was one of my favorites of Journey Together, I really hope I pull this.
6. Marnie's Grimmsnarl ex SIR
Revealed alongside Mega Gengar ex, which I will talk about very soon, Marnie's Grimmsnarl is a fairly interesting card in my eyes. While it's not an instantly recognizable duo, the artwork gives a kind of street-fighting aesthetic, with the pair standing ready to start a Pokémon battle in a fenced-off area. It's a lovely-looking card, but the main reason I've added it here is that it's currently sitting at around $100 in average sales, according to Pricecharting.
I think it'll become quite a big chase card, and while it's not a personal favorite of mine, I can see why people love it. For that reason, as well as its value, it hits a great #6 spot on our top chases list, but we're now going into the top five, so hold onto your trainer hats.
5. Canari SIR
Our first and only trainer SIR on this list, Canari has instantly become a valuable card from Mega Dream ex (and Ascended Heroes) based on existing sales for the Japanese version of the card. Sitting at roughly $107 in average sales (according to Pricecharting), this will easily be one of the set's most sought-after chase cards.
As someone who loves the full-art trainers, I think Canari will be highly sought after, and while I will be trying to complete a master set anyway, I really hope I pull this card fairly early into my pack-ripping sessions.
4. Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR
Honestly, if you ask me, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex is pretty dull, but I think it'll still be a chase card because so many folks adore it. It's got Giovanni and Mewtwo like the Destined Rivals main hit, but the artwork isn't as appealing, and it looks like both of them are looking at you in absolute disgust. They have reason to be disgusted at me, but I don't need to be reminded of that.
It's clearly valuable due to the fact that Destined Rivals remains one of Scarlet & Violet's most scalped and expensive sets on third-party markets, so there's a lot of love for Mewtwo - I see it, I understand it, but in all honesty, the recent chases for Team Rocket's Mewtwo have been disappointing. I hate to say it, but I prefer the 151 promo and the Pokémon Go full art.
3. Pikachu ex SIR
Few cards hold value like a great Pikachu, and as one of the cutest Pokémon around (as well as the most iconic), it's hard not to put an SIR version as one of the top chases of Ascended Heroes. So, it's here, of course. With a similar art style to the Prismatic Evolutions and Surging Sparks versions of the card, it's an adorably simple card with Pikachu donning the terastal crown once again.
Admittedly, it's very cute, and one that caught my eye straight away, but I can't help feeling that this is an overdone design for Pikachu now. This is the third variant in a similar style, and it's growing tired, but since it is Pikachu, and it is slightly different, that's two good reasons why it lands in the #3 position for Ascended Heroes.
2. Mega Dragonite ex SIR
I've already had a moment to talk about why the SIR Mega Dragonite ex is my favorite card from Ascended Heroes, and I don't want to repeat myself. But the basic gist is that it's vibrant, beautiful, and a prime reason why collecting Pokémon cards is so fun. If it wasn't for the fact that there's one last, spooky-looking chase overshadowing it, it would certainly be in the #1 spot for the ultimate chase of this set.
As far as SIRs go, I think this should be a shoo-in for our list of the best Pokémon cards, period. Maybe it's me being a Dragonite fanboy (and it probably is that), but I think it's absolutely stunning, and cards like this are one of the biggest reasons I'm still trying to catch 'em all over two decades later. This alone gives me reason to pre-order as many Ascended Heroes products as I can.
1. Mega Gengar ex SIR
If my heart is saying Mega Dragonite, my head is certainly saying Mega Gengar ex, and I have zero doubt that this will be Ascended Heroes' biggest, most valuable chase. The Gengar VMAX Alt Art dominates as one of Sword and Shield's most expensive Pokémon cards from its Fusion Strike era, and with Japanese versions of this SIR already selling for $800, there's clear evidence to suggest this is the card to get when Ascended Heroes releases.
Highlighting the powerful stare of Mega Gengar, mixed in with swirling toxic mist, this is a gorgeous version of our favorite spooky 'mon, and it's become a poster boy for Ascended in its own right. Blending beautifully-drawn artwork with an iconic Pokémon is always a surefire way to success, and Mega Gengar ex proves it once again.
While I hope that more cards are revealed ahead of Pokémon Ascended Heroes' release early next year, I feel pretty certain that this list covers most of the community's biggest chases - at least, they're definitely mine. If you're keen to get some deals on the TCG, or if you just want to talk about why your favorite legendary Pokémon is Giratina (that's the right answer), join our Wargamer Discord and chat with other like-minded trainers like myself.