Pokémon Perfect Order is almost here, with the Japanese version (Nullifying Zero) already available. As a fairly small set, there's not a lot of essential chases, but there are some bangers (like any expansion), including some gorgeous SIRs and, while not a huge positive for me, there's also a Mega Hyper Rare to collect. If you, like me, are on a quest to find the best Pokémon cards in every new set, here are the eight chases you should pray to Arceus that you'll pull from Perfect Order.
Even though the Perfect Order Pokémon TCG expansion hasn't had its full list of cards revealed yet, Japan's Nullifying Zero is practically a 1:1 crossover. That means just over 100 cards, including Illustration Rares and above, so it's not a big set. Annoyingly, they're also sold out at Pokémon Center, so I'd recommend using our partner retailer, Chaos Cards. Alternatively, you can use our Pokémon Perfect Order pre-orders article to find other retailers.
It's also worth mentioning that these are my top picks for Perfect Order, and aren't related to community sentiment or the actual most expensive Pokémon cards from the set. They're just chases I love (or, in some cases, hate) that I'm nevertheless convinced are this expansion's true Big Hitters.
8. Mega Zygarde ex #117 (Mega Hyper Rare)
Ugh. Another Mega Evolution set, another Mega Hyper Rare. I've made my opinion on these all-gold chases clear: I do not like them, Sam I Am - especially when compared to the SIRs of each expansion. However, it's still the hardest card to pull in any expansion, and as such, it has to be on this chase cards list - simply by default.
Compared to other Mega Hyper Rares, I honestly feel this might be the worst. That's not due to its design or aesthetics per se, but simply because it looks like nothing; you can't make out a clear silhouette at all, let alone one that embodies the 'Mon's personality. Mega Zygarde ex is so cool, it hurts my head to see such a painfully boring chase for its Mega Hyper Rare version and, while I still didn't enjoy the Lucario, Gardevoir, and Charizard MHRs, this one is easily my least favorite. Which, if I haven't made it clear, is a low bar. Right, onwards and upwards…
7. Naveen #106 (Illustration Rare)
I really like Naveen, and I'm quite sad there isn't a Special Illustration Rare version of him in Perfect Order, but beggars can't be choosers. Wearing his custom-made Team MZ outfit, Naveen is probably my favorite side-character from the Pokémon Legends Z-A game, and that means he goes straight into a spot on my chase cards list.
Unfortunately, no SIR means that he sits almost at the bottom. But, if The Pokémon Company were to give him better treatment (wink wink, nudge nudge), he'd be a top candidate for me. Alas, it isn't meant to be this time around.
6. Mega Starmie ex #111 (Special Illustration Rare)
Starmie has never been one of my favorite Pokémon; it's just there for me. However, the Special Illustration Rare of Mega Starmie ex might just turn me into a Starmie believer. Showcasing the Water/Psychic 'mon shooting off a powerful laser beam in badass fashion, straight from its powerful core, it's wonderfully dynamic. It also forced me to read into Starmie more and realize it can shoot electrical waves that can reach the furthest parts of the universe. God, Starmie is cool?
5. Clefairy #86 (Illustration Rare)
If Mega Starmie ex looks great and is a Special Illustration Rare, why is a simple Clefairy IR beating it? Well, I go into more detail on my article discussing Clefairy #86 from Perfect Order, but the gist is - it's adorable. Like, one of the most adorable cards I've ever laid my eyes on.
Clefairy rightly has a permanent seat in our guide to the cutest Pokémon of all time, and this is one card that truly does them justice. Considering it's a stunning bit of artwork, and it's an IR (so it'll be cheaper on the secondary market), it deserves a great spot on this list, and I think #5 suits it perfectly.
Another cutesy classic 'Mon card in Nullifying Zero has pushed Clefairy a little further down the list, but that's not a bad thing. It's easily the best IR of the expansion, and I can't wait to get this precious little cutie.
4. Mega Clefable ex #112 (Special Illustration Rare)
Speaking of the devil - Mega Clefable ex #112. Clefable has never had the luxury of getting a Special Illustration Rare, and it's about damn time it did. Even though it could've fallen flat with poor artwork, Mega Clefable looks absolutely stunning, a bright pink burst of color over an ocean of other hues, making it pop in all its glory.
It's good enough to bump Clefairy down a step, and Mega Clefable ex #112 is easily one of my favorite reveals for Perfect Order. There are other cards that beat it out, but in reality, if I pull this card from my packs, I'll certainly be happy.
3. Jacinthe #116 (Special Illustration Rare)
There's typically one trainer card that beats out the rest in terms of value and chase-ability, and I have full belief that Jacinthe #116 is that card. As a noblewoman and leader of Lumiose's Society of Battle Connoisseurs, the card shows her elegantly dressed, highlighting both her unbeatable fashion sense and her luxurious feasts, with a display of food laid out in front of her.
Jacinthe is a pretty unforgettable character throughout Legends Z-A, and I foresee her popularity pouring out into the Pokémon TCG. It helps that the selection of trainers and secret rares in this set is pretty average, but Jacinthe is a popular pick for a chase card in my eyes. So, that's why she's in the top three.
2. Meowth ex #114 (Secret Illustration Rare)
When I said this list was purely my opinion, well, I told a little white lie. Meowth is a great Pokémon, but its latest Special Illustration Rare in Perfect Order is a bit dull compared to most chases. On the other hand, it's also Meowth. So, considering how much Team Rocket is loved (looking at you, Destined Rivals stock shortage), I can see this card being massively popular.
Meowth ex #114 highlights the Normal-type kitty cat with a thick yellow comic book-esque border, and a vibrant suite of colors for the background. It's a nice card by all means, but it's not a favorite of mine. No, this gets the number two spot mostly because of Team Rocket's continued reign over the Pokémon TCG fandom, and as such, Meowth gets to be one of my top chases for fame alone.
1, Mega Zygarde ex #113 (Special Illustration Rare)
Considering the Mega Zygarde ex MHR is at the bottom of this chase card list, it's ironic that the Special Illustration Rare version of the 'mon is crowned as my favorite chase of Perfect Order. Ironic, that is, until you actually see the card and say to yourself, 'yeah, that makes sense'. Like a rainbow of pure, godlike Poképower, Mega Zygarde ex #113 puts this classic legendary Pokémon front and center, a whole kaleidoscope of colors bursting around it as it unleashes a powerful attack.
Zygarde isn't one of my favorite legendaries - not even close, actually. But this might be one of the most breathtaking SIRs, and the fact that it releases alongside a small expansion makes it even more worthwhile chasing. Sure, if there were a Giratina SIR here, things might be a little different when it comes to rankings, but Zygarde's artwork deserves the top spot, and it's absolutely the set's best chase.
Once again, if you're looking to make your Pokémon Perfect Order purchases, we'd suggest heading to our partner, Chaos Cards. However, you can also join the Wargamer Discord and be pinged for any potential retail-priced or below market value 'deals' as and when they pop up! Who knows, maybe you'll score some of these excellent chases.