Pokémon TCG: Ascended Heroes – Pull Rates, Prices & Top Cards
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and the latest expansion, ‘s Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes, is proving to be a particularly interesting release for collectors and players alike. Early data suggests pull rates are more generous than recent sets, offering a welcome change for those investing in packs.
For context, the Pokémon TCG market has experienced volatility. Recent sets, like Fable, had notoriously low pull rates for Special Illustration Rares (SIRs), reportedly around 1 in 50 packs. This led to frustration among collectors and a cooling of the market. Ascended Heroes, however, appears to be a course correction. Pull rate data compiled from prerelease events () and initial full release openings indicates a more favorable experience.
The data, drawn from over 2,400 packs analyzed across various sources including Reddit spreadsheets, Instagram breakdowns, and CardChill/PTCGL communities, reveals a tiered rarity structure. Prerelease packs, which contained event-specific cards, skewed towards higher rates of Pokémon ex and Ultimate Rare cards – meta staples like Mega Dragonite ex were frequently found. Full release packs, primarily from blisters and Pokémon Day bundles, emphasized the art chase cards.
Specifically, the weighted average pull rates from prerelease events show approximately 1 in 4.8 packs yielding a Pokémon ex or Ultimate Rare. Illustration Rares (IRs), of which there are 33 in the set, appeared at a rate of roughly 1 in 10.2 packs. Mega Attack Rares (MARs), a new rarity, were found at a rate of 1 in 42 packs. The most sought-after cards, the Special Illustration Rares (SIRs), had a rate of 1 in 68 packs though obtaining a *specific* SIR was significantly more challenging, estimated at 1 in 2,100 packs.
The chance of pulling a “god pack” – defined as containing two or more SIR/MAR cards, or a SIR alongside multiple IRs – was approximately 1 in 950 packs. While still rare, these packs have been generating buzz on social media platforms like Reddit, showcasing the potential for high-value pulls.
The estimated value (EV) per prerelease pack was calculated at around $4.20, indicating a relatively strong return for collectors. This is a notable improvement compared to the experiences with more recent sets where the value of pulls often didn’t justify the cost of opening packs.
The sheer size of Ascended Heroes – it’s the largest English Pokémon set ever released – initially raised concerns that finding specific cards would be even more difficult. However, the more generous pull rates for the core rarities appear to offset this factor, making the overall experience more rewarding. The set features 39 Double Rare cards, primarily regular-version Pokémon ex or Mega Evolution Pokémon ex cards.
The Kotaku reported on the highest-priced cards within the set, highlighting the premium placed on visually striking and powerful Pokémon. IGN also noted that the set’s Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) were available at market price on Amazon, suggesting a stable supply chain despite high demand.
The positive reception to Ascended Heroes’ pull rates is a welcome sign for the Pokémon TCG community. After a period of perceived decline in value and accessibility, this release offers a renewed sense of optimism. The combination of generous rarities, a massive card pool, and visually appealing artwork has positioned Ascended Heroes as a standout set in the current Pokémon TCG landscape. The early data suggests that the Pokémon Company has listened to player feedback and adjusted the distribution of valuable cards, creating a more enjoyable and rewarding experience for collectors and players.
As more packs are opened and data is collected, these pull rates may shift slightly. However, the initial findings paint a clear picture: Ascended Heroes is a collector-friendly set that offers a significantly improved experience compared to some of its recent predecessors.