Pokemon Ascended Heroes

# Ultimate Guide to Pokémon TCG: Ascended Heroes – Top Cards, Deck Builds & Where to Buy in Brampton

**Posted on December 3, 2025 | By [Doe’s Cards] – Brampton's Premier Pokémon Card Shop**

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is soaring into 2026 with *Mega Evolution—Ascended Heroes*, a special expansion that's already generating massive hype. Inspired by the upcoming *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, this set revives Mega Evolutions with a fresh twist, blending nostalgia from the Scarlet & Violet era with over 290 cards, including 13 new Mega Pokémon ex, 6 Stellar Tera Pokémon ex, and 22 Special Illustration Rares (SIRs). Releasing January 30, 2026, it's perfect for collectors chasing stunning alt arts and competitive players building meta-shifting decks.

Whether you're a long-time Trainer or new to the game, this guide breaks down the must-have cards, killer deck strategies, and tips to snag products fast. As Brampton's top spot for Pokémon cards, One Piece TCG, sports cards, and Funko Pops, we're stocking up early—preorder now for exclusive in-store events!

## What Makes Ascended Heroes a Game-Changer?

This isn't just another expansion; it's a Mega-fueled celebration. Key highlights:
- **Mega Evolutions Return with Flair**: Newly discovered Megas like Mega Dragonite ex debut alongside classics like Mega Gengar ex and Mega Gardevoir ex, all with pop-art "Mega Attack Rare" designs featuring katakana attack text.
- **Rarity Bonanza**: 33 Illustration Rares, 14 Ultra Rares, and no gold Mega Hyper Rares (phew!). Pull rates favor SIRs, making it collector-friendly.
- **Thematic Tie-In**: Trainer’s Pokémon and Stellar Tera types add depth, drawing from Japan's *MEGA Dream ex* subset and *Start Deck 100*.
- **Regulation Mark**: Introduces "J" cards to Standard format, shaking up rotations.

With products rolling out in waves (no loose booster boxes—focus on curated bundles), expect high demand. Preorders for Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) are live at Pokémon Center and select retailers.

## Top 10 Chase Cards: The Cards Worth Hunting

Based on early spoilers and Japanese pulls, these are the standouts for value, art, and power. Prices are pre-release estimates from TCGPlayer trends—expect flips on resale.

1. **SIR Mega Dragonite ex** (~$150–$250): The set's headliner! Vibrant art shows it mid-flight with 330-damage "Ryuno Glide" attack. Dragon-type staple for energy-accel decks.
   
2. **SIR Mega Gengar ex** (~$120–$200): Haunting purple hues and ghostly flair. 280-damage spread attack makes it a meta menace—pair with shadow synergy.

3. **Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex SIR** (~$100–$180): Bling for top-tier decks. Consistent performer in control builds; its alt art is a collector's dream.

4. **Pikachu ex SIR** (~$80–$150): Cute, dynamic take on the Surging Sparks icon. Revives electric aggro—perfect for budget speed decks.

5. **Mega Hawlucha ex** (~$70–$130): Gold-caped wrestler from Legends: Z-A. High tenacity with 250+ damage; great for fighting-type rush.

6. **N’s Zekrom Promo (ETB Exclusive)** (~$50–$100): Illustration Rare-style thunderbolt beast. Disrupts opponents—essential for N’s archetype.

7. **Mega Gardevoir ex** (~$60–$120): Overflowing psychic power with 300 HP. Psychic control decks will dominate.

8. **Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex SIR** (~$90–$160): Abstract evil duo art. High-value chase with psychic KO potential.

9. **Diancie ex** (~$40–$90): Fairy gem for support roles. Underrated in lesser-popular builds but shines in alt-art hunts.

10. **Mega Lucario ex** (~$50–$110): Aura mastery with pop-art attack. Steel/fighting hybrid for bench-sitter strategies.

Pro Tip: Focus on SIR pulls—Ascended Heroes boasts 22, outpacing Prismatic Evolutions. For sealed value, grab Booster Bundles (6 packs, April 2026).

## Deck Building Guide: Build Winning Strategies with Ascended Heroes

Ascended Heroes injects Mega power into Standard, but energy costs and bench management are key. Here's how to build around the stars—sample 60-card lists (adapt for your playstyle). Use Pokémon TCG Live for testing!

### 1. **Mega Dragonite ex Aggro Deck** (Dragon Ramp Focus)
   - **Core (18 cards)**: 4x Dratini, 3x Dragonair, 3x Mega Dragonite ex, 2x Altaria ex (energy accel).
   - **Energy/Support (22 cards)**: 12x Basic Dragon Energy, 4x Nest Ball, 3x Ultra Ball, 2x Boss’s Orders, 1x Arven.
   - **Attackers/Tech (20 cards)**: 3x Mega Gengar ex (backup spread), 4x Radiant Greninja (draw), 2x Iron Valiant ex (Tera synergy), 4x Path to the Peak (stadium control).
   - **Strategy**: Accelerate energy early for Ryuno Glide (330 damage for 4 energies). Weak to snipers—add Manaphy for bench protection. Win Rate Potential: High in mid-game grinds. <grok:render card_id="8d13fe" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">
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### 2. **Marnie’s Grimmsnarl Control Deck** (Disruption Master)
   - **Core (20 cards)**: 4x Impidimp, 3x Morgrem, 4x Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex, 2x Froslass (ghost lock), 1x Sirfetch’d ex.
   - **Energy/Support (18 cards)**: 10x Basic Psychic Energy, 4x Rare Candy (fast evo), 3x Iono (hand disruption), 1x Marnie.
   - **Attackers/Tech (22 cards)**: 2x Mega Gengar ex (spread damage), 3x Radiant Tsareena (punish switches), 4x Dusk Ball (ghost fetch), 2x Super Rod (recycle).
   - **Strategy**: Lock foes with Grimmsnarl's ability, then snipe with Gengar. Handles aggro well; watch for energy denial. Budget Build: Sub in free Grimmsnarl from older sets.

### 3. **Mega Gardevoir ex Psychic Wall** (Stall & Draw)
   - **Core (16 cards)**: 4x Ralts, 3x Kirlia, 3x Mega Gardevoir ex, 2x Cresselia (draw engine), 1x Lunala ex.
   - **Energy/Support (24 cards)**: 14x Basic Psychic Energy, 4x Dhelmise (energy search), 3x Professor’s Research, 2x Boss’s Orders, 1x Area Zero Underdepths.
   - **Attackers/Tech (20 cards)**: 2x Mega Lucario ex (steel backup), 3x Manaphy (bench shield), 4x Nest Ball, 2x Counter Catcher.
   - **Strategy**: Draw heavy with Gardevoir's ability, then wall with high HP. Counters fast decks; add Tera types for type advantage.

General Tips:
- **Energy Balance**: Megas need 3–4 colors—use Multi-Energy cards.
- **Meta Synergy**: Pair with Phantasmal Flames for fire counters or Destined Rivals for rival Pokémon.
- **Budget Hacks**: Start with ETB promos; trade singles at local events.
- **Playstyle Match**: Aggro for quick wins; control for tournaments.

Test these in Pokémon TCG Live starting January—early access hits iOS/Android soon!

## Shop Smart: Preorder Ascended Heroes at Our Brampton Store

Don't miss out—products drop in waves:
- **Jan 30, 2026**: Collections & Tech Stickers (3–5 packs + promos, $15–$25).
- **Feb 20**: ETBs ($50) & Mini Tins ($12)—9–11 packs + accessories.
- **March/April**: Poster Collections ($20) & Booster Bundles ($30).

We're your GTA hub: Huge singles selection, grading submissions (PSA/BGS), and daily restocks. Visit us in Brampton for hands-on pulls, deck-building advice, and bundle deals. Online orders ship Canada-wide—fast & free over $250

**Ready to ascend? Preorder today and level up your collection! Drop a comment: What's your top chase card?**

*Sources: Pokémon.com, PokeBeach, Bulbapedia, Joseph Writer Anderson, Wargamer.*