Everything You Need to Know

For the digital-only crowd, Pokémon TCG Live will integrate the set on July 16, one day before the physical launch. This is where the meta will truly be tested. Expect to see “Anti Mega Darkrai” counter teams flooding the scene within minutes.

What’s Inside the Box?

At over 115 cards, Pitch Black is a much leaner, more manageable expansion compared to the Coalossal 295-card checklist of Ascended Heroes. Here’s what you can expect:

• 6 Mega Evolution Pokémon ex
• 4 Pokémon ex
• 11 Illustration Rare Pokémon
• 18 Ultra Rare Pokémon and Trainer cards
• 6 Special Illustration Rares (Pokémon and Supporters)
• Over 20 Trainer cards
• 35+ total cards with special illustrations

We currently know 4 of the 6 Mega Evolution Pokémon – Mega Darkrai ex, Mega Zeraora ex, Mega Chandelure ex, and Mega Excadrill ex. Could we be about to get a viable Lightning type attacker? Only time will tell.

Expected Chase Cards

Is anything more spooky than the current state of the Pokémon TCG market? Apparently yes – the terrifying debut of Mega Darkrai ex. Plucked straight from the Pokémon Legends: Z-A Mega Dimension DLC, this mythical powerhouse is ready to turn the TCG competitive scene into a living nightmare.

In Abyss Eye – the Japanese equivalent of this set – Mega Darkrai ex has the “Abyss Eye” attack. If your opponent’s Active Pokémon is affected by a Special Condition, it is Knocked Out, no matter its remaining HP. Yikes. So long to the high-HP tank meta – this will be a fun card to play. Plus, it looks cool as heck, so there’s something for every fan.

While Darkrai gets the box art, it isn’t fighting alone. The expansion confirms three other heavy-hitters. The set’s Elite Trainer Box promo will be a new Zarude Illustration Rare, which is sure to fetch a handsome sum on third-party resell sites.

What’s Next for Pokémon TCG?

The Pokémon Company has been moving at breakneck speed for the 30th Anniversary era. But what’s up next? Chaos Rising is still a month away, but Pitch Black has already been announced. Historically, English sets haven’t been confirmed until the previous set hits the shelves, at the earliest. With the next set, Storm Emeralda (and the inevitable Mega Rayquaza ex hype) already confirmed for July 31st in Japan, we’ll be seeing more before we know it.

Sara Heritage is a freelance journalist for IGN, specialising in Pokémon TCG. When she’s not gaming, you’ll probably find her building yet another LEGO set she absolutely did not need, or chaining ranked matches in Pokémon Champions.