Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Era Launches with Exciting New Mechanics and Strategies

Mega Evolution Pokémon are back in a brand new era for Pokémon TCG post-Scarlet and Violet. This era is called “Mega Evolution” and features Mega Lucario, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Venusaur, Mega Absol, and more.

The mechanics of Mega Evolution have changed significantly since the last iteration. To mega evolve your Pokémon, you must follow its Evolution line just like standard EX cards. Most Mega ex Pokémon follow the standard evolution process.

According to Christian Wait: “It’s great to see the best gimmick in the franchise’s history make a triumphant return.” If speculation around Mega Dimension DLC is accurate, new Mega EX cards will feature both new and returning Mega Evolutions from Pokémon X and Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire.

Mega Evolutions streamline gameplay and open up new strategies. They focus on using standard Pokémon to enhance Mega ex-focused decks. Deck-building options are plentiful.

My favorite deck strategies

Mega Venusaur ex requires four grass energy to deal 240 damage and heal 30 damage. Its Solar Transfer Ability allows movement of grass energy between Pokémon.

Mega Venusaur ex build

Incorporating Meganium allows trainers to treat a single grass energy as two. Using Rare Candy to evolve Bulbasaur directly into Mega Venusaur ex enables powerful plays in one turn.

Shuckle’s Fermented Juice Ability heals any Pokémon by 30 damage if a grass energy is attached. Celebi’s Traverse Time attack allows searching for three grass-type Pokémon or Stadium Cards.

Mega Lucario ex build

Mega Lucario ex deals 130 damage for one fighting energy with Aura Jab, recycling three basic fighting energy cards from the discard pile. This pairs well with Lunatone’s Lunar Cycle ability.

Garganacl’s Powerfull a-Salt ability adds 30 damage to Mega Lucario and other fighting types. This can lead to significant damage output.

My favorite pulls and pull rates from Mega Evolution

I’ve opened 55 booster packs for Mega Evolution, yielding 12 Mega ex, six illustration rares, and six ultra rares. Pull rates for Mega Evolution include:

• Double Rares (ex): 21.8% or 1 in 4.6 packs

• Ultra Rares: 10.9% or 1 in 9.2 packs

• Illustration Rares: 10.9% or 1 in 9.2 packs

• Special Illustration Rares and Holo Rares: At least 1 in over 55 packs

Should you get Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution?

Yes. This set is a strong start to the new Mega Evolution era and features some of the best standard ex artwork in years. It offers multiple deck-building paths and a challenging pull rate for Secret Art Rares and Holo Gold Rares.