Yesterday, The Pokémon Company sent shockwaves through the community with the full reveal of the next major expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game: Mega Evolution Chaos Rising.
Scheduled for release on May 22, 2026, Chaos Rising isn’t just adding new cards; it is completely redefining the current metagame by fully re-integrating the beloved (and devastating) Mega Evolution mechanic. If you thought the battle for Lumiose City in Pokémon Legends: Z-A was intense, wait until you see the havoc unleashed on the tabletop.
Here is everything we know about the set that is about to create total chaos.
What we know so far:
The Story: Chaos Blossoms in Lumiose
The Scarlet & Violet era has been defined by Area Zero and Terastallization, but Chaos Rising shifts the focus dramatically back to the Kalos region.
The expansion's narrative centers on a sudden energy surge centered in Lumiose City. This surge is causing unstable Pokémon specifically those capable of Mega Evolution to lose control. While Mega Evolution is usually a bond between Trainer and Pokémon, something is wrong in Chaos Rising.
This instability manifests in the two conflicting cover stars of the set: Mega Greninja ex and the chaotic, antagonistic presence of Mega Floette ex. Trainers are tasked with mastering this powerful, unstable energy before the city is overrun.
Key Mechanic: Mastering the Mega Evolution
Mega Evolution returns with a Scarlet & Violet twist. Mega Pokémon are now designated as Mega Pokémon ex.
Functionally, they still operate similarly to their XY era predecessors: you must evolve your active Pokémon ex into its corresponding Mega Evolution ex. However, early translations suggest a crucial difference: The "Mega Turbo" Rule.
Unlike the old rule where Mega Evolving immediately ended your turn (unless you held a Spirit Link), Chaos Rising introduces unstable evolution. Mega Evolving does not end your turn, but you must flip a coin. If tails, that Mega Pokémon takes 50 damage and cannot attack during that turn. It’s a high-risk, high-reward system that perfectly captures the "Chaos" theme.
The Face of the Chaos: Mega Greninja ex
The most anticipated card in the entire expansion is undoubtedly Mega Greninja ex.
This card is a tactical powerhouse. Its primary attack, Mortal Shuriken, costs just two Water and one Colorless Energy and deals a base 220 damage. The kicker? You must discard an energy from Mega Greninja ex, and if you do, Mortal Shuriken also deals 100 damage to two of your opponent's Benched Pokémon.
This is spreading damage like we have never seen before, allowing for multiple Knock Outs in a single turn.
The Antagonist: Mega Floette ex
Opposing Greninja is Mega Floette ex, the catalyst for the conflict. Visually stunning, it features the Eternal Flower design twisted by chaotic energy.
While Greninja spreads chaos, Floette controls it. Its Eternity Bloom attack costs a single Psychic Energy and deals 30 damage for every Energy card attach to all of your opponent's Pokémon in play. It is the ultimate punishment against energy-heavy ramp decks.
Collector’s Paradise: Special Illustrations and Secret Rares
Chaos Rising continues the trend of beautiful "Alt Art" cards. The expansion features over 35 Special Illustration Rare (SIR) cards.
Early previews have showcased breathtaking art, including:
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Mega Greninja ex (SIR): Depicted moving so fast through the rainy Lumiose streets that it appears blurred, with the city lights streaking behind it.
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Mega Dragalge ex (SIR): A stunning underwater scene showcasing the Dragalge perfectly camouflaged in a kelp forest glowing with Zygarde-like cells.
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AZ’s Tranquility (Supporter SIR): A somber, beautiful card depicting AZ and his Floette reunited at the end of the conflict.
Pre-Order and Launch Details
The Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Chaos Rising expansion launches globally on May 22, 2026.
Given the overwhelming hype surrounding the return of Mega Greninja, initial stock is expected to sell out quickly. Pre-orders for Booster Boxes (36 packs), the standard Elite Trainer Box, and the Pokémon Center Exclusive Elite Trainer Box (which features a unique metallic Mega Greninja promo card and dice) are opening now at major hobby retailers and the Pokémon Center website.
Prepare your decks, Trainers. The order is ending, and the chaos is just beginning. Which Mega Evolution are you most excited to hunt down? Let us know in the comments!
Details of the Chaos Rising Expansion:
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Set Name: Chaos Rising [ME04]
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Expected Release Date: May 22nd 2026
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Main Mascot: Mega Greninja
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Card Count: 60+ Cards
The TCG Expansion features places from the Legends Z-A game: Lumiose City.
Product Line-up
The Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising set is a regular expansion set. We've got all available product lined up in our webshop collection, check them out! We will update the list below with information and images about the products once available.
Chaos Rising Boosterpack
The Chaos Rising Booster pack contains 10 cards of the new mega evolution set ME04.
Chaos Rising Booster Box
The Chaos Rising Booster box contains 36 booster packs of this amazing new mega evolution set ME04.
Possible Chase Card Leaks
A leak was posted on the internet about new cards from a set with set symble "CRI". This could possibly the english variant of the Ninja Spinner set. The Leaks involve Special Illustration Rares like: Mega Greninja ex, Mega Floette ex, Mega Dragalge ex, AZ's Tranquility and Roxie's Performance. Also Illustration rares: Cinccino and Crobat are leaked.
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