Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution – Pitch Black was released on July 17, 2026, and with it came a Dark-type twist to our Heatwave summer of TCG releases. This new expansion focuses on spooky Pokémon, led by Mega Darkrai. This expansion is all about Ghost and Dark-types, eerie cityscapes, and mixing things up with powerful new Mega Evolutions and never-before-seen Trainer cards.
Early data from TCGPlayer shows Pitch Black is already generating a lot of buzz among collectors and players, with several cards quickly rising in value and search volume. Here are the top 10 cards that people are chasing in Pitch Black!
Mega Darkrai ex – 116/084
Mega Darkrai ex – 116/084
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No shocker here—the Ultra Rare Mega Darkrai is already a top chase, coming in at the tenth most valuable Pitch Black card on this list at $27.23 at time of writing. The art is wild, with shadows swirling as Darkrai gets ready to wreck shop. Competitive players are already eyeing its terrifying Pitch Black attack, which secures an instant Knock Out if the defending Pokémon is asleep or poisoned. This card isn’t even the priciest Mega Darkrai in the set, but I won’t spoil the rest just yet.
Goldeen – 087/084
Goldeen – 087/084
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Pitch Black has quite a few Illustration Rares that fans are coveting. The first one on this list is Goldeen – a Kanto Water-type we’ve grown up with over the last 30 years. I can’t be the only one who says it like its anime cry every time right? it’s the first time Goldeen has been on a full-art card in TCG history, so it’s no suprise Goldeen fans are willing to pay a bit more to get their hands on it – $26.87.
Slowbro – 090/084
Slowbro – 090/084
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This Slowbro Illustration Rare is winning over Johto fans everywhere (and yes, the tail’s still there). Usually, Slowbro can be found chilling out in beachy environments, but this card looks like the murky streets of Lumiose City, which could be why this card is one of the fastest rising value cards in Pitch Black at $28.49. Its first Attack is All Out (50+), which does 160 more damage if you have no cards in your hand. Ouch!
Gladion’s Final Battle – 118/084
Gladion’s Final Battle – 118/084
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This $29.24 Trainer card features Gladion, the older brother of Lillie and a beloved fan-favorite from the Alola region. Gladion is known for his strong bond with Silvally, his signature partner, which he rescued and raised after it was subjected to cruel research experiments by the Aether Foundation. This card has already seen sucess at the Indonesia Master Ball League. You can use this card only when it is the last card in your hand. During this turn, attacks used by your Pokémon that don’t have a Rule Box do 80 more damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon
Primarina – 088/084
Primarina – 088/084
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This stunning Illustration Rare Pokémon card shows off my second-favorite Generation 7 starter (sorry, I’m a VGC player, you know my favorite). While it’s not the bipedal kitty, I love how this card wraps Primarina in a golden sunset, highlighting its ferocious fangs, at odds with its gentle environment. It’s a gorgeous card, well worth its current $44.67 price tag.` Its ability, Enriching Melody, is particularly interesting – once during your turn, when you play this Pokémon from your hand to evolve one of your Pokémon, you may use this Ability to heal all damage from one of your Pokémon.
Misty’s Vitality – 111/084
Misty’s Vitality – 111/084
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One of the most iconic characters in the franchise’s 30-year history, Misty’s Vitality lands in the top ten at $60.36 – a gorgeous Ultra Rare from artist En Morikura. Historically, Misty cards command a massive premium—just look at the legendary Misty’s Favor from Unified Minds or Misty’s Determination from Hidden Fates. While those older cards focused strictly on hand-refreshing, Misty’s Vitality acts as massive Water-type acceleration, letting you search your deck for up to 4 Basic Water Energy cards and attach them directly to one of your Pokémon. Then, shuffle your deck and your turn ends.
Mega Zeraora ex – 114/084
Mega Zeraora ex – 114/084
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A big price jump here to $171.34 – Mega Zeraora steals the show with this Special Illustration Rare. The electric-furred mythical beast looks absolutely spectacular with its Mega Evolution upgrade, and the pricing reflects just how hard collectors are chasing this vibrant piece of art.
Morpeko ex – 117/084
Morpeko ex – 117/084
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Another fairly big increase as we enter the top three—this Morpeko ex Special Illustration Rare is currently sitting just under $200, at $192.98. It’s not a Mega or a Gen 1 classic, but people love this little troublemaker. Gotta admit, it’s an incredibly cute card. Morpeko was one of the top chase cards of Paradox Rift, and this hungry Pika-clone is continuing its reign of adorable terror as the third most valuable card in Pitch Black.
Mega Darkrai ex – 116/084
Mega Darkrai ex – 116/084
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Another hefty jump for the second spot, coming in at $520.27, but this time, it’s almost understandable. The Mega Darkrai ex Special Illustration Rare is one of the creepiest, coolest Pokémon cards we’ve had in the TCG since the infamous Gengar & Mimikyu ex Tag Team from Team Up, arguably… Ever? I love it when cards pull directly from Pokémon lore; the gnarly, withered trees in the background look like the willow tree in the 2007 movie Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai, depicting Godey’s beautiful garden of Alamos Town where Darkrai discovers peace and love. I see what you did there, TCG artists!
Mega Darkrai ex – 120/084
Mega Darkrai ex – 120/084
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The Mega Darkrai ex Mega Hyper Rare takes the top spot—no surprise here. Now that is one scary price tag at $996.69, but remember, we are only in week one and the secondary market will likely settle down a bit as more packs are opened. Not everyone is a fan of these Mega Hyper Rare gold cards, but no matter your opinion on the aesthetic, if you pull this golden nightmare, congratulations! You just won the release week lottery.
