Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising: The Standout Cards Worth Pulling
Posted by Magic Madhouse on 15th May 2026
Chaos Rising is the latest expansion in the Mega Evolution series. Based around the closing act of the game Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Chaos Rising stars Mega Greninja but also focuses on Mega Floette and the transformation of the Prism Tower at the center of Lumiose City into Ange Floette. It Contrasts with the previous set, Perfect Order, which focussed on the start of the game and the upcoming Pitch Black set that is based around its DLC.
The upcoming Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution - Chaos Rising expansion releases internationally on May 22nd 2026,with prerelease events occurring from the 9th May onwards. It will contain 120+ cards from Greninja to Gallade. It will feature five new mega evolved ex Pokémon, 11 illustration rares, and six special illustration rares. Chaos Rising is the english translation of the Japanese Ninja Spinner set, featuring a similar catalogue of cards with a few new inclusions thrown into the mix. Let’s break down some of the key chase cards…
What’s Inside the Chaos Rising Set?
Chaos Rising is the latest expansion in the Mega Evolution series. Based around the closing act of the game Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Chaos Rising stars Mega Greninja but also focuses on Mega Floette and the transformation of the Prism Tower at the center of Lumiose City into Ange Floette. It Contrasts with the previous set, Perfect Order, which focussed on the start of the game and the upcoming Pitch Black set that is based around its DLC.
Chaos Rising features a selection of exs and Mega Pokémon that are ready to spread some chaos, as well as a variety of trainers and supporter cards. Here’s an analysis of what to expect from the set, and a dissection of the different art treatments that are available.
| Category | Count | Notes |
| Total Cards | 122 | 83 main set cards + 39 additional rare alternative art cards. |
| Mega Evolved ex Pokémon | 5 | Greninja, Pyroar, Floette, Gallade, and Dragalge |
| Ex Pokémon | 5 | Beedrill, Gourgeist, Krookodile, Cinccino, and Cobalion. |
| Special Illustration Rares | 6 | Special full art variants of chase cards ex cards and key supporters from the set. |
| Illustration Rares | 11 | Full art variants of a variety of cards from the set. |
| Ultra Rares | 18 | Full art versions of key trainer and ex cards. |
| Mega Hyper Rare | 1 | An incredibly rare golden foil version of Mega Greninja. |
Top Chase Cards to Watch
Mega Greninja ex
As the mascot of Chaos Rising, it only makes sense that Mega Greninja ex also features on some of Chaos Rising’s key chase cards. Riding upside down on an aquatic shuriken, Mega Greninja brings some attitude and some amphibious ninja vibes to the cards that depict them.
There are four different art treatments available for Mega Greninja ex. The regular ex treatment, which is the most affordable version if you’re a competitive player looking to slot Greninja into a deck. The Ultra Rare printing shows Greninja advancing through a swirling slipstream, while its Special Illustration Rare variant depicts it bursting through a wall of bubbles.
The rarest card in the set, though, is the exclusive Mega Hyper rare treatment of Mega Greninja. This golden foil frog continues a pattern started back in Mega Evolution where packs have a very slim chance of containing a glittering gold card. This will be the rarest card in the set, and almost certainly one of the most valuable.
Mega Floette ex
Mega Greninja ex might be the poster child of Chaos Rising, but when it comes to Pokémon with unique storylines, it’s hard to top Floette ex. Floette’s are carried through the air on a wide variety of differently coloured flowers. The artwork here shows that it’s an Eternal Flower Floette, a special Floette capable of Mega Evolving, that’s owned by the legendary trainer AZ. Once again, players looking to build a deck around Floette are welcome to pick up the regular ex printing, but the Ultra Rare and Special Illustration rare variants of this card really bring its artwork into full bloom.
Cinccino ex
Cinccino cards have been printed ever since the Pokémon debuted in Black and White back in 2011, but this is the first Cinccino card to be printed as an ex. The Scarf Pokémon has always cultivated a fluffy and cute vibe, but the special illustration rare version of Cinccino ex takes this up to another level, looking utterly adorable, snugly surrounded by pillows and cushions. It’s no wonder that Cinccino is one of Chaos Rising’s cuddliest chase cards.
Mega Dragalge ex
From huggable and cute, to sleek, lean, and mean. The artwork on Mega Dragalge ex cultivates an unusual and abstract vibe. Particularly its special illustration rare variant which shows it streaking through the ocean leaving a trail of colourful curls and coils behind it. This poisonous dragon is one of five mega Pokémon in Chaos Rising, and is worth watching closely.
Roxie’s Performance
Of course, Chaos Rising is more than just its Pokémon. There is a selection of valuable trainer cards that will also be included in the set. Some of them, like AZ’s Tranquillity, focus on serenity, while others, like Roxie’s Performance, lean into the chaos that gives the set its name and go full punk rock. The Special Illustration rare variant of Roxie’s Performance is currently one of the most sought after chase cards from the Japanese Ninja Spinner set, and its rebellious Neon colour scheme really stands out compared to the art of many other Pokémon cards.
Should You Buy Packs or Go Straight to Singles?
Whether you’ll want singles or sealed products depends on what your goals are. If you’re looking to collect the set, or you enjoy the experience of busting open a Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box and checking out the packs inside, then you’ll want to buy some boosters. If you’re looking to put a deck together or you have your heart set on a handful of specific cards, then it’s best to pick up some singles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Chaos Rising release in the UK?
Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Chaos Rising releases internationally on the 22nd May 2026. Prerelease events will be running from the 9th to the 17th May 2026, where player can compete against each other using Chaos Rising Build and Battle Boxes. The set becomes available digitally on Pokémon TCG Live from 21 May 2026.
How many Special Illustration Rares are in Chaos Rising?
Chaos Rising contains six Special Illustration Rares. These include Mega Evolved ex Pokémon, along with key supporter cards. Mega Greninja ex, the mascot of the set, will be available as a Special Illustration Rare, an Ultra Rare, and a golden Mega Hyper Rare.
Is Chaos Rising based on a Japanese Pokémon TCG set?
Chaos Rising, like many Pokémon TCG expansions, is an English adaptation of a Japanese set. It brings Ninja Spinner, which was released in Japan on 13 March 2026, onto the international market. It also contains some additional cards, including Mega Gallade ex, and Krookodile ex, that were initially released as promo cards in Japan.
Chaos Rising to the Challenge
Chaos Rising comes out on May 22nd. If you can’t wait to get your Pokémon fix, though, make sure that you check out the wide range of other booster boxes and Pokémon Singles that we have available. From Illustration Rares to old classics, there are plenty of Pokémon cards available at Magic Madhouse.