Shadows deepen in Pitch Black, released on July 17, 2026. The fifth main Mega Evolution expansion is the first to draw from the Mega Dimension content of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and it introduces four Mega Pokémon never before seen on a card, led by Mega Darkrai ex. Here's the collector's guide: the dates, the chase cards and what came in every box.
Pitch Black at a Glance
- Release date: July 17, 2026
- Set code: ME05
- Set size: 84 cards plus secret rares (120 in total)
- New Megas: Mega Darkrai ex, Mega Zeraora ex, Mega Chandelure ex and Mega Excadrill ex
- Headliners: six Mega Evolution Pokémon ex and four more Pokémon ex
- Special art: 11 Illustration Rares, 18 Ultra Rares, 6 Special Illustration Rares and 1 Mega Hyper Rare
- Japanese counterpart: Abyss Eye
Mega Darkrai and a Dark Theme
Pitch Black has one of the most consistent themes of the era, with dark, shadowy artwork across the whole set. Mega Darkrai ex leads it, joined by Mega Zeraora ex, Mega Chandelure ex and Mega Excadrill ex. One fun detail for collectors: a Zarude Illustration Rare from the Japanese set was moved out of English packs and became the Elite Trainer Box promo.
The Chase Cards
Mega Darkrai ex Special Illustration Rare. Illustrated by fan-favorite artist Akira Egawa, it's the most valuable card in the set.
Mega Darkrai ex Mega Hyper Rare. The gold version at the very top of the rarity ladder.
Mega Zeraora ex Special Illustration Rare. The set's second-biggest chase.
Supporter Special Illustration Rares. Gwynn and Gladion's Final Battle, plus Illustration Rares like Slowbro and Goldeen.
The Product Lineup
| Product | What's inside |
|---|---|
 Booster Pack
|
10 cards, a basic Energy and a TCG Live code card |
 3 Pack Blister
|
3 packs plus a foil promo |
| Build and Battle Box | 4 packs and a ready-to-play 40-card deck with 1 of 4 promos |
 Booster Bundle
|
6 packs |
 Elite Trainer Box
|
9 packs, the Zarude promo, 65 sleeves, 45 Energy cards, dice and a storage box |
 Booster Box
|
36 packs |
Our quick picks: The Booster Box is the way to chase Mega Darkrai ex. The Elite Trainer Box is the best all-around pick and the only way to get the Zarude promo, and the Booster Bundle and 3 Pack Blister are easy entry points.
Tips for Collectors
- Don't skip the Zarude. The Elite Trainer Box promo uses art that was cut from English packs.
- Collect the four new Megas. Pitch Black is the debut of all four, so their first cards are a nice piece of TCG history.
- Let prices settle. Newer sets swing hard, so check recent eBay sold listings before buying or selling singles.
Keep Collecting With Booster Pack Cards
Browse our Pokémon TCG Booster Boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes and Booster Packs, or shop the full Pokémon TCG collection. Next up: the anniversary set in our 30th Celebration collector's guide, then Mega Rayquaza in our Delta Reign collector's guide.
