Are Pokémon Card Pull Rates Finally Improving? The Truth Behind 'Ascended Heroes' and Why It Matters
Exciting news for Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) enthusiasts! After analyzing over 2,000 booster packs, TCGplayer has finally revealed the pull rates for the highly anticipated Ascended Heroes set. But here's the kicker: these rates are reportedly better than usual, sparking both relief and debate among collectors. Let’s dive into the details and explore why this matters—and where it might still fall short.
The Good News: Improved Pull Rates for Key Cards
The Ascended Heroes set introduces some promising changes in pull rates, making it easier for players to land those coveted cards. Here’s the breakdown:
Mega Hyper Rare Cards: Found in approximately 1 out of every 540 packs, these are now more than double the pull rate of previous sets like Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames, where the odds were a staggering 1 in 1,260 packs. This is a massive improvement for collectors chasing the rarest cards.
Special Illustration Rares (SIRs): These beauties appear in every 70 packs, a noticeable upgrade from Phantasmal Flames (1 in 80) and Mega Evolution (1 in 101). However, with more SIRs in the set, landing a specific one remains a challenge.
Mega Attack Rares: A new addition, these cards are found in 1 out of every 29 packs, replacing Ultra Rares in the pack structure. Speaking of Ultra Rares, they’re now slightly harder to pull, appearing in 1 out of 21 packs compared to 1 in 12 in previous sets.
Illustration Rares and Double Rares: These remain consistent with past sets, at 1 in 9 packs and 1 in 5 packs, respectively.
The Controversy: Are These Rates Really 'Better Than Usual'?
But here's where it gets controversial... While the pull rates for Ascended Heroes are indeed better than some recent sets, critics argue that comparing them to older sets like Shrouded Fable paints an incomplete picture. Shrouded Fable, another Special Set, boasted an SIR pull rate of approximately 1 in 50 packs—far superior to the current 1 in 70. So, is Pokémon TCG really improving, or are we just settling for less?
One commenter provocatively asks, “When did Pokémon decide to lose their spirit and give us nearly impossible odds at getting chase cards?” Another points out that even commons are harder to pull, with a 50% chance of finding a specific common within 15 packs. Is this the new normal, or can we expect better?
The Bigger Picture: Availability and Secondary Market Prices
Improved pull rates are only part of the equation. Many collectors highlight ongoing issues with product availability and skyrocketing secondary market prices. For instance, one player opened multiple cases and an Elite Trainer Box (ETB) without finding a single Pokepad common. And this is the part most people miss: even with better pull rates, the size of the set and product scarcity make collecting a frustrating experience.
What’s Next? Hopes for the Future
Despite the mixed reactions, there’s cautious optimism that Pokémon TCG will continue to improve pull rates in future sets. Some dream of a day when every Booster Box guarantees an SIR—a true collector’s paradise. Others reminisce about earlier sets like Crown Zenith or Scarlet and Violet, where pull rates felt fairer and prices more reasonable.
Thought-Provoking Question: Should Pokémon TCG introduce a 'pity mechanism' to ensure players get rare cards after a certain number of packs? Or is the thrill of the chase part of what makes the hobby exciting?
About the Author
Jon, also known as Water Pokémon Master, launched PokeBeach in 2003 at just 14 years old. Over the past 22 years, he’s penned over 10,000 articles about the Pokémon TCG. Based in Los Angeles, Jon is a journalist, filmmaker, and USC graduate whose passion for Pokémon continues to inspire collectors worldwide.
What do you think? Are the Ascended Heroes pull rates a step in the right direction, or is there still room for improvement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
