Every TCG Set Our Family Is Collecting in 2026 — The Full Year Breakdown

We wrote the first version of this post back in January, buzzing about everything on the 2026 calendar. A few months later — with several of those releases now come and already basically gone (or at least it feels that way trying to get our hands on any) — it felt like the right time to update it. Some predictions were spot on. A few surprised us. And there's still a lot of the year left.

Here's where we stand, set by set.

What We've Already Opened

Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Ascended Heroes (January 30)

The one we'd been waiting for since it was announced. Mega Dragonite ex, Mega Lucario ex, Mega Gardevoir ex — it delivered, at least what we saw online. The new Mega Attack Rare cards with the retro Japanese text lived up to the hype, and the Mega Hyper Rares are genuinely some of the most impressive cards we've seen. We're happy with what we pulled out of the few packs we've opened, like the Mega Dragonite ex, and we'll have more to say about these in a binder challenge, maybe.

Disney Lorcana: Winterspell (February 20)

A winter-themed Lorcana set releasing in February is perfect calendar logic. The Darkwing Duck debut and Angel from Lilo & Stitch: The Series joining the roster were highlights. The winter aesthetic looked cozy at the time, but we unfortunately were unable to cozy up to this set ourselves. Maybe we'll see how much of it we can find in bulk bins soon.

Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Perfect Order (March 20)

The third main set in the Mega Evolution series, and honestly, the one that's earning the most attention from us as binder collectors. Perfect Order is more compact than Ascended Heroes — smaller set list, more focused design — and that makes it ideal as a binder project. This is one we're already planning to feature here on the site as we fill it in, for that reason.

Disney Lorcana: 2-Player Starter Set (May 8)

Ravensburger released a proper two-player starter experience for Lorcana this month, which we hear is the single best entry point for families who want to actually play the game rather than just collect. If we see it in a local shop, we may pick it up to get more in-depth into Lorcana together.

What's About to Drop

Disney Lorcana: Wilds Unknown — Set 12 (May 15)

The one we've been the most quietly excited about. Pixar arrives in Lorcana with Wilds Unknown — Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Brave all in one set. The kids knew every character before the cards hit the tables, and that recognition makes pulling something feel genuinely special rather than just valuable. Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Mrs. Incredible — they're all in here.

We wrote a full collector's preview of Wilds Unknown, covering what we're chasing and why it's the set that got us fully back into Lorcana. Check that out if you want the deeper take.

Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Chaos Rising (May 22)

The fourth Mega Evolution expansion and the one with our attention right now. Mega Greninja ex leads the chase card conversation, but the full product lineup — including the Premium Collection and Elite Trainer Box — is strong across the board. This is the set we're planning to crack as a family first.

More on this one in the Chaos Rising collector's preview — including what to chase and whether the Mega Hyper Rare is worth hunting for.

What's Still Coming

Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex Box (June 13)

This one is aimed squarely at Collector Dad. Team Rocket, Mewtwo, nostalgia from the nineties — a boxed set celebrating the franchise's most iconic villain and his most iconic creation is an easy yes. Specific contents haven't all been revealed, but this is already on the wishlist.

Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Pitch Black (July 17)

The fifth expansion in the Mega Evolution series. Mega Darkrai ex has already drawn significant attention from the reveal, and the dark aesthetic of this set is a clear visual departure from the rest of the series. Details are still coming out — we'll have a full preview post up well ahead of the July 17 release.

Our Family's Honest Rankings, Mid-Year

Now that we've had a chance to see several of these, here's where they land for us — not by card value, but by how much the family actually enjoyed them or is looking forward to them:

Wilds Unknown (Lorcana) — Pixar characters could make this the most kid-enthusiastic opening we've done. Hard to beat when every pull gets a name recognition reaction.
Ascended Heroes (Pokémon) — The one we were most excited about, and it delivered. The Mega Attack Rares are everything.
Perfect Order (Pokémon) — Growing on us fast now that we see it as a binder project. Manageable set list, beautiful cards.
Winterspell (Lorcana) — Fun set, but more niche appeal. The Darkwing Duck fans in this house are satisfied.
Chaos Rising (Pokémon) — Too early to rank fairly — we haven't cracked packs yet. High expectations.

Still to be determined: Pitch Black. Dark aesthetics and Mega Darkrai have us genuinely curious.

The Dates Still on Our Calendar

June 13 — Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex Box
July 17 — Pokémon Mega Evolution: Pitch Black

We'll have preview and recap posts for both as they get closer. If you want to follow along in real time, the best way is the newsletter — we send updates when new content drops, not on a schedule for its own sake.

Happy collecting — and may your pulls be worth the wait.