Good news for folks who still have card boxes in their closets and a mysterious fondness for overly dramatic Pokémon evolutions: the Pokémon TCG expansion Chaos Rising now has a release date. Mark your calendars, set an alarm, or tattoo it on your hand — whichever feels more responsible.

When it drops

Chaos Rising launches worldwide on May 22, 2026, with a pre-release weekend happening earlier in the month. If you want early packs and the smug satisfaction of playing before your friends, the pre-release event is scheduled for May 9, 2026 at participating Pokémon Play! Stores.

This set is the third Pokémon TCG expansion for 2026, following Ascended Heroes and Perfect Order, and continues the ongoing theme of spotlighting Mega Evolutions. Yes, Mega Greninja is taking center stage, because apparently the Mega evolution renaissance is not over yet.

Note: the Japanese edition of the set will follow its own timetable, and China uses a separate release process. So regional release quirks are still a thing.

Pre-orders: the usual chaos

If you were hoping for a neat pre-order schedule published in advance, hope less. Pre-order dates for the Pokémon Center and other outlets have not been confirmed. The Pokémon Company does not typically announce exact drop times for the online store, and securing product has become a competitive sport thanks to queued access and high demand.

There is one pattern worth noting: recently, pre-orders at the Pokémon Center have tended to open just before the previous set’s release. If that trend holds, expect pre-orders for Chaos Rising to pop up in the weeks before Perfect Order released on March 27. Translation: maybe soon, maybe chaos.

What’s in the set?

The full card list has not been published, but the expansion will largely pull from cards that already appeared in Japan’s Ninja Spinner and Nihil Zero releases. That means some familiar faces in new wrappers, plus a few surprises for collectors who enjoy pain and glitter.

Standout cards to watch

  • Mega Greninja SIR — the headline act.
  • Froakie Illustration Rare — adorable and valuable, the classic combo.
  • Rowlet Illustration Rare — quiet, stoic, and probably judging your deck choices.

Some cards from the Japanese sets will be repurposed as promotional pieces, including ones slated for the Elite Trainer Box. So yes, certain beauties might be harder to get than others.

Chase cards mentioned in the announcement

  • Five Mega Evolution Pokémon ex
  • Five Pokémon ex
  • 11 illustration rare Pokémon
  • 18 ultra rare Pokémon and Trainer cards
  • Six special illustration rare Pokémon and Supporter cards

If you collect chase cards, you now have a list to dream about and/or curse at in your sleep.

So there you go. Chaos Rising lands May 22, with a May 9 pre-release weekend for the impatient. Pre-orders are unconfirmed, the card list is mostly translated from Japan’s recent sets, and Mega Greninja is ready to steal your heart and your pocket change. Are you hyped, or still recovering from the last set? Tell your local Play! store or post about it on your social feed. May your packs be full of rares and your wallet slightly less empty.