10 Most Expensive Ascended Heroes Cards In Pokemon TCG (March 2026) Expert Guide

If you have been keeping an eye on the Pokemon TCG market recently, you know that certain Japanese sets are absolutely exploding in value. Among these, the set often referred to by collectors as “Ascended Heroes” (officially the Japanese set S5R: Rising Heroes) has become a goldmine for investors and collectors alike. While the English equivalent cards are scattered across Battle Styles and Chilling Reign, the Japanese iteration contains some of the most stunning Alternate Art (Secret Rare) cards we have ever seen.

I’ve spent years analyzing TCG trends, and I can tell you that Ascended Heroes is unique because of its heavy focus on Eeveelutions and Dragon-types. These aren’t just powerful cards for gameplay; they are masterpieces of illustration that demand high premiums. Whether you are looking to sell or buy, knowing exactly which cards are driving the market is essential.

In this guide, I have ranked the 10 most expensive cards from Ascended Heroes based on current market data as of March 2026. I’ll break down why they are valuable, their recent price trends, and whether they are worth holding onto.

Quick Look: The Top 5 Most Valuable Cards

Rank	Card Name	Type	Approx. Market Value (Ungraded)	Key Rarity
1	Umbreon VMAX (Alternate Art)	Darkness	$600+	Secret Rare (SA)
2	Rayquaza VMAX (Alternate Art)	Dragon	$350+	Secret Rare (SA)
3	Mew VMAX (Alternate Art)	Psychic	$250+	Secret Rare (SA)
4	Espeon VMAX (Alternate Art)	Psychic	$150+	Secret Rare (SA)
5	Zeraora VMAX (Alternate Art)	Electric	$120+	Secret Rare (SA)

(Prices are estimates based on recent eBay/TCGPlayer sales for Japanese Near Mint copies. PSA 10/BGS 10 copies can sell for significantly more.)

1. Umbreon VMAX (Alternate Art)

Price: ~$600 – $800+
Rarity: Secret Rare (SRR)

There is no surprise here. In the world of Pokemon TCG collecting, Umbreon is king, and specifically, the “Moonlight” Umbreon VMAX from Ascended Heroes is currently the crown jewel of this set. I remember when this card was first announced; the pre-order prices were high, but nobody expected them to stabilize at these levels.

The artwork, illustrated by the legendary 5ban Graphics, features a brooding, atmospheric scene with Umbreon looming over a cityscape under the moonlight. The holofoil pattern on this specific card is incredibly intricate, creating a shimmering effect that looks different under almost any light source.

Why is it so expensive?

• Popularity: Umbreon has consistently been the most popular Eeveelution for decades.
• Playability: Even though formats have rotated, Umbreon VMAX sees play in “Limited” formats and remains a fan favorite in casual play.
• Artwork: Many consider this the best depiction of Umbreon in the Sword & Shield era.

Investment Outlook: If you are looking for a card that holds value strictly due to character popularity, this is it. Even if the Pokemon TCG market crashes, Umbreon usually retains its value better than almost any other asset.

2. Rayquaza VMAX (Alternate Art)

Price: ~$350 – $500
Rarity: Secret Rare (SRR)

Coming in at number two is the Delta Species-inspired Rayquaza VMAX. While Umbreon wins on “cool factor,” Rayquaza wins on sheer scale and artistic majesty. This card features Rayquaza ascending through the clouds, with a vibrant, glowing energy surrounding it.

For those who love Dragon-types, this card is a grail. The colors are incredibly saturated—rich greens, blacks, and yellows that pop off the card stock. From my perspective, the value of Rayquaza VMAX is closely tied to the legacy of the Pokemon itself. Rayquaza has been a meta-defining card since the EX days, and collectors have long memories.

Why is it so expensive?

• Dragon Appeal: Dragon-type support is always rare in the TCG, making Dragon-type Pokemon cards generally more sought after.
• Visual Impact: The vertical composition of the art makes it stand out in a binder or display case.
• Competitive History: Rayquaza has always been a heavy hitter in the TCG meta, driving up demand for its VMAX variant.

Pro Tip: When buying this card, look for “centering” issues. Because the art extends so close to the borders, miscuts are common, which lowers the grade significantly.

3. Mew VMAX (Alternate Art)

Price: ~$250 – $350
Rarity: Secret Rare (SRR)

Mew is the original Mythical Pokemon, and its VMAX (or Gigantamax) form in Ascended Heroes is nothing short of adorable yet powerful. The Alternate Art depicts Mew in a whimsical, dreamlike forest setting, surrounded by spectral energy. It captures the mysterious nature of Mew perfectly.

What drives the price of this card is the dual demand: it appeals to collectors who love cute Pokemon, and players who loved the Fusion Strike mechanics (where Mew VMAX was a key pillar). Even in 2026, Mew remains one of the most recognizable faces of the franchise.

Why is it so expensive?

• Versatility: The Mew VMAX engine was one of the most versatile decks in recent history, keeping demand high.
• Nostalgia: Mew appeals to the original Gen 1 fans who now have disposable income.
• Grading Potential: The art is clean and colorful, meaning PSA 10s are achievable if handled carefully, making it a prime target for graders.

4. Espeon VMAX (Alternate Art)

Price: ~$150 – $220
Rarity: Secret Rare (SRR)

Where Umbreon is the night, Espeon is the day. This card serves as the perfect companion to the Umbreon VMAX on this list. The Alternate Art features Espeon bathed in sunlight, with a geometric, almost futuristic background that contrasts heavily with Umbreon’s gothic city vibe.

I often recommend that if collectors can’t afford the Umbreon, the Espeon is the next best thing. It has a very similar aesthetic appeal—elegant, sleek, and powerful. However, it consistently trades at about half the price of Umbreon, making it a more accessible entry point for collectors building an Eeveelution binder.

Why is it so expensive?

• The Eevee Connection: It completes the set with Umbreon.
• Psychic Type Popularity: Psychic-types have a dedicated following in the community.
• Art Quality: The use of light and shadow on this card is technically brilliant.

5. Zeraora VMAX (Alternate Art)

Price: ~$120 – $180
Rarity: Secret Rare (SRR)

Zeraora might not have the same long-term legacy as Mew or Rayquaza, but it has a fiercely loyal fanbase. The Ascended Heroes Zeraora VMAX art is explosive, depicting the Pokemon amidst bolts of lightning and speed lines.

I’ve noticed that “cat” Pokemon (like Zeraora, Luxray, and Raichu) tend to hold value surprisingly well because of their design appeal. Zeraora VMAX is no exception. It’s a visually striking card that looks amazing in a binder alongside other Electric-type heavy hitters like Pikachu and Raikou.

Why is it so expensive?

• Mythical Status: As a Mythical Pokemon, Zeraora cards are printed less frequently than standard Pokemon.
• Dynamic Art: The motion blur effects in the illustration give it a sense of speed that few other cards capture.
• Player Demand: Zeraora VMAX had a brief moment in the meta as a rogue counter deck, which spiked interest.

6. Sylveon VMAX (Alternate Art)

Price: ~$100 – $160
Rarity: Secret Rare (SRR)

Sylveon is another Eeveelution that commands a high price tag. Known for its “fairy” typing (prior to the retcon) and adorable ribbons, Sylveon VMAX features art that is soft, pastel, and incredibly detailed. It shows Sylveon intertwined with its ribbons in a magical forest setting.

In my experience, Sylveon cards are highly volatile. They can dip when a new set comes out, but they always seem to recover because of how popular the character is for casual players and collectors who love “cute” decks.

Why is it so expensive?

• Character Design: Sylveon is one of the most popular Gen 6 designs.
• Fairy/Fairy-type appeal: Even though the type changed in the video games, the aesthetic remains a draw.
• Binder Fodder: It is a “must-have” for anyone collecting an Eeveelution master set.

7. Ho-Oh V (Alternate Art)

Price: ~$80 – $130
Rarity: Secret Rare (SRR)

Ho-Oh is a classic Legendary, and its card in Ascended Heroes is breathtaking. The art showcases Ho-Oh flying over a rainbow, with its wings glowing in gold and crimson. It captures the majesty of the “Rainbow Pokemon” perfectly.

While V cards (V-VMAX predecessors) are generally cheaper than VMAXs, Ho-Oh bucks the trend slightly. This is largely due to the scarcity of high-quality Ho-Oh cards in the Sword & Shield era compared to other Legendaries like Eternatus or Zacian.

Why is it so expensive?

• Legendary Scarcity: There simply aren’t that many Ho-Oh cards in the modern sets.
• Vibrancy: The card is visually loud and colorful, which attracts buyers at first glance.
• Gen 2 Nostalgia: Appeals to fans of the Gold & Silver era.

8. Duraludon VMAX (Alternate Art)

Price: ~$70 – $110
Rarity: Secret Rare (SRR)

This might come as a surprise to some, but Duraludon VMAX has become a sleeper hit. The Alternate Art is incredibly unique—it features a Cyberpunk/Sci-Fi cityscape with Duraludon looking like a mecha-godzilla guardian of the city.

Why the high price? Leon. In the anime and lore, Duraludon is the signature Pokemon of Champion Leon. Any card associated with a Champion usually sees a price bump. Furthermore, the Steel/Dragon typing is incredibly unique, making it a favorite for deck builders who love breaking the meta.

Why is it so expensive?

• Leon Association: Champion synergy drives collector demand.
• Unique Typing: Steel/Dragon is a rarity in the TCG world.
• Art Style: The cyberpunk aesthetic stands out from the “nature” focused art of most other cards in the set.

9. Reshiram V (Alternate Art)

Price: ~$60 – $90
Rarity: Secret Rare (SRR)

The Yin to Zekrom’s Yang, Reshiram V is a fiery masterpiece. The Alternate Art in Ascended Heroes depicts Reshiram amidst intense flames and smoke. The heat coming off the card is almost palpable in the design.

Reshiram has always been a tier-1 collectible. Since the Black & White days, Reshiram cards have held their value well. This V version is no exception, offering a cleaner, sharper look than some of the older bulky cards.

Why is it so expensive?

• Gen 5 Favorite: Reshiram remains one of the most popular Legendaries from the Unova region.
• Fire Type Collectors: Fire-type binder collectors often seek this card out as a centerpiece.
• Classic Aesthetic: It keeps the traditional “Legendary” look while modernizing the art style.

10. Clefable (Secret Rare)

Price: ~$50 – $80
Rarity: Secret Rare (SRR)

Rounding out our list is the only non-V/VMAX card to make the top 10. The Clefable Secret Rare (Full Art) is adorable. It features a “mirror” effect or a whimsical depiction of Clefable in a starry environment.

I included this card because it represents the “investor’s choice.” Non-foil support cards and basic Pokemon with Secret Rare statuses often spike in value years later because they were opened less than the hyper-rare VMAXs. People were chasing Umbreon and Rayquaza, so they overlooked this Clefable.

Why is it so expensive?

• Scarcity: Lower print run of Secret Rare non-V cards compared to V/VMAXs.
• Cute Culture: Clefable is a staple in “Cute/Round” collectors’ binders.
• Playable Asset: Clefable is often used as a tech card in decks, keeping a floor on its price.

Investment Tips for Ascended Heroes

Now that you know what the cards are worth, how should you approach the Ascended Heroes market in 2026? Here is my strategy:

1. Prioritize Condition (Grading)

Because these cards are Japanese, the card stock is slightly different and often more prone to centering issues than English cards. If you are spending $100+ on a card, I highly recommend sending it to PSA or Beckett (BGS). A Gem Mint 10 Umbreon VMAX can sell for double or triple the price of a Near Mint raw copy.

2. Buy “Rainbow Rares” with Caution

The Ascended Heroes set also features “Character Super Rare” (CSR) cards and “Raindy Rare” equivalents. While beautiful, the textured foil on these cards can easily show “surface scratches” even from the factory, making them harder to grade high. If you are an investor, stick to the standard Alternate Arts (SRR) which grade easier.

3. Watch the Exchange Rates

Since Ascended Heroes is a Japanese set, its prices on eBay are heavily influenced by the Yen to USD exchange rate. If the Yen weakens, you might see prices drop slightly, presenting a buying opportunity.

4. Complete the Eeveelution Set

The safest investment in this set is the Eeveelution lineup. Umbreon, Espeon, Sylveon, and (if included) others will always move together as a pack. Buying them as a lot is often cheaper than buying individually, and selling them as a “Playset” later can yield high returns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing Sets: Do not confuse Ascended Heroes (Rising Heroes) with Sky Legend (S6a) or Tower of Perfection. They are different sets with different cards. Always check the set symbol (it usually looks like a Pokeball or specific icon unique to S5R).
• Ignoring the “Art” difference: Standard V cards are worth pennies compared to the Alternate Arts. Always verify you are buying the Secret Rare version before spending big money.
• Buying Ungraded Singles for High Value: If you are spending over $300 on a raw Umbreon VMAX, you are taking a risk. For that amount, buy graded or expect to grade it yourself.

FAQ’s

Is “Ascended Heroes” an official Pokemon set?

Technically, “Ascended Heroes” is the fan-translated name for the Japanese set S5R: Rising Heroes. There is no English set with this exact name; the cards from this set were released in English across Battle Styles, Chilling Reign, and Evolving Skies.

Why is the Umbreon VMAX so expensive compared to other Eeveelutions?

Umbreon has consistently been the most popular Eeveelution due to its “cool” design and edgy aesthetic, which appeals to older demographics. High demand plus limited supply creates the high price point.

Will these cards go up in value in 2026?

While markets fluctuate, iconic chase cards like Umbreon VMAX and Rayquaza VMAX generally trend upwards or hold steady over time. However, reprints in future sets (such as in “Premium Collections”) can cause temporary dips in price.

Can I play these cards in official tournaments?

Yes, but you must use the official English versions or use opaque sleeves with a printed Japanese translation card on top if playing in a league that allows it. However, since Sword & Shield is now a rotated format in the Standard game, these cards are primarily legal for “Expanded” format play.

Where is the best place to buy Ascended Heroes cards?

eBay and TCGPlayer are the western standards. However, for sealed Japanese product, buying directly from Japanese sellers on sites like Buyee or ZenMarket can often be cheaper due to lower domestic market prices in Japan.

Conclusion

The Ascended Heroes set is a testament to the artistic peak of the Sword & Shield era. While the gameplay of 2026 has moved on to Scarlet & Violet, the collectability of cards like Umbreon VMAX and Rayquaza VMAX remains timeless.

Whether you are a hardcore collector trying to track down a PSA 10 Umbreon, or a player looking to snag a cool Rayquaza for a deck, this set offers something for everyone. However, given the current prices, patience is key. Watch for auctions ending at odd hours or listings with misspelled titles to snag a deal.

Do you have any of these cards in your collection? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our guide on How to Grade Pokemon Cards to see if your stash is worth more than you think!