Honestly, if you’re looking at the mega brave card list right now, you’re probably either chasing that gold-etched high or wondering why everyone is suddenly obsessed with 2014-era mechanics again. Mega Evolutions are back. But they aren't the same "skip your turn" clunkers we dealt with a decade ago.
Released in Japan on August 1, 2025, the Mega Brave [M1L] expansion kicked off a massive shift in the Pokémon TCG. It’s a 92-card set if you count the secret rares, and it's basically the foundation of what we’re seeing in the Western Mega Evolution base set. But here’s the thing: most people just look for the big hitters like Mega Lucario and ignore the "glue" cards that actually make the set playable.
The Heavy Hitters: Why Everyone is Chasing #092
Let’s talk about the elephant—or rather, the jackal—in the room. The Mega Lucario ex MUR #092.
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This isn't just another shiny card. The "Mega Ultra Rare" (MUR) rarity is a new beast for 2025/2026. Unlike the old Hyper Rares that were just rainbow or gold recolors, the MURs in Mega Brave have entirely unique, gold-etched artwork. You aren't just getting a gold version of the standard art; you're getting a specific, textured illustration that only exists in this slot.
Prices for a raw copy of the #092 Lucario have been hovering around $380, but if you're looking at a PSA 10, you're easily clearing the $500 mark in today's market.
Why is it so expensive?
- Pull Rates: They are abysmal. You're looking at maybe one MUR per case if you're lucky.
- Competitive Viability: Aura Jab is a legitimate threat. Doing 130 damage while accelerating Energy from the discard to your bench is exactly what a fast-paced meta needs.
- The "Mega Brave" Attack: It hits for 270. That's a magic number that knocks out almost every Basic ex in the format.
Beyond the Gold: The Mega Brave Card List Breakdown
You’ve got 63 cards in the main set and 29 secret rares. If you're building a binder, the triptych Art Rare (AR) line for the Bulbasaur family is the real MVP.
Mashu, the illustrator, did something incredible here. The Bulbasaur (#064), Ivysaur (#065), and Mega Venusaur ex (#76 or #87 depending on the rarity) all connect. You can see Ivysaur’s vine creeping into Bulbasaur’s frame. It’s a storyteller's dream for collectors.
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But if you're actually playing the game, you need to look at the trainers. Lillie’s Determination (#062/#091) is the card that’s going to keep this set relevant for years. It’s a shuffle-draw-six Supporter, but if you’re behind or have specific conditions met, you can draw up to eight. It’s basically the spiritual successor to Cynthia, and in a post-rotation world where we lose Iono, this is your new best friend.
Key Pokemon to Watch
- Mega Venusaur ex (#003): 380 HP. Read that again. It’s the highest HP we’ve ever seen on a printed card. Its "Jungle Dump" attack heals it while dealing damage, making it an absolute wall.
- Mega Absol ex (#038): A Dark-type tech that most people slept on at launch. It’s great for punishing decks that rely on heavy retreat costs.
- Garganacl (#036): The evolution line (Nacli, Naclstack) provides some of the best defensive stalling in the current Standard format.
The Strategy Mistake You're Probably Making
Everyone wants to jam Mega Lucario ex into every Fighting-type deck. Don't do that.
The biggest "gotcha" with the cards on the mega brave card list is the prize trade. Mega Evolution Pokémon ex give up three prize cards. If you lose two of them, the game is over. You can't just swing blindly.
Smart players are pairing Mega Lucario with Hariyama (#025) and the new Stadium card, Dangerous Abandoned Building (#063). Hariyama’s ability disrupts the opponent's hand, while the Stadium punishes players for retreating—forcing them to sit there and take a 270-damage Mega Brave to the face.
Also, don't sleep on Premium Power Pro (#058). It’s an Item card that boosts damage by 30. It stacks. If you play two or three in a single turn, your Mega Lucario is suddenly hitting for 330 or 360, which deletes Stage 2 ex Pokémon like Charizard in one shot.
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Where to Buy and What to Avoid
If you're buying singles from the mega brave card list, be careful with the Japanese markets. "Mercari JP" is great for deals, but shipping will kill you if you aren't using a proxy.
For those looking at the English equivalent—the Mega Evolution set—just know that the pull rates for the "Special Art Rares" (SAR) like Lillie’s Determination (#091) are roughly one in every three booster boxes. It is a tough pull.
Current Market Value Snapshot (Early 2026)
| Card Name | Rarity | Est. Price (Ungraded) |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Lucario ex (#092) | MUR | $380 |
| Lillie's Determination (#091) | SAR | $250 |
| Mega Venusaur ex (#087) | SAR | $65 |
| Mega Absol ex (#089) | SAR | $35 |
| Bulbasaur (#064) | AR | $12 |
How to Handle the "Mega Rule"
One thing people forget: you have to evolve these from the standard "ex" versions. You can't just slap a Mega Lucario onto a Riolu. You need the Lucario ex first.
In the Mega Brave set, the Riolu (#028) and Lucario ex (#029) are fairly easy to find as commons and double rares. The difficulty is keeping that 210-HP Lucario ex alive long enough to evolve it into the 340-HP Mega version.
Actionable Insights for Collectors and Players
If you’re sitting on a pile of credits in Pokémon TCG Live or looking at a wall of booster boxes at your local shop, here is the move:
- Prioritize the Staples: Grab your playsets of Lillie’s Determination and Night Stretcher now. These are the cards that go into every deck, not just Mega decks.
- Watch the Triptychs: If you’re a collector, buy the Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur AR/SAR cards as a set. Their value is tied together; if you have all three, the resale value is significantly higher than the sum of their parts.
- Use Premium Power Pro: If you’re playing the Lucario deck, run four copies of this item. The ability to "math" your way into a one-hit KO on a Charizard ex or Dragapult ex is the only way the three-prize risk of a Mega becomes worth it.
- Check for "Double-Hit" Boxes: In Japan, some Mega Brave boxes have been reported to contain two Secret Rares instead of one. If you’re opening packs, keep an eye on the mapping of your box. If you hit a low-tier SR early, don't assume the box is "dead."
The mega brave card list represents a high-stakes era for the TCG. Whether you're in it for the gold-etched Lucario or the 380-HP tank that is Venusaur, just remember: high power always comes with a three-prize target on your back.