There's already a date marked in red for this month: Mega Evolution Pitch Black (Oscuridad Absoluta in Spanish) is launching worldwide on July 17, 2026. It's the fifth expansion of the Mega Evolution era in Pokémon TCG, and after the thrill of Shifting Chaos, it arrives with the darkest set of the block: Mega-Darkrai ex as the absolute protagonist and a list of over 115 cards that aims high among collectors.
Release Date and Key Information
These are the confirmed details for the Pitch Black launch:
- Worldwide Release: July 17, 2026 (Friday).
- Pokémon TCG Live: available one day earlier, on July 16.
- Prerelease Tournaments: from July 4 to 12 at Play! Pokémon program stores, so the first packs can be opened at official events.
- Origin: It's the Western adaptation of the Japanese set Abyss Eye, released in Japan on May 22, 2026.
This is what the Pitch Black booster packs look like, with Mega Darkrai on the cover.
As always, the set will be released in Spanish and English simultaneously, with the same card content. If you're unsure between languages, remember that English cards usually move the market faster, but Spanish cards feel best in a collection here.
Mega-Darkrai ex Leads the Darkest Set of the Mega Evolution Era
The undisputed star is Mega-Darkrai ex (048/084), with 280 HP and that Abyssal Eye attack that directly knocks out any Pokémon affected by a Special Condition. It is accompanied by Mega-Zeraora ex (027/084), Mega-Chandelure ex (038/084, with 350 HP it is one of the bulkiest Pokémon in the set), and Mega-Excadrill ex (065/084). The theme revolves around sinister, ghost, and nocturnal Pokémon, something we haven't seen so pronounced in years.
The four confirmed Mega ex cards from the set, in their English version. Click on any card to view it in large.
Regarding rarities, the expansion includes:
- 6 Mega Evolution Pokémon ex and 4 additional Pokémon ex.
- 11 Illustration Rare cards, collectors' favorites for their full-page artwork.
- 18 Ultra Rare Pokémon and Trainer cards.
- 6 Special Illustration Rare cards, the peak of the set along with the secret rares.
With Darkrai as the face of the set and nocturnal artwork, it's highly likely that the Special Illustration Rares in this expansion will be highly sought after from day one.
All Launch Products
Pitch Black arrives with the full range of products typical of a main expansion:
- Booster Box / Display of 36 packs: the classic format for those who want to open the set thoroughly.
- Elite Trainer Box (ETB): includes 9 booster packs, a full-art Zarude promo card, 65 sleeves, 40 Energy cards, dice, and a coin. There will be a standard version and a Pokémon Center exclusive.
- Booster Bundle: 6 loose booster packs, the most economical entry to the set.
- Build & Battle: the format designed for prereleases and to play from minute one.
- Premium Collection with Mega-Greninja ex, which will be released alongside the set.
How to Prepare While the Set Arrives
If you don't want to wait idly until the 17th, the Mega Evolution era already has very interesting products available in our Pokémon collection. The Shifting Chaos ETB in Spanish is the immediately preceding expansion and there are few units left in store. And if you like the dark theme of this new set, the Mega Moonlit Tin with Mega-Gengar ex fits perfectly with the sinister vibe of Pitch Black.
To open something lighter, the 4-pack blister of Shifting Chaos is the option for under €25 to warm up. And we don't always say it for no reason: protecting what you pull with good sleeves and toploaders from our accessories collection is the difference between a card that's worth something and a card that used to be.
Our Opinion at Collectowny
Pitch Black has the three ingredients that usually make a set one of the year's big ones: a cover Pokémon with massive appeal (Darkrai has been a fan favorite since 2007), a nocturnal aesthetic that looks especially good in higher rarities, and the perfect hype moment for the Mega Evolution era. Our specific recommendation: if you collect, the ETB is the perfect purchase for the Zarude promo and extras; if you're looking for opening profitability, the booster box is the way; and if you just want to try the set, start with a booster bundle. What we wouldn't do is wait weeks after the release, because charismatic sets like this tend to sell out in the first wave of stock.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pitch Black
When is Pitch Black released in Spain?
On July 17, 2026, the same day as the rest of the world, in Spanish and English. It will be available on Pokémon TCG Live from July 16.
How many cards does the set have?
Over 115 cards in the main set, plus secret rare cards. It includes 6 Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, 18 Ultra Rares, and 6 Special Illustration Rares.
Which card is the most sought after in the set?
All signs point to Mega-Darkrai ex, especially its higher rarity versions. The Special Illustration Rares with a nocturnal theme will be the most coveted by collectors.
Is Pitch Black the same as Oscuridad Absoluta?
Yes: Pitch Black is the English name and Oscuridad Absoluta is the official Spanish name. It is the same set (ME05), adapted from the Japanese Abyss Eye.
Pre-order Before It Flies Off the Shelves
At Collectowny, we are preparing for the arrival of Pitch Black. Sign up for our mailing list to receive pre-order alerts as soon as we open reservations, and take a look at the pre-order collection to secure new releases that are already available for reservation. The first waves of big sets fly off the shelves, don't let it be just a story.