Set to officially release on March 27th , Perfect Order arrives during a remarkably hot period for the Pokémon TCG. Usually, we'd be scrambling to find the next big hit to stockpile, but it's okay to admit this set is feeling very lackluster. Honestly, in a market that's been firing on all cylinders, it will be interesting to see how a "filler" set performs over the next few months. View this not as a missed opportunity, but as a necessary cooldown for the community to regroup.
A massive reason for this perceived dip in quality is simply the monumental shadow it's standing in. Perfect Order is following up the absolute juggernaut that was Ascended Heroes . Let's be real: Ascended Heroes is arguably the best set in the current Mega Evolution (ME) era, and many investors believe it even rivals the greatest sets of the previous Scarlet & Violet block. Following a massive, capital-draining hit like that is nearly impossible, so a breather is exactly what we need right now.
Leading the charge for this cooldown set is none other than Mega Zygarde ex . For those who might need a brief recap on the lore, Zygarde is the legendary protector of the Kalos region's ecosystem. It monitors the balance of nature, famously transforming from its cellular core and dog-like 10% Forme, to its serpentine 50% Forme, and finally its towering Complete Forme. It’s a respectable, lore-heavy Pokémon, even if it doesn't instantly crash the market like a fan-favorite Charizard or Umbreon.
From an investment standpoint, it is highly uncertain if Zygarde possesses the necessary star power to push a mainline set on its own. While the current market prices for pre-orders might suggest high demand, we know exactly how the current Pokémon hype cycle works. Early prices are almost always inflated by pure FOMO. Don't let the initial rush trick you into overspending; use this time to hold your funds and let the hype naturally deflate (maybe).
That is not to say there aren't some fantastic cards hiding in Perfect Order if you're looking to snipe a few key singles. A few massive hits catch my eye right away. The Special Illustration Rare (SIR) Meowth features some truly incredible artwork that perfectly captures a vibrant urban vibe. Additionally, the Mega Starmie ex is a brilliant hit, and we absolutely can't ignore the regular Art Rare Clefairy , which boasts some genuinely beautiful scenery.
Speaking of that scenery, as a side note, the Pokémon Company has really been going all in with Clefairy over the last few years. We’ve seen a relentless push featuring various Lillie's Clefairy trainer artworks, mega variants, and gorgeous art rares. Now, Perfect Order gives us the Mega Clefairy Special Illustration Rare . Personally, I am not a fan of this specific artwork. While some completionists will chase it, I feel it's an overplayed hand by the design team.
Ultimately, the Zygarde chase cards do feature gorgeous artworks across the special illustrations and other rare variants. But, being completely honest with you, I am not the biggest Zygarde fan overall. Because of that, and the desperate need to regroup after a crazy couple of months, this is a set I will firmly skip. My strategy is strictly looking at buying a few desirable singles when prices lower and level out . Overall, it’s an interesting addition to the ME era, but your best move is to take a breath and save your capital for the next big wave.