Phantasmal Flames ME02: set guide, chase cards & pull rates 2026
By Thomas Laize ·
Phantasmal Flames (ME02) is the second Mega Evolution block expansion: Fire, Dark and Ghost theme, Mega Charizard X-ex headline chase. This guide covers the top search intents — chase cards, pull rates, sealed products and opening vs singles.
In this article
Short answer: Phantasmal Flames (ME02) has 130 cards (36 secret rares), released November 14, 2025 in France. me_standard pull rates: ~4.5% SIR, ~0.5% Mega Hyper Rare. Top chase: Mega Charizard X-ex SIR (~€80–150). To sample the set: Phantasmal Flames ETB (9 packs); for one card, singles often beat ripping — use the rateTCG calculator.
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What is Phantasmal Flames (ME02)?
Phantasmal Flames (French name: Flammes Fantasmagoriques) is coded ME02 in the Pokémon TCG database. The expansion follows Mega Evolution (ME01) released a few months earlier, and is the second chapter of this block reviving Mega Evolutions in the TCG.
- 130 cards total including 36 secret rares
- Set: ME02 (Mega Evolution series)
- France release date: November 14, 2025
- Featured types: Fire, Dark, Ghost
- Legal formats: Standard and Expanded
Which chase cards to target in Phantasmal Flames?
Four Mega Pokémon-ex dominate demand in SIR or Mega Hyper Rare versions. Mega Charizard X-ex remains the #1 chase (fiery artwork, Claw of Destiny). Mega Gengar-ex leans spectral with Poison; Mega Heracross-ex is the Bug/Fighting powerhouse; Mega Pinsir-ex adds an offensive Dark line.
- Mega Charizard X-ex SIR — top chase (~€80–150 secondary market)
- Mega Charizard Y-ex SIR — Charizard alternative (~€60–100)
- Mega Charizard X-ex Mega Hyper Rare — rarest tier (~€200–400)
- Illustration Rare Fire / Ghost types — more accessible visual hits
- Double Rare ex — competitive staples, cheaper as singles
What are the Phantasmal Flames (ME02) pull rates?
ME02 shares the me_standard model with Mega Evolution (ME01): same rare+ slot, exclusive Mega Hyper Rare ~0.5% tier. Figures below are rateTCG estimates — full breakdown in Phantasmal Flames pull rates.
- Double Rare (ex): ~1 in 4 packs
- Illustration Rare: ~1 in 10 packs
- Ultra Rare: ~1 in 7 packs
- SIR (any SIR): ~1 in 22 packs (~4.5% of slot)
- Mega Hyper Rare: ~1 in 200 packs (~0.5% of slot)
Which sealed products for Phantasmal Flames?
The Phantasmal Flames ETB (9 packs + accessories + promo) is the reference format to explore ME02. Mega Charizard Ultra Premium (18 packs) doubles volume for premium hits. Compare €/pack in real time on rateTCG before buying.
Phantasmal Flames vs Mega Evolution ME01: which to open?
ME01 and ME02 share the same pull model. ME01 highlights Mega Charizard Y-ex, Mega Lucario-ex and Mega Snorlax-ex; ME02 focuses on Mega Charizard X-ex, Mega Gengar-ex and Mega Heracross-ex. Charizard fan? Both sets have must-haves. For pure opening, €/pack is comparable — pick by chase card.
The block's next expansion, Chaos Ascendant (ME04), launched May 22, 2026 — see our ME04 guide for new Kalos / Z-A chase cards.
ME02 Phantasmal Flames: set essentials
ME02 Phantasmal Flames set essentials
| Element | ME02 detail | Collection impact | Play impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set code | ME02 — Mega Evolution | Clear secondary reference | Standard per rotation |
| Rare slots | IR + SIR + Mega ex | Value in SIR tier | Competitive Mega ex staples |
| Sealed SKUs | Booster, ETB, collections | ETB = best balance | 3-pack blisters to sample |
| Buy window | Months 1–3 post-release | Singles spike then settle | Meta defined quickly |
Set structure, chase cards, sealed vs singles.
Open ME02 packs or buy singles?
Opening = fun and variance. Singles = targeting 1–2 specific cards. If a SIR trades at €80 and packs cost €5, you statistically need dozens of packs to « profit » — the rateTCG calculator compares opening expectation vs single price in seconds.
FAQ
What is the ME02 Phantasmal Flames set?
ME02 is the second Mega Evolution expansion (Flammes Fantasmagoriques), Fire / Dark / Ghost theme, 130 cards including 36 secret rares. France release: November 14, 2025.
Which chase cards matter in ME02?
Prioritize Mega Evolution SIRs (Mega Charizard X-ex leads) and Mega Hyper Rare. Double Rare ex cards support meta play but depreciate faster — great for players, weaker for long-term collecting.
What are Phantasmal Flames pull rates?
me_standard model: ~24% Double Rare, ~14% Ultra Rare, ~10% IR, ~4.5% SIR, ~0.5% Mega Hyper Rare. Details: Phantasmal Flames pull rates article.
Open ME02 packs or buy singles?
Opening is for experience and variance. Singles win when you want 1–2 specific cards. If a SIR is €80 and packs €5, you statistically need dozens of packs to « profit » — compare with the rateTCG calculator.
Is ME02 a good 2026 entry point for new collectors?
Yes to start: strong art, ETB available, active community. Wait 3–4 weeks post-release for stabler singles if you are not opening sealed yourself.
How many cards are in Phantasmal Flames?
130 cards total including 36 secret rares (Illustration Rare, Ultra Rare, SIR, Mega Hyper Rare). Set code: ME02.
When did Phantasmal Flames release in France?
The expansion launched November 14, 2025 in France, a few months after Mega Evolution (ME01).
Which ME02 product for a first opening?
The Phantasmal Flames ETB (9 packs) offers the best volume + accessories balance. For more chase volume: Ultra Premium 18 packs.
How many packs for Mega Charizard X-ex SIR?
With ~8 SIRs in the set and 4.5% on the slot: ~0.56% per pack, so ~180 packs on average (~20 ETBs). Direct purchase (~€80–150) is often more rational.
Phantasmal Flames or Chaos Ascendant ME04: which to open?
Same pull model. ME02 = Charizard X, Gengar, spectral theme; ME04 = Kalos / Z-A, Mega Greninja ex chase. Pick by chase card, not pull rates.
Calculate your pull rates
Search any Pokémon card on rateTCG to estimate pull rates per product and compare Amazon prices.
