Delta Species (ME06): the complete guide to the new Pokémon expansion
After the 30th anniversary celebration, it's time for a legend to return. On November 6, 2026, the Pokémon TCG welcomes Delta Reign (ME06), the sixth expansion of the Mega Evolution block. The headliner: Mega Rayquaza-ex, returning to the card game more than ten years after its last Mega Evolution. Joining it are three new Megas, an unprecedented two-part Legendary Stadium mechanic, and a nod to the Hoenn region. Here is everything you need to know before the release.
01
Why is the expansion called "Delta Reign"?
The name is a direct tribute to the Delta Episode, the post-game scenario from Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2014). In this story, a meteorite threatens to strike the planet, and it is Rayquaza, guided by the mysterious Zinnia, who Mega Evolves to stop it. It is therefore no surprise to find Mega Rayquaza in the spotlight… and Zinnia among the most sought-after Supporter cards.
The setting is the Hoenn region: in addition to Rayquaza, the set honors Kyogre and Groudon, the other half of the region's famous legendary trio.
Not to be confused with δ Pokémon. Despite its name, Delta Reign does not contain "Delta Species" Pokémon (the δ symbol from the 2005-2006 EX expansions, such as the δ Metagross reissued in the 30th Anniversary set). Here, "Delta" refers only to the Delta Episode.
02
Set composition: more than 135 cards
As is often the case, the international version is an enhanced version of the Japanese expansion. Delta Reign includes cards from Storm Emeralda (M6), released in Japan on July 31, 2026, and adds about thirty cards from the Japanese Mega starter decks. The result: a main set numbered up to 103, and over 135 cards including secret rares.
| Category | Detail | Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Evolution Pokémon-ex | Mega Rayquaza, Mega Golurk, Mega Malamar, Mega Samurott | 4 |
| Pokémon-ex | Including Raikou-ex | 6 |
| Illustration Rares | Including Kyogre, Groudon, Sprigatito and an Eevee exclusive to the international version | 14 |
| Ultra Rares | Full art Pokémon and Trainers | 17 |
| Special Illustration Rares | Pokémon and Supporters (including Zinnia) | 6 |
| Legendary Stadiums | 3 stadiums, each in 2 halves | 6 |
| Total including secrets | 135+ | |
The cards carry the J regulation mark: they are playable in the Standard format upon release. Booster packs contain 10 cards, as usual.
03
Mega Rayquaza-ex, the absolute star
✦ The dragon of Hoenn reclaims its throne
Mega Rayquaza had not had a Mega card since the XY era (2015). Its return was one of the most anticipated announcements of the Mega Evolution block. Its ex version boasts 280 HP and remains Colorless type, true to its previous Mega cards. Its attack Storm Emeralda deals 50 damage multiplied by the number of Fire and Electric Energy attached to all your Pokémon: the more charged your board is, the harder the dragon hits. A nod to the Rayquaza cards of the TCG, which traditionally combine these two Energy types.
For collectors, the card exists in four versions:
- Double RareClassic version
- Ultra RareFull art version
- Special Illustration RareFull-frame illustration
- Mega Ultra RareGolden version, the rarest
Mega Rayquaza-ex Mega Ultra Rare
This is THE Holy Grail of Delta Reign: an entirely golden version of Mega Rayquaza-ex, numbered 113/076 in Japanese. The Mega Ultra Rare rarity is reserved for the block's headline Mega Evolutions, and only one card in this expansion benefits from it.
In Japan, it was trading for around 100,000 yen in mid-September, compared to about 40,000 yen for the Special Illustration Rare. These prices give an idea of the card hierarchy; French version market prices will be set after the release, based on pull rates and demand.
04
The four Mega Evolutions of the set
Alongside Rayquaza, three Pokémon receive their very first Mega Evolution card in the TCG. These are Megas recently introduced in the video games, making them new for both players and collectors.
Mega Rayquaza-ex
The headliner, in four versions.
Mega Golurk-ex
The giant of the set, with the highest total HP.
Mega Samurott-ex
The Alolan insect knight, in Mega version.
Mega Malamar-ex
The hypnotizing squid, ideal for Darkness decks.
05
New: Two-part Legendary Stadiums
This is THE gameplay novelty of Delta Reign. Three Stadium cards are divided into two halves (left and right). To play a Legendary Stadium, you must have both halves in your hand and play them together: once side-by-side, they form a panoramic illustration and count as one card in play.
The Legendary Pit
Kyogre's abysses. Effect: all Pokémon (from both players) recover twice as much HP when healed.
The Legendary Summit
Rayquaza's domain, between yellow sky and purple storm, above the clouds.
The Legendary Lava Cavern
Groudon's volcanic lair, full of magma flows.
Visuals of the Japanese version (071 to 076/076). Names translated from Japanese and English; official French names may differ slightly.
Kyogre and Groudon, the big winners
Legendary Stadiums are more than just a pretty backdrop. Kyogre and Groudon (150 HP each) have an attack that unleashes as soon as a Stadium whose name contains "Legendary" is in play:
- Groudon — its 100+ damage attack gains 170 additional damage, for 270 in total.
- Kyogre — in addition to its 100 damage, it deals 50 damage to each of your opponent's Benched Pokémon.
Long-time players will recognize a legacy of the LEGEND cards from the HeartGold & SoulSilver era (2010-2011), which already functioned in two pieces—much like Darkrai & Cresselia LEGEND, recently reissued in the 30th Anniversary Classic Collection. This is the first time the principle has been applied to Stadium cards.
06
Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares
The set's top 6
Mega Rayquaza-ex, Mega Golurk-ex, Mega Samurott-ex, Raikou-ex and two Supporters, including the highly anticipated Zinnia (112/076). Along with the Mega Ultra Rare, these are the most coveted cards.
In-game, the Zinnia Supporter allows you to switch your Active Pokémon with a Benched Pokémon, then move one Energy from the Pokémon sent to the Bench to the new Active Pokémon.
Kyogre & Groudon
The two Hoenn legendaries each receive an Illustration Rare. Kyogre's is also the promo card for the Elite Trainer Box.
Sprigatito 105/103
Unveiled exclusively in September, a very sweet illustration by Jiro Sasumo.
Eevee
An Illustration Rare of Eevee absent from the Japanese version, added for the French and English release. Gallade is also among the highlighted Pokémon.
Our favorite Illustration Rares, available in the shop
Among the 14 Illustration Rares, some have incredible charm. Two of them are available individually at Master Shop TCG:
Azurill — Illustration Rare 086/076
A watercolor full of flowers by Narumi Sato: Azurill bounces by a stream, between wooden stakes.
See our single cards
Growlithe — Illustration Rare 078/076
Growlithe greets its trainer on the doorstep, in a colorful interior. One of the cutest cards in the set.
See our single cards
07
Release schedule
- July 31, 2026Release of Storm Emeralda in Japan.
- Oct 24 – Nov 1, 2026Prerelease tournaments in participating stores, with the Build & Battle Box.
- Nov 5, 2026Arrival of the expansion on Pokémon TCG Live.
- Nov 6, 2026Official store release in France, Belgium, and worldwide.
08
All Delta Reign products
Here is the range announced for the release. Only the price of the Elite Trainer Box is confirmed to date; other recommended retail prices will be added as soon as they are officially announced.
| Product | Contents | RRP |
|---|---|---|
| Booster Display | 36 booster packs of 10 cards | to be confirmed |
| Elite Trainer Box | 9 boosters, Kyogre Illustration Rare promo, 65 Mega Rayquaza sleeves, 40 Energy cards, dice and accessories | €55.99 |
| Booster Bundle | 6 booster packs | to be confirmed |
| Build & Battle Box | Starter deck, boosters and promo card (prereleases) | to be confirmed |
| 3-Booster Pack | 3 boosters + Seel promo card | to be confirmed |
| 1-Booster Blister | 1 booster + Spritzee promo card + coin | to be confirmed |
| Premium Blisters | Mareep or Fennekin evolution lines + promo + coin | to be confirmed |
The collector's top pick: the Elite Trainer Box is the only way to get the Kyogre promo in Illustration Rare. If you're aiming for the master set, it's a must-have.
09
While waiting for the French release: Storm Emeralda is already available
Don't want to wait until November 6th? Cards from Storm Emeralda are already available in Korean version on Master Shop TCG. Same illustrations, same Mega-Rayquaza-ex, and boosters at a low price to treat yourself right now.
Storm Emeralda Display (Korean)
The full box to hunt for Mega-Rayquaza-ex before anyone else.
See product
10
Which product should you choose based on your profile?
9 boosters and the exclusive Kyogre promo: the essential item.
36 boosters, the best price per booster to aim for Mega-Rayquaza.
Everything you need to participate in prereleases and test the Legendary Stadiums.
A few boosters and a promo to discover the set.
FAQ
Your questions about Delta Reign
When is Delta Reign released in France?
November 6, 2026. Prerelease tournaments take place from October 24 to November 1, 2026, and the expansion arrives on Pokémon TCG Live on November 5.
How many cards are in Delta Reign?
The main set has 103 cards, and over 135 cards when counting secret rares (Illustration Rares, Ultra Rares, Special Illustration Rares, and Mega Ultra Rare).
What is the rarest card?
The gold Mega-Rayquaza-ex Mega Ultra Rare, followed by its Special Illustration Rare and the other Special Illustration Rares (Mega-Golurk-ex, Raikou-ex, Zinnia…).
What is the Japanese equivalent of Delta Reign?
It is Storm Emeralda (M6), released on July 31, 2026 in Japan. The international version adds about thirty cards from the Japanese Mega starter decks. In English, the expansion is called Delta Reign.
Are there any δ (Delta Species) Pokémon in the set?
No. The name refers to the Delta Episode of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, not the δ Pokémon from the 2005-2006 EX expansions.
How do Legendary Stadiums work?
Each Legendary Stadium is composed of two cards. You must have both halves in your hand to play it; once placed side by side, they form a single illustration and count as a single Stadium in play.
Are the cards playable in Standard?
Yes, Delta Reign cards bear the J regulation mark and are legal in the Standard format upon release.
Ready for the reign of Mega-Rayquaza?
Find our Pokémon products, boosters, and sealed boxes on Master Shop TCG. Shipping to Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal.
Discover our Pokémon productsInformation updated as of October 1, 2026, based on official announcements and information from the Japanese version. Some details (French names, prices) may still change before the release. Pokémon and associated names are trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and GAME FREAK inc.
