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On May 22nd, the highly anticipated Pokémon TCG Japan expansion, "Abyss Eye" (M5), was finally released. In this guide we rank the top 10 hit cards from the set, break down what MUR, SAR, SR, and AR actually mean, and answer the most common questions collectors are searching for right now.
What Is Abyss Eye?
Featuring Mega Darkrai as the pack art, Abyss Eye immediately commands attention. The piercing, glowing eyes in the darkness perfectly capture Mega Darkrai's overwhelming power. With Mega Zeraora and Mega Chandelure also joining the fray, the momentum of Mega Evolution ex cards shows no signs of slowing down.
Abyss Eye Rarity Tiers Explained (MUR, SAR, SR, AR)
A lot of collectors search for the "hit rate" of a set, but exact pull percentages are set by the manufacturer and not something we invent or guess at — for official rarity information, always refer to the official Pokemon card Japan site. What we can tell you from experience is how the rarity tiers stack up in a Mega Evolution set like Abyss Eye:
- MUR — the single rarest "chase" hit in the set, reserved for the marquee card (Mega Darkrai ex in this case).
- SAR (Special Art Rare) — premium alternate-art hits, generally the second-most sought-after tier.
- SR (Super Rare) — full-art style hits that sit just below SAR in scarcity and demand.
- AR (Art Rare) — alternate-art cards that appear more frequently than SAR/SR, but still highly collectible.
With that framework in mind, here's how the top 10 hits from Abyss Eye actually rank.
Top 10 Hit Cards from Abyss Eye (M5)
Even while writing this article, the popularity rankings kept shifting. Information below reflects observed demand as of June 17th and has been updated for accuracy.
👑 {118/081} Mega Darkrai ex (MUR) 👑
While there is never any doubt that the MUR is always the top hit card, fans were eagerly anticipating what the MUR version would look like this time around, and it certainly did not disappoint. The golden gleam perfectly enhances its majestic presence, making it the top hit card of the set and a must-have for any collector.
{114/081} Mega Darkrai ex (SAR)
Following the MUR, the SAR version is also attracting a great deal of attention. The artwork's eerie yet mystical atmosphere, combined with its overwhelming presence, makes it impossible to look away. The illustration was created by the renowned Akira Egawa, known for many popular Pokémon card artworks. The intricate and beautifully detailed style is likely familiar to many collectors and fans. We recently received a message from a customer lucky enough to pull this card — it's such a stunning card that we would love to see in person someday.
{117/081} Gwynn (SAR)
Gwynn from Pokémon Legends: Z-A earns a spot on the list with this beautiful SAR card. A Ghost-type Trainer whose partner is Mega Chandelure, Gwynn is depicted in an adorable scene featuring a playful "finger bump" instead of a fist bump. The artwork was illustrated by the renowned Naoki Saito, and the Litwick in the background adds even more charm to the card.
{115/081} Morpeko ex (SAR)
This SAR showcases Morpeko in its Hangry Mode, throwing a tantrum because its stomach is empty. Morpeko is always hungry, and when its hunger continues for too long, its fur changes color and it enters Hangry Mode. Even in this form, the artwork remains cute, making it a fan favorite among collectors and Pokémon fans alike.
{112/081} Mega Zeraora ex (SAR)
Emerging from Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Mega Zeraora boasts power that many call the strongest among Electric-type Pokémon. While keeping the core traits of its pre-Mega form, this card showcases a stunningly dynamic color palette. The SAR artwork delivers maximum cool-factor, with powerful, pale-blue lightning exploding across the card for a high-impact visual.
{108/081} Misty's Energy (SR)
Misty, a beloved character who has been loved by fans for many years, earns a spot on the list with this SR card. While some fans initially wished Misty had received an SAR card, the SR artwork has been well received and praised by many collectors. Combined with Misty's enduring popularity, the card has continued to gain attention, with its popularity steadily rising even as this article is being written.
{111/081} Gwynn (SR)
This SR also perfectly captures Gwynn's expression and personality. Some fans and collectors actually prefer this artwork over the SAR version. Popular among both players looking to add it to their decks and collectors alike, this card is a testament to Gwynn's growing popularity and just how beloved the character has become among fans.
{113/081} Mega Chandelure ex (SAR)
This SAR for Mega Chandelure leaves a lasting impression with its beautiful, mystical, and subtly eerie artwork. Evolving from Litwick to Lampent and finally Chandelure, it has long been a fan-favorite Pokémon known for its unique light-themed design. The artwork beautifully captures the appeal of Mega Chandelure, making this card highly sought after by collectors.
{087/081} Slowbro (AR)
Slowbro's AR card has been steadily gaining popularity. Fans are loving Slowbro's signature oblivious expression, looking as though it is completely unaware of anything happening around it. With charming artwork that's sure to bring a smile to your face, this card has become one of the most talked-about cards in the set.
{116/081} Gladion's Fighting Spirit (SAR)
Gladion is Lillie's older brother and a popular character known for his caring side toward her. This SAR illustration has been well received for how cool it looks, and what makes it even more impressive is that when placed side by side with Silvally's SAR, the artwork connects to form a single image.
▲When the cards are placed side by side, they form the connected illustration shown above. It really makes you want to collect the full set and display them together.
Abyss Eye Booster Box Hit Rate: What to Expect
We intentionally don't publish specific pull-rate percentages, since only the manufacturer can confirm exact print ratios and these can vary by print run. What we can say from tracking hundreds of boxes sold is that MUR is the true chase card of the set, SAR sits just below it in scarcity, and SR and AR cards are more attainable but still land well above base rarity. If you're comparing hit rates across sets, our other rankings for Mega Brave / Mega Symphonia and Heat Wave Arena are good reference points for how Mega Evolution-era sets tend to distribute their top hits.
Where to Buy Abyss Eye Boxes and Singles
At PokeNinJapan, we carry Abyss Eye booster boxes and the individual singles featured above. Check current availability and details on the product pages before ordering:
- {M5 Box} Abyss Eye | Japanese Pokemon Card
- {M5 Korean Box} Abyss Eye Korean ver. | Korean Pokemon Card
- Browse all Abyss Eye (M5) singles
What's Next After Abyss Eye?
Next up is "Storm Emeralda" (M6), releasing in July. Mega Rayquaza is set to make an appearance, and we can't wait for the upcoming information reveals to see what kind of cards will be included in the set.
More Hit Card Guides from PokeNinJapan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hit card in Abyss Eye (M5)?
Based on collector demand and rarity, the MUR Mega Darkrai ex ({118/081}) is widely considered the top hit, followed closely by the SAR Mega Darkrai ex ({114/081}). Rankings have shifted week to week since release, so check current listings for the latest movement.
What do MUR, SAR, SR, and AR mean on Japanese Pokémon cards?
These are Japanese rarity markings. In Mega Evolution-focused sets like Abyss Eye, MUR marks the single rarest chase card, SAR (Special Art Rare) and SR (Super Rare) are premium full-art style hits, and AR (Art Rare) cards feature alternate artwork at a rarity below SAR/SR.
When was Abyss Eye released?
Abyss Eye (M5) launched on May 22nd as part of the Pokémon TCG Japan Mega Evolution lineup, with Mega Darkrai ex as the cover card.
What is the hit rate for Abyss Eye booster boxes?
We don't publish unofficial pull-rate percentages. For official rarity and print information, check the official Pokemon card Japan site. As a general rule, MUR and SAR cards are the scarcest pulls, while SR and AR cards appear more frequently per box.
What Pokémon TCG set comes after Abyss Eye?
Storm Emeralda (M6) is next, releasing in July and featuring Mega Rayquaza as its headline card.