ダークオーダー (Dark Order): Japanese Pokémon TCG Set Guide (SM8a)

ダークオーダー (Dark Order) is a subset of the Sun & Moon Era in the Japanese Pokémon TCG. Released on 5 October 2018, it is the first enhancement expansion for Explosive Impact (SM8). The set focuses on Dark-type and Psychic-type Pokémon, featuring Incineroar-GX, Hoopa-GX, and other shadow-themed GX cards alongside competitively relevant trainer cards.

By PulloraX · Published 30 October 2026

Set overview

Set code: SM8a
Japanese name: 強化拡張パック ダークオーダー
Cards: 52 + secret rares
Release date: 5 October 2018
Era: Sun & Moon
Series type: Enhancement expansion (強化拡張パック)

Dark Order brought a sinister twist to the Sun & Moon TCG with its Dark-type focus. The set provided key support cards for Dark-type decks and introduced new GX Pokémon that complemented existing strategies in the competitive format.

Key cards

GX cards: Incineroar-GX (Dark type) headlines the set with its powerful Dark-type attacks. Hoopa-GX (Dark type) and Umbreon & Darkrai-GX variants provide additional Dark-type firepower. Each has RR and SR versions.

Notable cards: Adventure Bag, Dangerous Drill, and other trainer cards offered new competitive tools. Dark-type support Pokémon strengthened existing Dark decks.

Secret Rares: SR Full Art GX cards and HR Rainbow Rares are the main chase pulls. UR gold trainer cards complete the secret rare lineup.

What is in the box

A Japanese SM8a Dark Order booster box contains 30 packs of 5 cards each. The compact card pool makes chasing specific cards more achievable. SR and HR pull rates average roughly one per box.

Shop this set

• Dark Order SM8a Japanese Pokémon Booster Box

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