Get ready, Trainers! The Pokémon Trading Card Game is about to ignite with the release of Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals, the tenth main expansion in the Scarlet & Violet series, hitting shelves on May 30, 2025.
This set promises an electrifying showdown between iconic Pokémon Trainers and the nefarious Team Rocket, blending nostalgia, stunning artwork, and game-changing mechanics.Whether you’re a collector, a competitive player, or a casual fan, Destined Rivals is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Pokémon TCG releases of the year. Let’s dive into what makes this set a must-have
A Clash of Heroes and Villains
Destined Rivals brings a thrilling narrative to the Pokémon TCG, pitting heroic Trainers against the villainous Team Rocket in a battle for the ages. The set reintroduces the popular Trainer’s Pokémon mechanic with a twist, spotlighting iconic duos like Cynthia’s Garchomp ex, Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex, and Arven’s Mabosstiff ex, alongside Team Rocket’s menacing lineup, led by Giovanni’s Mewtwo ex.With over 85 Trainer Pokémon cards, including 45+ Team Rocket-themed cards, players can choose their allegiance and build decks that reflect their loyalty to either the heroes or the villains.
The return of Team Rocket is a major highlight, marking their first significant appearance in years. Cards like Team Rocket’s Zapdos and Team Rocket’s Articuno (available as promo cards at GameStop and Best Buy with a $15+ Pokémon TCG purchase) add a nostalgic nod to the classic EX Team Rocket Returns set from 2004. Expect intense rivalries, with artwork showcasing epic clashes like Giovanni vs. Ethan and Cynthia vs. Team Rocket’s grunts.
What’s Inside the Destined Rivals Booster Pack?
Each Destined Rivals Booster Pack contains 10 cards and 1 Basic Energy, drawn from a massive set of over 240 cards, including secret rares. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
17+ Pokémon ex Cards: Featuring heavy hitters like Giovanni’s Mewtwo ex (with a whopping 280 HP and the devastating Deletion Sphere attack), Cynthia’s Garchomp ex (with a draw-heavy Screw Drive attack), and Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex (a Fire Energy accelerator with Shining Feather’s healing and damage combo).
83 Team Rocket-Tagged Cards: Highlighting villains like Team Rocket’s Arbok, Team Rocket’s Koffing, and executives like Giovanni, Ariana, and Petrel.20+ Trainer Cards: Including powerful Supporter cards like Ethan’s Adventure, which fetches up to three Ethan’s Pokémon or Basic Fire Energy, and Cynthia’s Power Weight for strategic deck-building.
The set combines cards from Japan’s Heat Wave Arena, The Glory of Team Rocket, and Marnie’s Morpeko & Grimmsnarl ex and Steven’s Beldum & Metagross ex Starter Decks, ensuring a diverse and dynamic card pool.
Why Destined Rivals is a Game-Changer For Competitive Players
The set’s emphasis on Trainer’s Pokémon and Team Rocket cards opens up new deck archetypes, with over 85 Trainer’s Pokémon providing endless combo possibilities. Pre-release events from May 17–25, 2025, using Build & Battle Boxes with 40-card decks and unique promo cards (like Ethan’s Typhlosion or Team Rocket’s Mimikyu), offer a chance to test these strategies early.
For Collectors
Collectors are in for a treat with Destined Rivals’ stunning artwork. The Special Illustration Rares featuring Trainers alongside their Pokémon are expected to be chase cards, with Cynthia’s Garchomp ex SAR and Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex SAR already generating buzz. The set’s 23 Illustration Rares and 11 Special Illustration Rares showcase vibrant designs, while the 6 Hyper Rare gold-etched cards are sure to be prized additions to any binder. Team Rocket’s return also brings nostalgic appeal, with cards like Misty’s Psyduck and Kangaskhan adding charm for longtime fans.Products to Watch For
Destined Rivals will be available in various formats to suit all types of fans:
Booster Display Box: Contains 36 booster packs, ideal for collectors and players seeking to expand their collection.
Elite Trainer Box: Includes 9 booster packs, a Team Rocket’s Wobbuffet full-art foil promo card, 65 card sleeves, 45 Energy cards, dice, condition markers, and a player’s guide.The Pokémon Center-exclusive version includes 11 booster packs and two promo cards, one of which features the Pokémon Center logo.
Build & Battle Box: Features 4 booster packs and a 40-card ready-to-play deck with one of four unique foil promo cards, available at pre-release events and after launch.
Premium Checklane Blisters: Include 1 booster pack and a promo card, such as Togekiss or Skeledirge.
Booster Bundle: Contains 6 booster packs for a quick sampling of the set.
Additionally, a digital release on Pokémon TCG Live launches on May 29, 2025, allowing players to collect and battle with Destined Rivals cards online, complete with in-game bonuses.
Community Buzz and Challenges
The Pokémon TCG community is buzzing with excitement, with fans on platforms like Reddit calling Destined Rivals one of the most anticipated sets of 2025, rivaling even Prismatic Evolutions. The return of Team Rocket and the focus on Trainer’s Pokémon have sparked plans for themed decks and collection goals.
Community sentiment also highlights the set’s nostalgic appeal, with posts on X praising the artwork and the return of Team Rocket. One user noted, “Destined Rivals is shaping up to be the best time I’ve had opening cards in ages,” reflecting the enthusiasm for the set’s improved pull rates and collectible appeal.
