by Simon May 20,2025
Set to release on May 30, 2025, the latest Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet expansion, Destined Rivals, is poised to be one of the most significant card game releases to date. **And it's well-deserved.**
Having had the privilege of an early hands-on experience with the set, I can confidently say that **Destined Rivals is exceptional.** The thrill of opening these cards has been unparalleled for me in recent times.
The illustrations are among the finest I've ever encountered. This expansion introduces more Trainer Pokémon cards, featuring Ethan from Pokémon Gold and Silver, which evokes a powerful wave of nostalgia. It's precisely what the Pokémon TCG needed.
Destined Rivals transcends mere nostalgia; it represents a significant evolution for the game. The introduction of new Trainer Pokémon enhances deck-building possibilities, and the improved pull rates show that The Pokémon Company is listening to what collectors and players desire. This set feels like a fresh start, especially after months of stock challenges and sets with difficult pull rates. Journey Together had started to shift things in the right direction, and Destined Rivals continues that momentum.
I'm already brainstorming which decks to construct and which cards I need multiple copies of—a feeling I haven't experienced with a set in quite some time. If stock levels can be managed effectively this year, I believe most trainers will find it impossible to resist this set.
Thanks to The Pokémon Company, I had the opportunity to explore a variety of Destined Rivals products, including a Build and Battle Box, a Booster Bundle, an Elite Trainer Box, and a full Booster Box. Opening these products was far more gratifying than recent sets.
Each product had its standout moments, and I found myself genuinely excited about the cards I was pulling, rather than feeling indifferent.
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The Build and Battle Box set the tone right away. It included four booster packs, a stamped promo card (Team Rocket's Tyranitar for me), and a 40-card deck. I managed to pull one ex card and one Illustration Rare from the four packs, which I consider quite respectable.
Building a quick deck from the included cards was surprisingly enjoyable, especially with the Trainer Pokémon mechanics that made even the starter deck feel more dynamic than usual. Four Team Rocket's Tyranitar holos, please!
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Unfortunately, I didn't have much luck with the Elite Trainer Box. However, it came with nine booster packs, sleeves, dice, markers, and the Rocket’s Wobbuffet promo card. The red-and-black Team Rocket design is even more striking in person.
In my opinion, this ETB is one of the most compelling we've seen recently, though pulling chase cards remains a mix of luck and the quality of the set. I was simply unlucky this time.
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The Booster Bundle kept the excitement alive. With six booster packs and no extras, it was just me and the Pokégods. I pulled a couple of ex's and my favorite card from this set, Ethan's Typhlosion IR.
The card is stunning, capturing the movement and detail while showcasing the bond between Ethan and Typhlosion. Booster Bundles are an excellent value if you're looking for a quick taste of the new set without breaking the bank.
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The Booster Box was the grand finale, and it delivered exactly what I was hoping for. I pulled multiple ex cards, a Gold card, a SIR, and several Illustration Rares that made the entire opening process exciting from start to finish.
This experience reaffirmed that Booster Boxes can still feel like an event, not just a tedious task. If I were to choose again, I'd go all in on a Booster Box.
The standout feature of Destined Rivals is the enhanced illustrations. The cards feel more vibrant, and even the common cards are engaging enough to catch your eye instead of being shuffled into the bulk pile. This small but impactful change transforms every pack into an adventure rather than a chore.
The return of Trainer Pokémon in the Scarlet and Violet era adds another layer of excitement. Building decks and collecting cards based on specific characters rather than just types offers endless thematic possibilities. Cynthia’s Pokémon feel like a cohesive team, making deck-building and battling more enjoyable and personal.
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The pull rates are significantly better. From 46 packs, I pulled 8 ex cards, 6 Illustration Rares, 1 Special Illustration Rare, and 1 Gold card. This matches the strong pull experience from Journey Together and is a far cry from the frustrating experiences with recent mini sets like Prismatic Evolutions.
Shrouded Fable was particularly challenging, with pull rates so low it felt like a test of patience. Surging Sparks was marginally better, but still disappointing. Prismatic Evolutions was overwhelmed with Pokéball cards and low chances, leaving me disappointed. Destined Rivals rectifies these issues and reignites my passion for this hobby.
In terms of chase cards, this is one of my favorite Pokémon TCG previews to date. I pulled 16 hits ranging from standard exs and IRs to SIRs, with the full gallery at the top of the article. Here are my top five pulls from this Destined Rivals preview, which I believe capture some of the best cards in the set:
Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon CompanyThe Special Illustration Rare artwork of Ethan and Ho-Oh soaring across a vivid sunset is truly special. As one of my chase cards, I'm thrilled with both the SIR and its gold rare variant.
This card holds personal significance for me, given my affinity for Pokémon Gold. The card is highly playable, allowing you to attach two basic fire energy per turn while dealing 160 damage and healing 50 damage from each of your Pokémon. A Ho-Oh ex and Charizard ex deck would be formidable!
Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon CompanyArven’s Mabosstiff ex rekindles my love for midrange decks. The artwork is heartwarming and reminds me of my own dogs. Vigorous Tackle provides solid early damage, while Boss’s Headbutt can turn the tide for a massive 210 damage. With Arven’s Sandwich keeping it healthy, this card could be a real challenge for opponents. I'll call this deck "Mabos-switch," and you don't have enough badges to train me.
Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon CompanyThis card has immense potential for a damage spread deck. Imagine sending Crobat ex in, placing damage on three opposing Pokémon in one turn, then bringing in Shrouded Fable's Bloodmoon Ursaluna from your hand. With Battle Hardened, you can attach three fighting energy in one turn and use Mad Bite to deal 100 damage plus 30 more for each damage counter. The full art ex cards with a trainer in the background are a unique and appealing design.
Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon CompanyEthan’s Typhlosion brings the heat with Buddy Blast, which can deal massive damage based on the number of Ethan’s Adventure cards in your discard pile. This IR card is my favorite from Destined Rivals, beautifully illustrating the bond between Ethan and his starter Pokémon amidst a chaotic moment.
Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon CompanyHoundoom deserves more attention, and this illustration rare delivers. The artwork exemplifies the dynamic and aggressive style of Destined Rivals. While the energy discard on a Stage 1 card might be a drawback, it's easy to build up on the bench for a quick hit and retreat.
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3See it at Best BuyI believe Destined Rivals is a must-buy **if you can find it in stock**. It reignites the excitement of opening packs, makes deck-building more engaging, and features some of the best-looking cards in the Scarlet and Violet era. Collectors, competitive players, and casual fans alike will find much to love here. **Just be prepared: your wallet might start plotting its own Team Rocket-level revenge.**
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