Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals - Scarlet & Violet's Top Expansion Preview

Set to launch on May 30, 2025, the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet expansion, Destined Rivals, is poised to be one of the most significant card game releases in recent history. And it certainly earns that distinction.

Having had the privilege of an early hands-on experience with the set, I can confidently say that **Destined Rivals is phenomenal**. My initial encounter with the expansion was one of the most enjoyable card-opening sessions I've had in a long time.

The artwork in this set is among the finest I've ever seen. With a focus on more Trainer Pokémon cards, including Ethan from Pokémon Gold and Silver, the expansion delivers a wave of nostalgia that's both powerful and invigorating. It feels like precisely what the Pokémon TCG community has been waiting for.

Destined Rivals isn't just about nostalgia; it's a true evolution for the game. The new Trainer’s Pokémon cards open up exciting deck-building possibilities, and the improved pull rates show that The Pokémon Company is listening to what collectors and players want. This set could mark a fresh start for the company, especially after the challenges of stock shortages and sets with difficult pull rates (though Journey Together began to turn things around).

I'm already strategizing which decks to build and which cards to collect in multiples. It's been a while since I've felt this enthusiastic about a set. If stock issues are resolved this year, I believe most trainers will find it hard to resist this expansion.

Where to Buy

Unboxing and Impressions

Thanks to The Pokémon Company, I had the chance to explore a variety of Destined Rivals products: a Build and Battle Box, a Booster Bundle, an Elite Trainer Box, and a full Booster Box. Opening these was far more rewarding than recent sets.

Each product had its highlights, and I genuinely felt excited about the cards I pulled, rather than just moving on.

Destined Rivals: Build and Battle Box

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The Build and Battle Box set a strong tone from the start. 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 is quite decent.

Building a quick deck from the included cards was unexpectedly fun, especially with the Trainer’s Pokémon mechanics adding flavor to even the starter deck. I'm already planning to get four Team Rocket's Tyranitar holos!

Destined Rivals: Elite Trainer Box

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Unfortunately, I didn't pull much from 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 impressive in person.

I believe this ETB is one of the best we've seen recently, though pulling chase cards is always a mix of luck and the set's quality. I was just unlucky this time.

Destined Rivals: Booster Bundle

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The Booster Bundle kept the excitement going. With six booster packs and no extras, it was just me and the Pokégods. I pulled a couple of ex cards and my favorite card from the set, Ethan's Typhlosion IR.

The stunning artwork on Ethan's Typhlosion IR captures the bond between Ethan and his Pokémon beautifully. Booster Bundles offer great value for those seeking the thrill of a new set without breaking the bank.

Destined Rivals: Booster Box

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The Booster Box was the grand finale, and it did not disappoint. I pulled multiple ex cards, a Gold card, a Special Illustration Rare, and several Illustration Rares, making the entire opening experience thrilling from start to finish.

This was a perfect reminder that opening a Booster Box can still feel like a special event, rather than a tedious task. If I were to choose again, I'd definitely go for a Booster Box.

Destined Rivals: Top Card Pulls

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The pull rates in Destined Rivals are notably better. From 46 packs, I pulled 8 ex cards, 6 Illustration Rares, 1 Special Illustration Rare, and 1 Gold card. These are 16 impressive hits, far from just being glorified reverse holo cards. It matches the strong pull experience from Journey Together and is a significant improvement over recent mini sets like Prismatic Evolutions.

Sets like Shrouded Fable and Surging Sparks were frustrating due to their harsh pull rates, while Prismatic Evolutions left me disappointed with its low chances and abundance of Pokéball cards. Destined Rivals brings back the joy of this hobby.

My Favorite Destined Rivals Pulls

In terms of chase cards, this preview of Destined Rivals has been one of my favorites. Here are my top five pulls from the set:

Ethan's Ho-Oh ex 239/182

Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company

The Special Illustration Rare artwork of Ethan and Ho-Oh soaring across a vivid sunset is simply breathtaking. This card feels special the moment you see it. Its gold rare variant is equally stunning, and as a Pokémon Gold fan, this card holds a lot of meaning for me. It's highly playable, allowing you to attach two basic Fire energy per turn, deal 160 damage, and heal 50 damage from each of your Pokémon. A Ho-Oh ex and Charizard ex deck could be formidable!

Arven's Mabosstiff ex 235/182

Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company

Arven’s Mabosstiff ex makes me excited about midrange decks again. The artwork captures the essence of Pokémon and reminds me of cuddling with my dogs. Vigorous Tackle offers solid early damage, while Boss’s Headbutt can turn battles around with a massive 210 damage. With Arven’s Sandwich keeping it healthy, this card could be a real challenge for opponents. I'm calling this deck "Mabos-switch" – and you don't have enough badges to train me.

Team Rocket's Crobat ex 217/182

Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company

This card has immense potential for a damage spread deck. Imagine sending Crobat ex in to place damage on three opposing Pokémon, then following up with Shrouded Fable's Bloodmoon Ursaluna from your hand. Its Battle Hardened ability allows you to attach three Fighting energy in one turn, and Mad Bite can 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.

Ethan's Typhlosion 190/182

Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company

Ethan’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. It rewards aggressive, discard-heavy playstyles. This Illustration Rare is my favorite card from Destined Rivals. It beautifully captures the bond between Ethan and his starter Pokémon amidst the chaos of battle.

Team Rocket's Houndoom 191/182

Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company

Houndoom deserves more love, and it gets it with this Illustration Rare. The artwork fits perfectly into a Team Rocket set, showcasing the active and aggressive style of Destined Rivals. While the energy discard on a Stage 1 card might make it less viable for play, it's perfect for building up on your bench for a quick hit and retreat.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals?

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box

15See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartSee it at Target

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals 6Pk Booster Bundle

5See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartSee it at Target

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Booster Box (36 Packs)

12See it at AmazonSee it at Walmart

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals 3Pk Booster

5See it at Walmart

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Sleeved Booster

3See it at Best Buy

I believe Destined Rivals is a must-buy, with the caveat that you can actually find it in stock. It revitalizes the thrill of opening packs, enhances deck-building excitement, and features some of the most visually stunning cards of 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 planning its own Team Rocket-style heist.