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 truly merits the anticipation.
Having had the privilege of an early hands-on experience with the set, I can confidently state that **Destined Rivals is phenomenal**. It's one of the most exhilarating times I've had opening cards in recent memory. The illustrations are among the finest I've encountered, featuring an increased presence of Trainer Pokémon cards, including Ethan from Pokémon Gold and Silver, which evoked a wave of nostalgia that was both overwhelming and delightful. This expansion feels like a perfect infusion of what the Pokémon TCG community has been craving.
Destined Rivals isn't merely a nostalgic journey; it represents a significant evolution for the game. The new Trainer's Pokémon mechanics introduce fresh deck-building possibilities, and the improved pull rates signal that The Pokémon Company has listened to the desires of both collectors and players. After months of grappling with stock issues and sets with challenging pull rates, Destined Rivals could mark a refreshing new chapter. While Journey Together began to steer things in a positive direction, Destined Rivals seems to have fully embraced what fans want.
I'm already strategizing which decks to construct and which cards to collect in multiples, a feeling I haven't experienced with a set in quite some time. Should stock levels improve and the entire TCG ecosystem stabilize this year, I believe most trainers will find it impossible to resist the allure of this set.
Where to Buy
------------- Booster Bundle
- Booster Box
- Elite Trainer Box
- Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box (Exclusive)
- Half Booster Box
- Booster Pack
- Sleeved Booster Pack
- 3 Pack Blister [Zebstrika]
- 3 Pack Blister [Kangaskhan]
- Build & Battle Box
Unboxing and Impressions
------------------------Thanks to The Pokémon Company, I've had the opportunity to explore a diverse array of Destined Rivals products, including a Build and Battle Box, a Booster Bundle, an Elite Trainer Box, and a full Booster Box. Opening these felt far more rewarding than recent sets, with each product yielding cards that sparked genuine excitement.
Destined Rivals: Build and Battle Box
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The Build and Battle Box set an enthusiastic tone right from the start. It contained four booster packs, a stamped promo card (Team Rocket's Tyranitar in my case), 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. Constructing a quick deck from the included cards was surprisingly engaging, thanks to the Trainer's Pokémon mechanics that added depth and flavor to the starter deck. I'm eager to get my hands on more Team Rocket's Tyranitar holos!
Destined Rivals: Elite Trainer Box
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Although my pull from the Elite Trainer Box was modest, it included 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, making this one of the most visually appealing Elite Trainer Boxes in recent memory. While pulling chase cards is always a mix of luck and the quality of the set, I consider myself unlucky this time around.
Destined Rivals: Booster Bundle
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The Booster Bundle kept the excitement flowing. With six booster packs and no extras, it was just me and the cards. I pulled a couple of ex cards and my favorite from the set, Ethan's Typhlosion IR. The card's stunning detail and movement perfectly capture the bond between Ethan and Tyranitar. For those seeking a cost-effective way to experience the thrill of a new set, Booster Bundles are an excellent choice.
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 experience thrilling from start to finish. This set reminded me that opening a Booster Box can still feel like a special event, rather than a tedious journey through 36 packs. If I were to choose again, I'd definitely opt for another Booster Box.
My first impressions of Destined Rivals highlight the exceptional quality of the illustrations. The cards feel more vibrant and engaging, even the commons, which now hold my attention instead of being shuffled into the bulk pile. This small yet powerful change transforms every pack into a delightful adventure.
The return of Trainer's Pokémon for a second time in the Scarlet and Violet era is a game-changer. Building decks and collecting cards around specific characters, rather than just types, opens up endless thematic possibilities. Cynthia's Pokémon, for example, feel like a cohesive team, enhancing the fun of both building and battling, and making each pull feel more personal.
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, totaling 16 respectable hits that feel far from mere reverse holo cards. This matches the satisfying pull experience of Journey Together and stands in stark contrast to the frustrating experiences with recent mini sets like Prismatic Evolutions. Shrouded Fable and Surging Sparks were particularly challenging, with the former feeling like a test of patience and the latter offering mostly standard ex cards as consolation prizes. Prismatic Evolutions, with its overwhelming presence of Pokéball cards and low hit chances, left me disappointed. Destined Rivals, however, reignites my passion for the hobby.
My Favorite Destined Rivals Pulls
---------------------------------Among the 16 hits from standard exs, Illustration Rares, and Special Illustration Rares, my top five pulls from this preview are some of the best cards in 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 truly special. While it was one of my chase cards, the gold rare variant is equally captivating. As a fan of Pokémon Gold, this card holds significant personal meaning. Its gameplay value is high, 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 would be formidable!
Arven's Mabosstiff ex 235/182
Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company
Arven's Mabosstiff ex rekindles my love for midrange decks. The artwork captures the essence of Pokémon and reminds me of cuddling with my dogs. Vigorous Tackle provides solid early damage, while Boss's Headbutt can turn the tide with 210 damage. With Arven's Sandwich keeping it healthy, this card could be a formidable opponent for those who underestimate its resilience. I'll call 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 in one turn, 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 compelling 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. This aggressive, discard-heavy playstyle is rewarding. The Illustration Rare card is my favorite from Destined Rivals, beautifully depicting the connection between Ethan and his starter Pokémon amidst a chaotic moment. An amazing card.
Team Rocket's Houndoom 191/182
Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company
Houndoom deserves more love, and this Illustration Rare does just that. Perfect for a Team Rocket set, the artwork exemplifies the dynamic and aggressive style of Destined Rivals. While the energy discard on a Stage 1 card might limit its playability, it's easy to build up on your bench for a quick hit and retreat. I hope Black Bolt and White Flare draw attention to the undervalued Illustration Rares in the Pokémon TCG.
Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals?
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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 crucial caveat that you can find it in stock. It revitalizes the thrill of opening packs, enhances deck-building excitement, and showcases some of the best-looking cards from the Scarlet and Violet era. Collectors, competitive players, and anyone seeking a fun opening experience will find much to love here. Just be prepared: your wallet might start plotting its own Team Rocket-level revenge.
