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 in history. And it absolutely deserves the hype.
I was fortunate enough to get an early hands-on with the set, and I can confidently say that **Destined Rivals is phenomenal.** My initial experience with this expansion ranks among the most enjoyable times I've ever had opening cards. The artwork in this set is some of the finest I've ever encountered. The inclusion of more Trainer Pokémon cards, featuring beloved characters like Ethan from Pokémon Gold and Silver, brought a wave of nostalgia that truly resonates with fans. It feels like exactly what the Pokémon TCG community has been yearning for.
Destined Rivals transcends mere nostalgia; it represents a significant evolution in the game. The introduction of new Trainer's Pokémon not only expands deck-building options but also enhances the overall gameplay experience. Moreover, the improved pull rates are a clear indication that The Pokémon Company has listened to the community's feedback. This set feels like a fresh start, especially after the challenges of stock shortages and less favorable pull rates in recent sets. Although Journey Together had started to address these issues, Destined Rivals truly feels like a turning point.
I'm already brainstorming the decks I want to construct and which cards I'll need multiple copies of—a level of excitement I haven't felt in quite some time. If stock levels can be managed effectively this year, I believe most trainers will find it hard to resist 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 had the privilege of unboxing 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 rewarding than recent sets.
Each product offered its own unique highlights, and I genuinely felt a thrill with each card I pulled, rather than just going through the motions.
Destined Rivals: Build and Battle Box
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The Build and Battle Box set the stage from the outset. Inside, I found four booster packs, a stamped promo card (Team Rocket's Tyranitar for me), and a 40-card deck. From the four packs, I pulled one ex card and one Illustration Rare, which I consider quite decent.
Assembling a deck from the included cards was unexpectedly enjoyable, especially with the Trainer's Pokémon mechanics adding a rich flavor to even the starter deck. I'm eager to get four Team Rocket's Tyranitar holo cards!
Destined Rivals: Elite Trainer Box
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Unfortunately, my luck with the Elite Trainer Box was not as great. However, it did come with nine booster packs, sleeves, dice, markers, and the Rocket’s Wobbuffet promo card. The red-and-black Team Rocket design of this ETB is stunning in person.
I believe this Elite Trainer Box ranks among the best we've seen recently, though as with any set, pulling chase cards is half luck and half the quality of the set. I was just unlucky this time around.
Destined Rivals: Booster Bundle
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The Booster Bundle maintained the excitement. With six booster packs and no additional items, it was just me facing the Pokégods. I managed to pull a couple of ex cards and my favorite from the set, Ethan's Typhlosion IR.
The artwork on Ethan's Typhlosion IR is breathtaking, capturing the bond between Ethan and his Pokémon with incredible detail and movement. Booster Bundles offer excellent value for those seeking a quick hit of excitement 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 exhilarating from start to finish.
This was a perfect reminder that opening a Booster Box can still feel like an event, not just a tedious task. If I were to purchase one of these products again, it would undoubtedly be a Booster Box.
The first thing that struck me about Destined Rivals is the superior quality of the illustrations. The cards feel more alive, and even the common cards are expressive enough to catch my attention rather than being instantly shuffled away. This small but significant change makes every pack feel like a little adventure.
The reintroduction of Trainer's Pokémon for the second time in the Scarlet and Violet era is another major highlight. Building decks and collecting cards based on specific characters rather than just types opens up endless thematic possibilities. Cynthia's Pokémon, for example, feel like a cohesive team, making deck-building and battling more enjoyable and personal.
Destined Rivals: Top Card Pulls
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The pull rates in Destined Rivals feel much improved. From 46 packs, I pulled 8 ex cards, 6 Illustration Rares, 1 Special Illustration Rare, and 1 Gold card. This translates to 16 respectable hits, a significant improvement over recent sets like Prismatic Evolutions, which felt frustratingly sparse.
Sets like Shrouded Fable and Surging Sparks were challenging with their low pull rates, and Prismatic Evolutions was particularly disappointing with its abundance of Pokéball cards. Destined Rivals, however, brings back the joy of the hobby, reminding us why we love it so much.
My Favorite Destined Rivals Pulls
---------------------------------In terms of chase cards, this preview of Destined Rivals is one of my favorites. I pulled 16 hits ranging from standard exs and Illustration Rares to Special Illustration Rares. Here are my top five pulls from this set:
Ethan's Ho-Oh ex 239/182
Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company
The Special Illustration Rare artwork featuring Ethan and Ho-Oh soaring across a vivid sunset is truly special. While it was one of my chase cards, I'm equally thrilled with its Gold Rare variant. As a fan of Pokémon Gold, this card holds significant personal meaning. It's also 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 would be formidable!
Arven's Mabosstiff ex 235/182
Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company
Arven’s Mabosstiff ex reignites 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 battles around with 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!
Team Rocket's Crobat ex 217/182
Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company
This card has immense potential for damage spread decks. Imagine sending Crobat ex in to place damage on three opposing Pokémon in one turn, then bringing in Shrouded Fable's Bloodmoon Ursaluna from your hand. With its Battle Hardened ability, 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.
Ethan's Typhlosion 190/182
Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company
Ethan’s Typhlosion brings the heat, literally. Buddy Blast can deal massive damage based on the number of Ethan’s Adventure cards in your discard pile, rewarding aggressive, discard-heavy playstyles. This Illustration Rare is my favorite card in Destined Rivals, perfectly showcasing 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. Perfect for a Team Rocket set, the artwork exemplifies the active and aggressive style of Destined Rivals. While the energy discard on a Stage 1 card might deter its use in play, it's easy to build up on your bench for a quick hit and retreat.
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 highly recommend purchasing Destined Rivals, with the caveat that stock availability is crucial. This set reignites the excitement of opening packs, enhances deck-building, and features some of the best-looking cards from the Scarlet and Violet era. Collectors, competitive players, and casual enthusiasts alike will find much to enjoy. Just be prepared: your wallet might start plotting its own Team Rocket-level revenge.
