Set to launch 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 deserves the hype.

Having had the privilege of an early hands-on with the set, I can confidently say that **Destined Rivals is phenomenal**. My first experience opening these cards was exhilarating—a rare and joyful moment in my hobby. The artwork in this expansion is some of the finest I've encountered. It features an increased number of Trainer Pokémon cards, including Ethan from Pokémon Gold and Silver, invoking a wave of nostalgia that feels essential to the Pokémon TCG experience.

But Destined Rivals isn't just a nostalgic journey; it's a genuine evolution of the game. The introduction of new Trainer Pokémon mechanics opens up a plethora of deck-building possibilities, and the improved pull rates make this set feel like The Pokémon Company finally understands what collectors and players crave. Following the positive shift initiated by Journey Together, Destined Rivals represents a bold new beginning for the TCG, especially after recent challenges with stock availability and less favorable pull rates.

I'm already brainstorming which decks to construct and which cards to collect in multiples, a level of excitement I haven't felt in quite some time. If stock issues are resolved 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 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 rewarding than recent sets, with each item offering exciting cards that sparked genuine enthusiasm.

Destined Rivals: Build and Battle Box

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The Build and Battle Box set the tone right from the start. It included four booster packs, a stamped promo card (Team Rocket's Tyranitar in my case), and a 40-card deck. From the four packs, I pulled one ex card and one Illustration Rare, which I consider a solid haul. Crafting a quick deck with the included cards was enjoyable, especially with the Trainer Pokémon mechanics adding depth to even the starter deck. I wouldn't mind four Team Rocket's Tyranitar holos!

Destined Rivals: Elite Trainer Box

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Unfortunately, my luck wasn't as great with the Elite Trainer Box. Despite not pulling much, I received nine booster packs, along with sleeves, dice, markers, and the Rocket's Wobbuffet promo card. The design of this ETB, featuring the iconic red-and-black Team Rocket theme, is stunning in person. Even though I didn't pull many chase cards, this box remains one of the most impressive Elite Trainer Boxes we've seen recently.

Destined Rivals: Booster Bundle

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The Booster Bundle maintained the excitement. With six booster packs and no extras, it was a straightforward experience. I managed to pull a couple of ex cards and my favorite from this set, Ethan's Typhlosion IR. The card's artwork beautifully captures the bond between Ethan and Typhlosion, with stunning detail and movement. Booster Bundles offer great value for those looking for a quick thrill 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 process thrilling from start to finish. This experience reaffirmed that opening a Booster Box can still feel like an event rather than a tedious task. If I were to choose again, I'd opt for a Booster Box every time.

My initial impressions of Destined Rivals highlight the superior quality of the illustrations. The cards feel more vibrant and alive, making even the common cards worth a second look. This subtle yet powerful change transforms each pack into an adventure rather than a routine task.

The reintroduction of Trainer Pokémon in the Scarlet and Violet era is a significant change that enhances the game. Building decks around specific characters, rather than just types, offers endless thematic possibilities. For instance, Cynthia's Pokémon feel like a cohesive team, making both collecting and battling more enjoyable and personal.

Destined Rivals: Top Card Pulls

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The pull rates in Destined Rivals are notably improved. From 46 packs, I pulled 8 ex cards, 6 Illustration Rares, 1 Special Illustration Rare, and 1 Gold card—16 hits that felt significant and rewarding. This matches the satisfying pull experience from Journey Together and stands in stark contrast to the frustration of recent mini sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Shrouded Fable. Destined Rivals reignites the joy of this hobby.

My Favorite Destined Rivals Pulls

This preview of Destined Rivals yielded some of my favorite pulls in the Pokémon TCG. Here are my top five cards from this 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 breathtaking. As someone who chose Pokémon Gold, this card holds special meaning for me. It's not only visually stunning but 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 could be formidable!

Arven's Mabosstiff ex 235/182

Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company

Arven's Mabosstiff ex reignites my passion for midrange decks. The artwork captures the essence of Pokémon, reminding me of my own dogs. Vigorous Tackle delivers solid early damage, while Boss's Headbutt can turn the tide with 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 won'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, placing damage on three opposing Pokémon in one turn, then bringing in Shrouded Fable's Bloodmoon Ursaluna from your hand. With Battle Hardened, you could attach three Fighting energy and use Mad Bite for 100 damage plus 30 more per damage counter. I also appreciate the unique full art ex design with a trainer in the background.

Ethan's Typhlosion 190/182

Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company

Ethan's Typhlosion is a powerhouse. Buddy Blast can deal massive damage based on the number of Ethan's Adventure cards in your discard pile, encouraging aggressive, discard-heavy strategies. This Illustration Rare is my favorite card in Destined Rivals, beautifully illustrating Ethan's bond with his starter Pokémon amidst a chaotic moment.

Team Rocket's Houndoom 191/182

Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company

Houndoom deserves more attention, and this Illustration Rare does it justice. Perfect for a Team Rocket set, the artwork is dynamic and aggressive, showcasing the undervalued nature of Illustration Rares. While the energy discard might be a drawback on a Stage 1 card, it's easy to build 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 significant caveat that you can find it in stock. It rekindles the excitement of opening packs, enhances deck-building, and features some of the best-designed cards in the Scarlet and Violet era. Collectors, competitive players, and casual enthusiasts alike will find much to love here. Just be prepared—your wallet might start plotting its own Team Rocket-level revenge.