Everything You Need to Know About Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Destined Rivals
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) continues to evolve, and the upcoming Scarlet & Violet – Destined Rivals expansion is set to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2025. Whether you're a collector, competitive player, or casual fan, this guide covers everything you need to know about the set, including release dates, featured cards, set composition, and market insights.
Pokémon Destined Rivals Release Date
The official release date for Scarlet & Violet – Destined Rivals is May 30, 2025. However, players can get an early hands-on experience through Pre release events taking place from May 17 to May 25, 2025, at participating local game stores.
Set Overview and Composition
Destined Rivals is a rich expansion drawing from several Japanese releases including The Glory of Team Rocket, Heat Wave Arena, and Trainer-themed ex decks. Here's what collectors and players can expect:
- Over 240 cards in total
- 17 Pokémon ex cards, including 10 Trainer’s Pokémon ex
- 83 Team Rocket-tagged cards, marking a strong narrative theme
- 23 Illustration Rare Pokémon
- 11 Special Illustration Rare cards
- 6 Hyper Rare gold-etched cards
This expansion emphasizes story-driven cards and powerful gameplay additions, bridging nostalgic elements with the mechanics of the Scarlet & Violet block.
Team Rocket's Revival in Destined Rivals
Unlike previous sets featuring the anime-favourite duo Jessie and James, Destined Rivals brings the game-based Team Rocket Admins to the forefront. Characters like Archer, Ariana, Proton, Petrel, and their boss Giovanni are central figures.
Notable cards include:
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex
- Team Rocket’s Wobbuffet (available as a promo in the Elite Trainer Box)
This return to the roots of Team Rocket adds a strong thematic and strategic layer to the set.
Featured Trainers and Pokémon Cards
In addition to Team Rocket, Destined Rivals introduces Trainer’s Pokémon from well-known characters across the franchise:
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex
- Misty’s Starmie ex
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex
- Steven’s Metagross ex
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex
- Arven’s Mabosstiff ex
Another major highlight is the TCG debut of Ogerpon, which appears in four different forms, each with unique abilities and visual styles. These cards are expected to be highly desirable for both collectors and players.
Product Lineup and Where to Buy
The Destined Rivals expansion will be available in several product formats, including:
- Booster Packs
- Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs)
- Build & Battle Boxes
- Booster Boxes (36-pack format)
Due to high demand, some retailers have already sold out pre orders. Expect standard pricing to start at $4.49 per booster pack and around $160+ for booster boxes, though prices may vary depending on market conditions.
To ensure availability, consider pre ordering through verified sellers or local game stores.
Competitive and Collector Insights
For competitive players, Destined Rivals introduces new meta-shaping cards with versatile Trainer’s Pokémon ex and powerful synergy options. Deck builders will find innovative strategies cantered around Rocket-tagged cards and synergy with the returning ex mechanic.
Collectors will appreciate the high volume of Illustration Rares, Special Illustration Rares, and Hyper Rares. These cards are likely to hold long-term value due to their limited nature and detailed artwork.
Final Thoughts
Scarlet & Violet – Destined Rivals is shaping up to be a standout release in the Pokémon TCG line-up. With a powerful mix of classic Team Rocket nostalgia, competitive depth, and highly collectible cards, this set appeals to players and collectors alike.
If you're planning to expand your collection or update your deck strategy, Destined Rivals is a must-watch release for 2025.
Looking to preorder Pokémon Destined Rivals? Be sure to check availability from official Pokémon TCG retailers and local game stores as early as possible to avoid inflated resale prices.
REFERENCES
GamesRadar, 2025. Where to buy Pokémon Destined Rivals before resellers get to the latest TCG set. [online] Available at: https://www.gamesradar.com/tabletop-gaming/where-to-buy-pokemon-destined-rivals-before-resellers-get-to-the-latest-tcg-set/ [Accessed 15 May 2025].
JustinBasil.com, 2025. Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals: Set List and Product Info. [online] Available at: https://www.justinbasil.com/set-lists/sv10 [Accessed 15 May 2025].
PokéBeach, 2025. Destined Rivals TCG Set Officially Revealed. [online] Available at: https://www.pokebeach.com/2025/03/destined-rivals-tcg-set-officially-revealed [Accessed 15 May 2025].
Pokémon, 2025a. Play at a Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals Prerelease Event. [online] Available at: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/play-at-a-pokemon-tcg-scarlet-violet-destined-rivals-prerelease-event [Accessed 15 May 2025].
Pokémon, 2025b. Preview Four Different Ogerpon in Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals. [online] Available at: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/preview-four-different-ogerpon-in-pokemon-tcg-scarlet-violet-destined-rivals [Accessed 15 May 2025].
Polygon, 2025. The Glory of Team Rocket: Pokémon TCG Brings Back Iconic Villains in Destined Rivals. [online] Available at: https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-tcg/558971/glory-of-team-rocket-destined-rivals-illustration-rare-art-sir [Accessed 15 May 2025].
YouTube, 2025. Great New Cards Officially Revealed from Destined Rivals! Team Rocket Set is HYPE (Pokemon TCG News). [video online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaWxjdgU2Rk [Accessed 15 May 2025].
