Pokémon Destined Rivals – best cards and guide

Scarlet & Violet – Destined Rivals banner

Pokémon Destined Rivals – a set focused on Team Rocket

On May 30, 2025, Scarlet and Violet Destined Rivals was released. It's a set that quickly captured the interest of both players and collectors.

With Team Rocket at its core, over 240 cards, and strong illustrations, the expansion has become one of the most talked-about in modern Pokémon TCG.

Whether you open packs for fun, play actively, or are looking for cards to collect, there's plenty to discover in this set.

What makes Destined Rivals unique

What immediately stands out is the theme. Team Rocket is back and plays a central role in the expansion.

Over 45 cards feature Team Rocket branding, and a total of more than 80 cards are linked to the organization.

This creates a clear identity in the set that both players and collectors appreciate.

  • Mewtwo ex with Team Rocket connection
  • Moltres ex and Nidoking ex in the same theme
  • Trainer cards with Giovanni and other characters

This makes the set feel cohesive in a way that many modern expansions lack.

Which cards are most sought after

The cards that attract the most attention are often those with strong design and low availability.

In Destined Rivals, it's primarily Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares that stand out.

  • Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex
  • Ethan's Ho Oh ex
  • Cynthia's Garchomp ex

These cards are interesting for both play and collection as they combine popular characters with strong visual design.

How the set works in practice

Like other Pokémon sets, Destined Rivals relies on random pulls from booster packs.

This means that some cards are significantly harder to obtain than others, which in turn affects their value over time.

If you want to open the set yourself, you can start with booster packs or go directly for booster boxes if you want to open larger quantities.

Which product should you choose

The choice depends on how you want to use the set.

Booster Box

Suitable for those who want to maximize the number of packs and have a chance at multiple rare pulls.

Elite Trainer Box

Provides a mix of boosters and accessories. A good option for both new and experienced players. You can find them here Elite Trainer Boxes.

Blister packs

Smaller format that works well if you want to try the set or complete your collection blister packs.

Collector's perspective and player's perspective

For collectors

The focus is on illustrations, rarity, and which cards feel iconic. The Team Rocket theme makes many cards stand out visually.

For players

Here it's more about how the cards perform in matches. Some cards can be strong in play without being the most valuable.

Summary

Destined Rivals is a set that combines nostalgia with modern card designs. The Team Rocket theme gives it a clear identity, and several cards have the potential to become favorites among both players and collectors.

If you want to explore more products, you'll find a wide selection of Pokémon cards at Hobbykort.

What is Pokémon Destined Rivals

Destined Rivals is a Pokémon TCG expansion from 2025 with over 240 cards and a clear focus on Team Rocket, including several rare cards that are sought after by both players and collectors.

FAQ – Pokémon Destined Rivals

When was Destined Rivals released

The set was released globally on May 30, 2025.

Which cards are most sought after

Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex, Ethan's Ho Oh ex and Cynthia's Garchomp ex are some of the most sought after.

How many cards are in the set

The expansion contains over 240 cards including several Illustration Rares.

Should I buy booster box or packs

A booster box is suitable if you want to open many packs. Packs are suitable if you want to try the set.

Can the cards increase in value

Some cards can increase in value depending on demand and how difficult they are to obtain.