Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025 – the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet expansion Destined Rivals is poised to become one of the most significant trading card releases in history. And rightfully so.
After securing early access to this set, I can confidently declare: Destined Rivals exceeds all expectations. The excitement I felt while opening these cards surpassed any recent TCG experience.
The artwork sets a new standard for the franchise. Featuring iconic Trainer Pokémon cards like Ethan from Gold and Silver, this expansion delivers a nostalgic punch that hits all the right notes. It's precisely the revitalization the Pokémon TCG needed.
Destined Rivals isn't merely nostalgic – it represents evolutionary progress for the game. Between enhanced deck-building opportunities with the new Trainer's Pokémon mechanics and significantly improved pull rates, this set demonstrates a clear understanding of what players and collectors crave.
Following months of inventory challenges and underwhelming pull rates (despite Journey Together's promising start), this expansion feels like The Pokémon Company's triumphant resurgence.
I'm already strategizing deck builds and pursuing coveted duplicates – an enthusiasm I haven't felt for recent sets. If distribution stabilizes alongside these gameplay enhancements, I predict most trainers will struggle to resist Destined Rivals.
"Destined Rivals transcends nostalgia..."
Purchase Options
Booster Bundle Booster Box Elite Trainer Box Pokemon Center Elite Trainer Box (Exclusive) Half Booster Box Booster Pack Sleeved Booster Pack 3 Pack Blister [Zebstrika] 3 Pack Blister [Kangaskhan] Build & Battle Box
First Impressions
Courtesy of The Pokémon Company, I previewed multiple Destined Rivals products: Build and Battle Box, Booster Bundle, Elite Trainer Box, and Booster Box. Immediately noticeable – these openings delivered more satisfaction than recent sets.
Each product contained standout moments, featuring genuinely exciting pulls rather than disappointing filler cards.
Destined Rivals: Build and Battle Box
View 5 Images
The Build and Battle Box made an immediate impression with four booster packs, a stamped promo card (Team Rocket's Tyranitar), and a 40-card deck. My pulls included one ex card and one Illustration Rare – respectable results.
Constructing decks with the included Trainer's Pokémon cards proved unexpectedly engaging, offering more strategic depth than typical starter decks. Team Rocket's Tyranitar holographics would make excellent additions!
Destined Rivals: Elite Trainer Box
View 9 Images
While my Elite Trainer Box pulls were modest, the contents impressed: nine booster packs, card sleeves, dice, markers, and Rocket's Wobbuffet promo. The Team Rocket-themed red-and-black design exceeds expectations.
This ETB ranks among the best recent offerings, though as always, pulling chase cards remains partially luck-dependent – unfortunately, fortune didn't favor me.
Destined Rivals: Booster Bundle
View 6 Images
The Booster Bundle maintained momentum with six pure booster packs. Highlights included multiple ex cards and Ethan's Typhlosion IR – my personal favorite from this set.
The exquisite Typhlosion artwork beautifully captures Ethan's bond with his Pokémon while demonstrating dynamic composition. For collectors seeking exciting pulls without overspending, Booster Bundles offer exceptional value.
Destined Rivals: Booster Box
View 4 Images
The Booster Box delivered a spectacular finale: multiple ex cards, a Gold card, SIR, and several Illustration Rares created nonstop excitement.
This experience reaffirmed Booster Boxes' potential as premium openings rather than tedious inventory crawls. For serious collectors, Booster Boxes remain the definitive choice.
"...This ranks among my most memorable card-opening experiences in years."
What distinguishes Destined Rivals? Primarily its exceptional illustrations that breathe life into every card.
Even common cards showcase enough personality to avoid immediate relegation to bulk piles – a subtle but impactful improvement transforming pack openings into miniature adventures.
The reintroduction of Trainer's Pokémon significantly enhances gameplay. Building decks around characters rather than types expands thematic possibilities exponentially.
Cynthia's Pokémon demonstrate impressive synergy beyond random assortments – heightening both strategic depth and personal attachment to each pull.
Destined Rivals: Top Card Pulls
View 19 Images
Pull rates improved dramatically across 46 packs: 8 ex cards, 6 Illustration Rares, 1 Special Illustration Rare, and 1 Gold card.
These 16 significant pulls replicate Journey Together's positive experience – stark contrast to frustrating mini-sets like Prismatic Evolutions.
Nightmares persist from Shrouded Fable's brutal pull rates, while Surging Sparks barely improved matters. Prismatic Evolutions' oversaturation with Pokéball cards created notable disappointment.
Destined Rivals rectifies these shortcomings, rekindling my passion for Pokémon TCG.
Premiere Destined Rivals Pulls
From standard ex cards to SIRs, this preview yielded my finest Pokémon TCG pulls yet – showcased in the gallery above. My top five Destined Rivals highlights include:
Ethan's Ho-Oh ex 239/182
This Special Illustration Rare depicts Ethan and Ho-Oh soaring across a radiant sunset – instantly recognizable as extraordinary. While deliberately pursuing this chase card, its gold rare variant equally impresses.
As a Pokémon Gold enthusiast, this Ho-Oh ex holds special significance. With capabilities permitting two Fire Energy attachments per turn, 160 damage output, and 50HP recovery per Pokémon, combining it with Charizard ex would create devastating decks.
Arven's Mabosstiff ex 235/182
Arven's Mabosstiff ex reinvigorates midrange deck appeal. This heartwarming artwork perfectly encapsulates Pokémon's essence while recalling cherished pet memories.
Vigorous Tackle delivers early damage, while Boss's Headbutt unleashes crushing 210 damage counters. Coupled with Arven's Sandwich healing, this "Mabos-switch" deck (trainer badge requirements notwithstanding) will frustrate attrition-focused opponents.
Team Rocket's Crobat ex 217/182
Crobat ex presents devastating damage-spread potential. Imagine combining its multi-target attacks with Shrouded Fable's Bloodmoon Ursaluna – attaching three Fighting Energy instantly via Battle Hardened ability before executing Mad Bite's 100+30-per-damage-counter assault.
The full-art ex design featuring Trainers creates uniquely compelling aesthetics.
Ethan's Typhlosion 190/182
Ethan's Typhlosion embodies fiery aggression. Buddy Blast scales damage based on discarded Ethan's Adventure cards, rewarding high-risk, discard-heavy strategies.
This Illustration Rare perfectly balances emotional connection with explosive action – unquestionably Destined Rivals' standout card.
Team Rocket's Houndoom 191/182
This Illustration Rare finally gives Houndoom deserved attention. The aggressive artwork exemplifies Destined Rivals' dynamic aesthetic while highlighting IR cards' underappreciated value.
Though Energy discard costs limit competitive viability for this Stage 1 Pokémon, strategic benching could enable effective hit-and-retreat tactics.
Final Recommendation
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 BuyDestined Rivals earns my strongest endorsement (contingent upon availability). It revitalizes pack-opening excitement, enhances deck-building creativity, and delivers Scarlet & Violet's most impressive artwork to date.
Collectors, competitive players, and casual enthusiasts alike will find abundant appeal – though your bank account may devise Team Rocket-worthy retaliation schemes.
