Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Expansion - Destined Rivals Preview

Scheduled for 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 truly deserves the hype.

Having had the opportunity for an early hands-on experience with the set, I can confidently say that **Destined Rivals is exceptional**. My first encounter with the expansion was one of the most enjoyable card-opening sessions I've had in a long time.

The artwork in this set is among the finest I've ever seen. Destined Rivals introduces more Trainer Pokémon cards, including Ethan, the protagonist from Pokémon Gold and Silver, evoking a wave of nostalgia. It's exactly the kind of refresh the Pokémon TCG needed.

But Destined Rivals isn't just a nostalgic journey; it's a genuine evolution of the game. The new Trainer’s Pokémon mechanics enhance deck-building possibilities, and the improved pull rates demonstrate that The Pokémon Company has listened to the community's feedback. This set feels like a fresh start, especially after months of stock issues and challenging pull rates in previous sets, although Journey Together had begun to turn things around.

I'm already strategizing which decks to construct and which cards I want multiples of—a feeling I haven't experienced with a set in quite some time. If stock levels can be managed well this year, I believe most trainers will find it difficult 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 was able to unbox 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 was far more rewarding than recent sets.

Each product had its highlights, and I felt genuinely excited about the cards I pulled, rather than just going through the motions.

Destined Rivals: Build and Battle Box

View 5 Images

The Build and Battle Box set an excellent tone. It included four booster packs, a stamped promo card (Team Rocket's Tyranitar for me), and a 40-card deck. I managed to pull one ex card and one Illustration Rare from the four packs—a respectable haul.

Building a deck from the included cards was surprisingly engaging, thanks to the Trainer’s Pokémon mechanics, which made the starter deck feel uniquely flavorful. Four Team Rocket's Tyranitar holos, please!

Destined Rivals: Elite Trainer Box

View 9 Images

While my luck wasn't the best with the Elite Trainer Box, it still offered nine booster packs, sleeves, dice, markers, and the Rocket’s Wobbuffet promo card. The red-and-black Team Rocket design is stunning in person, making this one of the strongest Elite Trainer Boxes we've seen recently. However, pulling chase cards is still a mix of luck and the quality of the set, and I was on the unlucky side this time.

Destined Rivals: Booster Bundle

View 6 Images

The Booster Bundle kept the momentum going. With six booster packs and no extras, it was a direct encounter with the Pokégods. I pulled a couple of ex cards and my favorite from the set, Ethan's Typhlosion IR. This card beautifully captures the bond between Ethan and Tyranitar with incredible detail and movement. Booster Bundles offer great value for those seeking the thrill of a new set without breaking the bank.

Destined Rivals: Booster Box

View 4 Images

The Booster Box served as the grand finale and delivered exactly what I hoped for. I pulled multiple ex cards, a Gold card, a Special Illustration Rare, and several Illustration Rares, making the entire opening experience thrilling from start to finish. This reminded me that Booster Boxes can still feel like a special event, not just a routine.

The first thing that stands out about Destined Rivals is the quality of the illustrations. The cards feel more alive, even the commons, which now hold enough expression to make you pause and appreciate them rather than shuffling them away. This small but impactful change turns every pack into an adventure.

The reintroduction of Trainer’s Pokémon in the Scarlet and Violet era is a significant shift. Building and collecting decks based on specific characters rather than just types provides 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

View 19 Images

Pull rates feel significantly improved. From 46 packs, I pulled 8 ex cards, 6 Illustration Rares, 1 Special Illustration Rare, and 1 Gold card—a total of 16 respectable hits. This matches the strong pull experience from Journey Together and is a stark contrast to the frustrating experiences with recent mini sets like Prismatic Evolutions. Opening Shrouded Fable felt like a test of patience, while Surging Sparks only slightly improved on that. Prismatic Evolutions was disappointing due to its low pull rates and abundance of Pokéball cards. Destined Rivals rectifies these issues and reignites my love for the hobby.

My Favorite Destined Rivals Pulls

In terms of chase cards, this is one of my favorite Pokémon TCG previews. Here are my top five pulls from this Destined Rivals preview:

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 truly special. It's a card I wanted to pull, and I'm just as pleased with its gold rare variant. As a Pokémon Gold fan, this card holds personal significance. It's also highly playable, allowing you to attach two basic fire energy per turn while dealing 160 damage and healing 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 passion for midrange decks. The artwork captures the essence of Pokémon, reminding me of cuddling with my dogs. Vigorous Tackle provides solid early damage, and Boss’s Headbutt can turn battles around 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"—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 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 in one turn and use Mad Bite, dealing 100 damage plus 30 more for each damage counter. The full art ex cards with a trainer in the background are a unique design I appreciate.

Ethan's Typhlosion 190/182

Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company

Ethan’s Typhlosion brings the heat with Buddy Blast, dealing massive damage based on the number of Ethan’s Adventure cards in your discard pile. This rewards aggressive, discard-heavy playstyles. This Illustration Rare is my favorite card from Destined Rivals, beautifully depicting Ethan's bond with his starter Pokémon amid a chaotic moment.

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. This card embodies the spirit of a Team Rocket set, showcasing the active and aggressive style of Destined Rivals' artwork. While the energy discard on a Stage 1 card might deter its use in play, it's perfect for a quick hit and retreat from the bench.

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 caveat that you can actually find it in stock. It revitalizes the thrill of opening packs, makes deck-building more exciting, and offers some of the best-looking cards in the Scarlet and Violet era. Collectors, competitive players, and casual fans alike will find much to enjoy here. Just be prepared—your wallet might start plotting its own Team Rocket-level revenge.