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Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Expansion Revealed as Scarlet & Violet's Finest

Set to launch on May 30, 2025, the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet expansion, Destined Rivals, is poised to be a landmark release in the card game world. It’s truly exceptional.I got an early look at th

By Peyton: Oct 08,2025

Set to launch on May 30, 2025, the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet expansion, Destined Rivals, is poised to be a landmark release in the card game world. It’s truly exceptional.

I got an early look at this set, and I can confidently say: Destined Rivals is phenomenal. Unpacking this expansion was one of the most enjoyable card-opening experiences I’ve had in years.

The artwork is among the finest I’ve encountered. With an emphasis on Trainer Pokémon cards, including Ethan from Pokémon Gold and Silver, the set delivers a wave of nostalgia that’s hard to resist. It’s precisely what the Pokémon TCG needed.

Destined Rivals isn’t just a nostalgic journey—it’s a bold step forward for the game. New Trainer Pokémon cards expand deck-building options, and improved pull rates make this set feel tailored to both collectors and players.

This release marks a strong resurgence for The Pokémon Company, following months of stock shortages and sets with challenging pull rates (though Journey Together began to shift the tide).

I’m already strategizing deck builds and eyeing cards for duplicates—or even triplicates. It’s been a while since a set sparked this much excitement. If stock issues stabilize this year, alongside the broader TCG, this set will be tough for trainers to pass up.

"Destined Rivals is more than just a nostalgic journey..."“

Where to Buy

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

Unboxing and Impressions

Thanks to The Pokémon Company, I explored a variety of Destined Rivals products: a Build and Battle Box, a Booster Bundle, an Elite Trainer Box, and a full Booster Box. Opening these felt far more rewarding than recent sets.

Each product shone, delivering cards that sparked genuine excitement rather than fleeting interest.

Destined Rivals: Build and Battle Box

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The Build and Battle Box set an impressive tone. It included four booster packs, a stamped Team Rocket’s Tyranitar promo card, and a 40-card deck. I pulled one ex card and one Illustration Rare from the packs—a solid haul.

Assembling a deck from the included cards was surprisingly engaging, with Trainer Pokémon mechanics adding vibrant flavor to even the starter deck. I’d love four Team Rocket’s Tyranitar holos!

Destined Rivals: Elite Trainer Box

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My Elite Trainer Box pull wasn’t stellar, but it included nine booster packs, sleeves, dice, markers, and a Rocket’s Wobbuffet promo card. The red-and-black Team Rocket design looks stunning in person.

This ETB ranks among the best recently, though pulling chase cards remains a mix of luck and set quality. I drew the short straw this time.

Destined Rivals: Booster Bundle

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The Booster Bundle kept the excitement alive. With six booster packs and no extras, it was a pure test of luck. I pulled a couple of ex cards and my favorite, Ethan’s Typhlosion IR.

This card’s artwork captures dynamic movement and the bond between Ethan and Typhlosion. Booster Bundles offer great value for a quick, thrilling unboxing without breaking the bank.

Destined Rivals: Booster Box

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The Booster Box was the highlight, delivering multiple ex cards, a Gold card, a SIR, and several Illustration Rares. The experience felt thrilling from start to finish.

It reminded me that Booster Boxes can still be an event, not just a grind through 36 packs. If I had to choose one product again, I’d pick the Booster Box.

"...It’s one of the most enjoyable card-opening experiences I’ve had in years."“

What stood out most about Destined Rivals? The artwork is noticeably superior, with cards that feel vibrant and alive.

Even common cards have enough character to catch my eye, turning every pack into a small adventure rather than a routine task.

The return of Trainer Pokémon in the Scarlet and Violet era is a game-changer. Building decks around specific characters, rather than just types, opens up countless thematic possibilities.

Cynthia’s Pokémon feel like a unified team, making deck-building and battling more engaging and personal.

Destined Rivals: Top Card Pulls

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Pull rates are significantly improved. From 46 packs, I secured 8 ex cards, 6 Illustration Rares, 1 Special Illustration Rare, and 1 Gold card.

These 16 hits feel substantial, unlike the lackluster reverse holos of past sets. This matches the strong pull rates of Journey Together, a stark contrast to the grueling rates of sets like Shrouded Fable.

Surging Sparks offered only marginal improvements, with standard ex cards feeling like consolation prizes. Prismatic Evolutions disappointed with its flood of Pokéball cards and low odds. Destined Rivals restores the joy of the hobby.

My Favorite Destined Rivals Pulls

This preview ranks among my favorite Pokémon TCG experiences, with 16 hits ranging from standard ex cards to SIRs. The full gallery is above. Here are my top five pulls from Destined Rivals: