Scarlet & Violet Expansion: Top Picks from Destined Rivals in Pokémon TCG

Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, because the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet expansion, Destined Rivals, is poised to be one of the most significant releases in the history of the card game. And trust me, it's well-deserved.

Having had the privilege of an early hands-on experience with the set, I can confidently say that **Destined Rivals is nothing short of spectacular**. The moment I started opening the cards, I knew I was in for one of the best experiences I've had with Pokémon TCG in a long time.

The artwork in this set is some of the finest I've ever seen. With a focus on more Trainer Pokémon cards, including the beloved Ethan from Pokémon Gold and Silver, the expansion delivers a powerful wave of nostalgia that truly resonates with fans. It's exactly what the Pokémon TCG community needed.

But Destined Rivals is more than just a nostalgic journey; it's a significant evolution for the game. The new Trainer’s Pokémon mechanics unlock a plethora of deck-building possibilities, and the improved pull rates make every pack feel like a treasure hunt. It seems like The Pokémon Company has finally tapped into what both collectors and players crave.

This expansion could mark a refreshing new beginning for The Pokémon Company, especially after recent challenges with stock availability and less favorable pull rates. While Journey Together had begun to turn the tide, Destined Rivals solidifies this positive shift.

I'm already brainstorming the decks I want to build and which cards I need in multiples. It's been a while since a set has ignited such excitement in me. If The Pokémon Company can maintain stock levels and keep the momentum going for the TCG, I believe most trainers will find it hard 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 explore 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 felt significantly more rewarding than the experiences with recent sets.

Each product had its own highlights, and it genuinely felt like I was pulling cards that were exciting and worth celebrating, rather than just moving on.

Destined Rivals: Build and Battle Box

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The Build and Battle Box set the tone right from the start. Inside, I found four booster packs, a stamped promo card (Team Rocket's Tyranitar for me), and a 40-card deck. From the four packs, I pulled one ex card and one Illustration Rare, which I consider quite a decent haul.

Building a quick deck from the included cards was a delight, especially with the Trainer’s Pokémon mechanics making even the starter deck feel more engaging and flavorful. I'm eager to get my hands on more Team Rocket's Tyranitar holos!

Destined Rivals: Elite Trainer Box

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Unfortunately, my luck was not as great with the Elite Trainer Box. However, it came with nine booster packs, sleeves, dice, markers, and the Rocket’s Wobbuffet promo card. The red-and-black Team Rocket design of this ETB is stunning in person.

I believe this Elite Trainer Box is one of the strongest we've seen recently, though as with any set, pulling chase cards is a mix of luck and the quality of the set itself. Unfortunately, luck was not on my side this time.

Destined Rivals: Booster Bundle

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The Booster Bundle kept the excitement going. With six booster packs and no extras, it was just me against the Pokégods. I managed to pull a couple of ex cards and my favorite card of the set, Ethan's Typhlosion IR.

This card is breathtaking, with its dynamic movement and intricate detail, capturing the bond between Ethan and Typhlosion perfectly. Booster Bundles are a fantastic value if you're looking for a quick dose of excitement without breaking the bank.

Destined Rivals: Booster Box

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The Booster Box was the grand finale, and it did not disappoint. I pulled multiple ex cards, a Gold card, a Special Illustration Rare, and several Illustration Rares, making the entire experience thrilling from start to finish.

This was a perfect reminder that opening a Booster Box can still feel like a special event, rather than a tedious slog through 36 packs hoping for a single good pull. If I had to choose one product to buy again, it would definitely be a Booster Box.

The first thing that struck me about Destined Rivals was the quality of the illustrations. The cards feel more vibrant and alive, even the commons, which makes every pack an adventure rather than a chore.

The reintroduction of Trainer’s Pokémon for the second time in the Scarlet and Violet era is a game-changer. Building decks and collecting cards around specific characters rather than just types opens up endless thematic possibilities. Cynthia’s Pokémon, for example, feel like a cohesive team, making deck building and battling much more enjoyable and personal.

Destined Rivals: Top Card Pulls

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The pull rates in Destined Rivals are significantly better. From 46 packs, I pulled 8 ex cards, 6 Illustration Rares, 1 Special Illustration Rare, and 1 Gold card, totaling 16 impressive 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.

I still shudder at the memory of Shrouded Fable's harsh pull rates, which felt like a test of patience. Surging Sparks was only slightly better, and Prismatic Evolutions left me disappointed with its low chances and abundance of Pokéball cards. Destined Rivals, on the other hand, reignites my passion for this hobby.

My Favorite Destined Rivals Pulls

From my preview of Destined Rivals, these are my top five pulls, which I believe represent some of the best cards in the set:

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. While I was hoping to pull this card, I'm equally thrilled with its gold rare variant. As a Pokémon Gold fan, this card holds significant meaning for me. 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. Pairing it with Charizard ex would create a formidable deck!

Arven's Mabosstiff ex 235/182

Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company

Arven’s Mabosstiff ex brings back my love for midrange decks. The artwork captures the essence of Pokémon, and it reminds me of cuddling with my dogs. Vigorous Tackle provides solid early damage, and Boss’s Headbutt can turn the tide with a massive 210 damage. With Arven’s Sandwich keeping it healthy, this card could be a real challenge for opponents. I'm dubbing this deck "Mabos-switch," and you'll need more than badges to beat 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 to place damage on three opposing Pokémon in one turn, then bringing in Shrouded Fable's Bloodmoon Ursaluna from your hand. Using its Battle Hardened ability to attach three fighting energy and then unleashing Mad Bite for 100 damage plus 30 for each damage counter is an insane strategy. The full art ex cards with a trainer in the background are a unique and appealing design.

Ethan's Typhlosion 190/182

Image Credit: Christian Wait / The Pokémon Company

Ethan’s Typhlosion brings the heat with its Buddy Blast attack, which can deal massive damage based on the number of Ethan’s Adventure cards in your discard pile. It rewards aggressive, discard-heavy playstyles. This Illustration Rare is my favorite card from Destined Rivals, beautifully showcasing the connection between Ethan and his starter Pokémon amidst the chaos of the 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. Perfect for a Team Rocket set, the artwork highlights the active and aggressive style of Destined Rivals. While the energy discard on a Stage 1 card might deter me from using it in play, it's easy to build up on the bench for a quick strike and retreat. I'm hoping Black Bolt and White Flare will showcase the value of Illustration Rares in the Pokémon TCG.

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 one major caveat: availability. It brings back the excitement of opening packs, enhances deck building, and features some of the most stunning cards produced in the Scarlet and Violet era. Whether you're a collector, a competitive player, or just looking for a fun opening experience, you'll find plenty to love here. Just be prepared: your wallet might start plotting its own Team Rocket-level revenge.