Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals Expansion Review

Release Date: May 30, 2025
Series: Scarlet & Violet
Expansion Number: Tenth main set

Choose Your Allegiance in Destined Rivals

The battle lines are drawn in Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals, the tenth major expansion in the Scarlet & Violet series. This set introduces a dramatic clash between the iconic Team Rocket and a lineup of heroic Trainers, offering players a chance to decide where their loyalties lie. Will you support champions like Cynthia with Garchomp ex and Ethan with Ho-Oh ex, or join the ranks of Team Rocket under the leadership of Giovanni and Mewtwo ex?

What's New in the Destined Rivals Expansion?

Destined Rivals continues the trend of Trainer’s Pokémon, a mechanic that pairs iconic Trainers with their signature creatures. The set features:

• Over 240 cards, including secret rares
• 83 Team Rocket-themed cards, with 45+ Rocket’s Pokémon
• 85+ Trainer’s Pokémon cards, including 10 Trainer’s Pokémon ex
• 17 Pokémon ex in total
• 23 illustration rare and 11 special illustration rare cards
• 6 hyper rare gold-etched cards

Many of these cards draw from Japan’s Hot Wind Arena and Glory of the Rocket Gang expansions, as well as special ex Starter Decks like Marnie's Morpeko & Grimmsnarl ex and Steven's Beldum & Metagross ex.

Striking Artwork and Early Access

The booster pack artwork is a visual treat, showcasing dynamic duos like Giovanni & Mewtwo and Cynthia & Garchomp. Four distinct pack designs, along with a Team Rocket-exclusive design, are also featured on promotional materials—some of which were leaked and swiftly removed in early 2025.

Early access to cards from this set began on May 16, 2025, via the Marnie and Steven Rival Battle Decks, allowing fans a preview before the global release.

Team Rocket Returns in Full Force

One of the biggest draws of Destined Rivals is the return of Team Rocket as a dominant force in the Pokémon TCG. The expansion reintroduces classic Rocket operatives like Archer, Ariana, Petrel, and Proton, each with their own Pokémon and strategies. These cards not only bring back nostalgia but also introduce fresh mechanics for competitive play.

Collectibility and Product Range

The expansion is available in a wide array of formats, including:

• Booster Packs
• Booster Boxes (36 packs)
• Elite Trainer Boxes in English and Spanish

Whether you're a collector chasing rare illustrations or a competitor building a powerful deck, Destined Rivals offers something for everyone.

Available Now on Pokémon TCG Live

Starting May 29, 2025, all cards from Destined Rivals became playable on the digital platform Pokémon TCG Live, accessible on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. This ensures both casual and competitive players can dive into the action immediately.

Final Thoughts

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals is more than just a card expansion—it's a full-fledged narrative experience that pits good versus evil in the most stylish way yet. With gorgeous art, new game mechanics, and a massive variety of cards, this set is a must-have for anyone involved in the Pokémon TCG scene.

So… whose side are you on?