Destined Rivals, the latest expansion of the Pokémon TCG, is generating significant buzz among trainers and collectors alike. Continuing the trend of spotlighting cards tied to characters from the video games, this set puts a strong focus on the iconic villains of Team Rocket, alongside other beloved figures. With its nostalgic callbacks and promising pull rates, Destined Rivals stands out as a refreshing addition to the Scarlet & Violet era.
What Makes Destined Rivals Stand Out?
Destined Rivals is lauded as one of the best sets of the Scarlet & Violet era, delivering “banger after banger” when it comes to highly sought-after chase cards. The set successfully blends nostalgia with fresh gameplay, featuring standout cards for Team Rocket-associated Pokémon like Mewtwo, Wobbuffet, and Persian, alongside cards for popular trainers such as Giovanni, Ethan, Misty, Steven, Cynthia, Grimmsnarl, Marnie, and Arven. The illustrations in this expansion are particularly noted for their exceptional quality.
Build & Battle Box Contents
The Destined Rivals Build & Battle Box is an excellent way to get started with the set. Each box typically includes:
- 1 ready-to-play 40-card deck
- 1 of 4 unique foil promo cards stamped with the Destined Rivals logo
- 4 booster packs
- 1 code card for Pokémon TCG Live
- 1 instruction booklet
Reviewers have reported solid pulls from these boxes, including powerful cards like Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, Team Rocket’s Persian ex, and Special Illustration Rares.
Key Features of the Set:
- Team Rocket Focus: The set heavily features Team Rocket, bringing a wave of nostalgia for long-time fans. Expect to see numerous “Team Rocket’s Pokémon” cards and Trainer cards like “Team Rocket’s Energy,” which provides extra energy to Team Rocket cards.
- Trainer’s Pokémon Mechanic: Continuing from the Journey Together set, Destined Rivals includes “Trainer’s Pokémon” cards that synergize with specific trainers, offering new deck-building possibilities. Examples include Ethan’s Typhlosion and Ethan’s Adventure, allowing for quick evolutions and strategic card fetching.
- Beginner-Friendly: Despite being a Level 2 deck, the Build & Battle Box offers an enjoyable and mostly beginner-friendly experience, making it accessible for newcomers to the Pokémon TCG.
Destined Rivals Pull Rates
For collectors and players focused on obtaining specific rarities, understanding the pull rates is crucial. Based on extensive pack openings, here’s a general overview of the pull rates in Destined Rivals:
- Double Rare: Approximately 1 in 5 packs (19.83%)
- Ultra Rare: Approximately 1 in 16 packs (6.39%)
- Illustration Rare: Approximately 1 in 12 packs (8.29%)
- Special Illustration Rare: Approximately 1 in 94 packs (1.06%)
- Hyper Rare: Approximately 1 in 149 packs (0.67%)
While the Ultra Rare pull rates are slightly tougher compared to Journey Together, the overall sentiment is that Destined Rivals offers a rewarding opening experience, with a good spread of Common, Uncommon, and Rare cards.
Hot Chase Cards and Market Outlook
Destined Rivals boasts several highly desirable chase cards that are already seeing a booming market. Some of the most sought-after singles include:
- Cynthia’s Roserade (184/182)
- Team Rocket’s Moltres ex (229/182)
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex (231/182, 240/182)
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex (230/182, 239/182)
- Team Rocket’s Crobat ex (234/182, 242/182)
- Misty’s Psyduck (193/182)
- Rapidash Special Illustration Rare (189/182)
- Ethan’s Typhlosion Illustration Rare (190/182)
The demand for Destined Rivals has been high, leading to some pre-order cancellations. The Pokémon Company has stated plans to maximize production for future sets to address availability concerns and combat scalping.
Final Thought on Destined Rivals Set
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals is more than just a trip down memory lane; it’s a well-crafted set that delivers on both nostalgic appeal and engaging gameplay. With strong card designs, favorable pull rates for many desirable cards, and a focus on beloved characters, it’s a must-have for both competitive players and collectors.
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