Destined Rivals released May 30, 2025, as part of the Scarlet & Violet era. The set features 182 regular cards and 62 secret rares, totaling 244. Most cards are drawn from the Japanese sets The Glory of Team Rocket and Hot Wind Arena.
Team Rocket headlines the expansion, with a full roster of villain cards and the return of Trainer’s Pokémon. The set also includes a wide range of Illustration and Special Illustration Rares. Seventeen Pokémon ex are present, ten paired with featured Trainers. Six hyper rare gold cards round out the chase.
Destined Rivals appeals to both longtime Team Rocket fans and competitive players. Giovanni leads the villain lineup, joined by Archer, Petrel, Proton, and Ariana. Jessie and James do not appear. Trainer-Pokémon pairings include Ethan with Ho-Oh and Typhlosion, Misty with Psyduck, and Cynthia with Garchomp. These pairings reflect the Hot Wind Arena influence.
Current secondary market activity points to these as the most sought-after cards in Destined Rivals:
10. Team Rocket’s Giovanni
Giovanni takes the spotlight in this full-art card, but the real star is the entire Team Rocket leadership lineup behind him. Proton, Petrel, Ariana, and Archer all appear, making this a tribute card rather than a standard Supporter. It is an essential pull for any Rocket fan.
9. Team Rocket’s Meowth
Meowth lounges smugly in a softly lit office while Giovanni watches in the background. This card has charm, atmosphere, and subtle storytelling. The art feels like a still from a noir film, giving it more personality than many standard Pokémon cards.
8. Team Rocket’s Houndoom
Houndoom is caught mid-attack, flames erupting around it, with a Rocket grunt holding the leash in the background. The card’s bold composition and intense lighting give it a comic book feel. It is an aggressive visual that fits the Rocket theme perfectly.
7. Ethan’s Typhlosion
This card shows Ethan and Typhlosion charging forward together, flames bursting from the scene. The motion and color intensity make it feel like a snapshot from a major boss battle. Typhlosion’s popularity combined with Johto nostalgia makes this a steady riser in collector circles.
6. Misty’s Psyduck
This quiet, emotional card shows Misty sitting calmly with her Psyduck, surrounded by flowing water and peaceful scenery. The style is soft and illustrative, perfect for fans of Kanto and the original anime. The card is a favorite for those who appreciate story-driven artwork.
5. Team Rocket’s Crobat ex
Crobat fans have long associated the evolution line with Team Rocket, and this card fully embraces that connection. Several Crobats are shown flying at once, adding a swirling energy that stands out. The artwork feels layered and fast-paced, capturing the chaos of Crobat in motion.
4. Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex
Illustrated with deep reds and a dynamic top-down view, Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex celebrates Johto’s legacy. The card depicts Ho-Oh soaring with wings fully extended while Ethan reaches toward it, capturing a moment of trust and connection. This scene resonates with fans of Gold and Crystal and is consistently in demand.
3. Cynthia’s Garchomp ex
This card captures Cynthia and her Garchomp in the heat of battle, set in a massive stadium. The artwork radiates energy, and its popularity reflects Cynthia’s enduring status as one of the most respected Champions in the franchise. It is also among the most expensive cards in the set, especially in high grades.
2. Team Rocket’s Moltres ex
This Moltres ex card is both aggressive and stylish. With flames trailing its wings and a confident Archer in the background, the composition delivers villain energy in a fresh way. The flowing lines and dramatic lighting make this one of the most eye-catching cards in the set.
1. Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex
This card is the crown jewel of the set. It features a brooding, cinematic moment where Mewtwo appears allied with Giovanni. Inspired by the Japanese release The Glory of Team Rocket, the artwork is emotionally rich and beautifully rendered. It consistently ranks as the most expensive pull in Destined Rivals and is highly prized among collectors and competitive players alike.
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