Scheduled for release on May 30, 2025, the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals expansion promises to be one of the most significant card game launches in recent memory – and for good reason.
After securing early access to this highly anticipated set, I can confidently state: Destined Rivals exceeds expectations. My first hands-on experience with these cards ranks among the most enjoyable booster openings I've had in years.
A Visual Masterpiece
The artwork showcases some of the finest illustrations in Pokémon TCG history. The expansion features an impressive lineup of Trainer-specific Pokémon cards, including Ethan from Pokémon Gold and Silver, delivering potent nostalgia hits. This release captures precisely what the Pokémon Trading Card Game needed.
Beyond nostalgic appeal, Destined Rivals represents genuine progress for the franchise. The expanded deck-building potential through Trainer-specific Pokémon and significantly improved pull rates demonstrate thoughtful adaptation to collector and player preferences.
This release arrives as particularly well-timed redemption for The Pokémon Company, following recent stock shortages and challenging pull rates (though Journey Together had begun steering expectations positively).
I'm already strategizing deck compositions and duplicate acquisitions – excitement I haven't felt towards a new set in quite some time. With stabilized inventory projections for 2025, this expansion poses serious temptation for trainers worldwide.
Where to Purchase
- Booster Bundle
- Booster Box
- Elite Trainer Box
- Pokémon Center Exclusive Elite Trainer Box
- Half Booster Box
- Individual Booster Packs
- Sleeved Booster Pack
- 3-Pack Blister [Zebstrika]
- 3-Pack Blister [Kangaskhan]
- Build & Battle Box
Product Impressions
Through The Pokémon Company's generosity, I secured diverse Destined Rivals products: Build & Battle Box, Booster Bundle, Elite Trainer Box, and complete Booster Box. Notably, unpacking these delivered substantially greater satisfaction than recent sets.
Each product yielded exciting pulls rather than lackluster filler cards.
Build & Battle Box Highlights
The starter kit established strong first impressions with: - 4 booster packs - Stamped promo card (Team Rocket's Tyranitar in my case) - Preconstructed 40-card deck
Pulls included 1 ex card and 1 Illustration Rare - respectable results from limited packs. The Trainer-specific Pokémon mechanics made deck construction unexpectedly engaging.
Elite Trainer Box Contents
While chase cards eluded me, this premium package delivered: - 9 booster packs - Protective sleeves - Game accessories - Exclusive Rocket's Wobbuffet promo
The Team Rocket-inspired red/black aesthetic surpasses product images in person.
Booster Bundle Results
Six concentrated packs yielded: - Multiple ex cards - Highlight pull: Ethan's Typhlosion Illustration Rare
These streamlined bundles offer excellent value for enthusiasts prioritizing pack excitement.
Booster Box Breakdown
The comprehensive 36-pack experience delivered: - Multiple ex cards - Gold rare - Special Illustration Rare - Several Illustration Rares
This exemplifies why Booster Boxes remain the premium opening experience.
Key Improvements
Destined Rivals excels through:
- Superior artwork quality across rarity tiers
- Expressive common cards worth appreciating
- Expanded Trainer-specific Pokémon system
- Thematic cohesion elevating both collecting and battling
My 46-pack sample yielded:
- 8 ex cards
- 6 Illustration Rares
- 1 Special Illustration Rare
- 1 Gold card
These substantial pull rates represent welcome improvement from recent expansions like Prismatic Evolutions.
Top Pull Highlights
Among my chase cards, these five stand out:
Ethan's Ho-Oh ex (239/182)
The Special Illustration Rare version features Ethan and Ho-Oh soaring at sunset - instantly iconic. Its competitive viability shines through dual Fire energy acceleration and team healing capabilities.
Arven's Mabosstiff ex (235/182)
This midrange powerhouse combines charming artwork with solid damage output and sustain potential via Arven's Sandwich.
Team Rocket's Crobat ex (217/182)
A damage-spread specialist pairing excellently with Shrouded Fable's Bloodmoon Ursaluna for devastating combos.
Ethan's Typhlosion (190/182)
The Illustration Rare perfectly captures trainer-Pokémon bonds while rewarding discard-heavy strategies.
Team Rocket's Houndoom (191/182)
Beautiful artwork reinforcing Destined Rivals' visual excellence, showcasing Houndoom's underappreciated menace.
Final Verdict
Destined Rivals earns strong recommendation - assuming availability allows purchase. This expansion successfully:
- Revitalizes pack opening excitement
- Enhances deck-building creativity
- Delivers Scarlet & Violet's strongest visual presentation
Suitable for collectors, competitive players, and casual enthusiasts alike, this set warrants serious consideration – though budgetary caution is advised.
