2 min read

If you have been playing the Pokémon TCG or collecting cards for a while, you know how exciting a new expansion can be. Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals, out on 30 May 2025, is one of those expansions you can genuinely look forward to. As seasoned collectors we can say this set has everything it takes to become a classic. Not just because of the return of Team Rocket, but because of the strong focus on Trainer's Pokémon. That is what makes it unique.

As you know, a good set is not only about strong cards but also about a good story. And that is certainly the case here. The nostalgia of Team Rocket combined with modern game mechanics makes for a perfect mix of old and new.

What is in this set?

Destined Rivals contains more than 240 cards. And that is not just a number; it is a well-thought-out collection with a lot to offer players and collectors alike. Here is what you get:

  • More than 85 Trainer's Pokémon, with a heavy focus on Team Rocket.
  • 17 Pokémon ex, 10 of which are Trainer's Pokémon.
  • More than 20 Trainer cards.
  • And more than 45 cards with special artwork.

Let us be honest: this is one of the most versatile sets we have seen in a long time.

Trainer's Pokémon that stand out

What makes this set extra special is the use of well-known Trainers and their partner Pokémon. Think of:

  • Cynthia's Garchomp ex – a powerful card from a much-loved champion.
  • Ethan's Ho-Oh ex – legendary and visually impressive.
  • Arven's Mabosstiff ex – not the most popular, but strategically interesting.
  • Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex – this card captures the spirit of the set perfectly.

This is not only about nostalgia, though. These cards genuinely matter in the game, which makes them doubly interesting.

Pokémon by type – what to expect

The cards are split by energy type, which helps when you are building theme decks. Below is an overview of the notable cards per type:

Grass:

  • Ethan's Pinsir
  • Cynthia's Roserade
  • Shaymin
  • Teal Mask Ogerpon

Fire:

  • Ethan's Typhlosion
  • Rapidash
  • Hearthflame Mask Ogerpon

Water:

  • Misty's Gyarados
  • Cynthia's Milotic
  • Dondozo ex
  • Wellspring Mask Ogerpon

Lightning:

  • Electivire ex
  • Ethan's Pichu
  • Zeraora

Psychic:

  • Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex

Fighting:

  • Team Rocket's Tyranitar

Darkness:

  • Team Rocket's Mimikyu

Metal:

  • Team Rocket's Ampharos

Dragon:

  • Cynthia's Garchomp ex

Colorless:

  • Ethan's Pidgeot

Also worth noting: many cards are variations on existing favourites. That makes them interesting to compare with earlier versions, both in strategy and in artwork.

Rare and special cards

For the real collectors there is plenty to find. The set contains:

  • 23 Illustration Rares with unique artwork.
  • 11 Special Illustration Rares with full-scene artwork.
  • 6 Hyper Rares with an exclusive gold-etched finish.

As collectors we always see these cards as the eye-catchers of a set. They are usually the most wanted, and they can rise in value considerably.