When a new Pokémon set gets announced, we usually go in with no expectations. But with Destined Rivals it felt different. The name alone sounded like something big. And believe us, it is. This expansion in the Scarlet & Violet series is packed with power, nostalgia and collector value.
If you have been collecting cards for years, like we have, you spot quickly whether a set has potential. And yes, this one has it.
What makes Destined Rivals so special?
As you know, themed sets are often hit or miss. This one focuses on legendary rivals in the Pokémon universe, and that works surprisingly well. Think of duos like Charizard vs. Blastoise, Reshiram & Zekrom, and Cynthia with her Garchomp.
The story, the artwork and the card types line up perfectly. You genuinely feel the tension between the characters in the design. That makes the set not just fun to collect, but coherent and properly thought through.
What are the highlights?
Honestly? The cards look fantastic. You can tell care went into both playability and collector value.
A few of our favourites:
- Charizard ex (Alternate Art) – killer design, good value, iconic character
- Zekrom & Reshiram ex (duo card) – rare and original
- Cynthia's Command (Full Art Trainer) – lovely card, strong playability
- Garchomp Tera ex (Illustration Rare) – fantastic artwork, a little easier to pull
What we like most is that ACE SPEC cards are back. For competitive players that is a welcome addition, and as collectors we appreciate those rare elements in the game.
Chase cards and expected prices
Let us be honest, though: plenty of people are hunting one specific card. The so-called chase cards. This set has several. These are the top cards to keep an eye on:
- Charizard ex Alt Art – expected value: €80 – €120 (raw)
- Reshiram & Zekrom ex – unique concept, heading for €70
- Cynthia's Command Full Art – around €40, and rising
- Garchomp Tera ex – around €20, visually superb
Watch out: prices can swing in the first few weeks. As you know, demand, pull rate and playability decide how stable a value stays. Use tools like TCGPlayer, Cardmarket and PSA populations to make smart choices.
Is this set worth it?
As far as we are concerned: absolutely. Whether you are just starting or have been collecting for years, this set has something for you. There is a good balance between rarity and accessibility.
Sealed product like ETBs and booster boxes is worth holding on to as well. The designs are clean, the contents are complete, and there is plenty of room for the value to grow.
We plan to keep at least one ETB sealed ourselves, and open a few loose boosters. Just for the experience – something this set genuinely brings back.
Release date and products for Destined Rivals
Pokémon Destined Rivals comes out on 30 May 2025. You can expect it in the usual formats:
