Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet's Top Expansion

Scheduled for release on May 30, 2025, the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet expansion Destined Rivals promises to be one of the most impactful card game launches in recent memory—and rightfully so.

After securing early access to the set, I can confidently say Destined Rivals exceeds expectations. Opening these cards delivered an exhilaration I haven't experienced with Pokémon TCG in years.

The artwork surpasses anything we've seen before. With nostalgic inclusions like Ethan, the protagonist from Pokémon Gold and Silver, alongside innovative Trainer Pokémon cards, this expansion feels like precisely the refresh the Pokémon TCG needed.

Destined Rivals isn't just nostalgia bait—it represents meaningful evolution for the game. Enhanced pull rates and Trainer Pokémon mechanics that revolutionize deckbuilding demonstrate The Pokémon Company's renewed understanding of player and collector priorities.

This expansion marks a potential turning point following months of stock shortages and frustrating pull rates (though Journey Together began trending positively).

I'm already strategizing deck builds and considering multiples of key cards—a level of excitement I haven't felt toward a set recently. If distribution improves alongside these quality enhancements, trainers worldwide will struggle to resist Destined Rivals.

Purchase Options

Booster Bundle • Booster Box • Elite Trainer Box • Pokémon Center Exclusive ETB • Half Booster Box • Booster Pack • Sleeved Booster Pack • Zebstrika 3-Pack Blister • Kangaskhan 3-Pack Blister • Build & Battle Box

First Look Experience

Thanks to The Pokémon Company, I sampled multiple Destined Rivals products: Build and Battle Box, Booster Bundle, Elite Trainer Box, and full Booster Box. The unboxing experience felt substantially more rewarding than recent sets.

Each product delivered noteworthy moments—every pack contained cards worth genuine excitement rather than indifference.

Build and Battle Box Breakdown

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The Build and Battle Box established high expectations immediately. Containing four booster packs, a stamped promo card (Team Rocket's Tyranitar in my case), and a 40-card deck, I pulled both an ex card and Illustration Rare—a solid return.

Constructing a starter deck proved unexpectedly enjoyable thanks to Trainer Pokémon mechanics that injected more personality than typical precon decks. Four Team Rocket's Tyranitar holos, please!

Elite Trainer Box Insights

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While my Elite Trainer Box pulls were modest, the package included nine booster packs, sleeves, dice, markers, and a Rocket's Wobbuffet promo. This ETB's red-and-black Team Rocket design impresses even more in person.

This stands among the strongest Elite Trainer Box releases recently, though pull rates remain partly luck-dependent. Unfortunately, luck wasn't with me here.

Booster Bundle Highlights

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The Booster Bundle maintained excitement with six pure booster packs. My standout pull? Ethan's Typhlosion Illustration Rare—an absolutely stunning card capturing movement and trainer-Pokémon bonds brilliantly.

Booster Bundles offer exceptional value for experiencing new-set thrills without significant financial commitment.

Booster Box Finale

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The Booster Box delivered a perfect climax—multiple ex cards, a Gold card, Special Illustration Rare, and several Illustration Rares created sustained excitement throughout.

This experience reaffirmed how Booster Boxes can feel like premium events rather than tedious hunts for rare pulls. For future purchases, I'd prioritize Booster Boxes.

Top Pulls Spotlight

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Improved pull rates: From 46 packs, I secured 8 ex cards, 6 Illustration Rares, 1 Special Illustration Rare, and 1 Gold card—substantial hits that felt truly rewarding.

This aligns with Journey Together's strong pull experience and starkly contrasts frustrating recent mini-sets like Prismatic Evolutions.

Standout Destined Rivals Pulls

This preview yielded my most impressive Pokémon TCG pulls yet—16 total hits ranging from standard exs to SIRs. These top five represent Destined Rivals' finest:

Ethan's Ho-Oh ex 239/182

The Special Illustration Rare depicts Ethan and Ho-Oh soaring across a breathtaking sunset—instantly recognizable as a coveted chase card. Its gameplay potential shines too, enabling two fire energy attachments per turn while dealing 160 damage plus healing.

Arven's Mabosstiff ex 235/182

This card exemplifies Pokémon's emotional core while offering competitive viability. Vigorous Tackle provides early-game pressure, while Boss's Headbutt can swing matches with 210 damage potential.

Team Rocket's Crobat ex 217/182

A damage-spread specialist, Crobat ex could enable devastating combos with cards like Bloodmoon Ursaluna. Its full-art trainer-in-background design adds collectible appeal.

Ethan's Typhlosion 190/182

My personal favorite from the set. Buddy Blast rewards aggressive playstyles while the artwork masterfully portrays trainer-Pokémon bonds during intense moments.

Team Rocket's Houndoom 191/182

This Illustration Rare demonstrates how undervalued these variants remain in Pokémon TCG. While the energy discard requirement limits its competitive viability, the artwork perfectly captures Houndoom's aggressive aesthetic.

Final Recommendation

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box

15See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartSee it at Target

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals 6Pk Booster Bundle

5See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartSee it at Target

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Booster Box (36 Packs)

12See it at AmazonSee it at Walmart

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals 3Pk Booster

5See it at Walmart

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Sleeved Booster

3See it at Best Buy

Destined Rivals earns my strong recommendation—assuming availability. It revitalizes pack-opening excitement, enhances deckbuilding creativity, and delivers Scarlet & Violet era's most visually striking cards yet.

Collectors, competitive players, and casual fans alike will find tremendous value here—though your wallet might require protection from Team Rocket-style exploitation.