A Guide To Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals

The Pokémon Company follows its impressive lineup of consecutive releases with the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals.

Scheduled to be released by the end of Spring 2025, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals continues the hyped lineup of releases slowly winding up the Scarlet & Violet era.

While much is still unknown about this set, it’s been confirmed that Destined Rivals is our long-awaited Team Rocket set.

Even though the official release is still some time away, the buzz surrounding Destined Rivals has already started to build. Thanks to early details shared by PokeBeach, we have an idea of what makes this set so special (Team Rocket!).

From the inclusion of Giovanni and Team Rocket’s partnership with the legendary Mewtwo to the stunning artwork, Destined Rivals promises to stand out.

This article shall cover what we know so far about Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals. We shall also consider whether it’s worth investing in this set. As anticipation builds, we’ll keep a close eye on every official reveal leading up to the official launch and update this article as soon as we have more information.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet TCG Series

The Pokémon Scarlet & Violet era marks a significant evolution in the Pokémon TCG, introducing several new mechanics and fresh strategies for players as well as stunning artwork for collectors.

This era began in November 2022 with the release of the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet base set. Three years later, the Scarlet & Violet era is winding down to its end.

As the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet era winds down to its conclusion, it feels like The Pokémon Company has truly saved the best for last. The last few sets of this era have been spectacular, delivering some of the most sought-after cards and breathtaking artwork.

Sets like Prismatic Evolution and Surging Sparks delivered fan-favorite Pokémon that have driven collectors into a frenzy. The demand for these sets is so overwhelming that it’s become nearly impossible for most people to get their hands on packs, with stores selling out almost instantly and retail prices skyrocketing.

The hype doesn’t seem to be slowing down as we approach the release of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals. Collectors have expected a Team Rocket set since 2023, and expectations are sky-high.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals is the tenth main expansion of the Scarlet & Violet era. Destined Rivals is made up of cards from the Japanese set Heat Wave Arena, Glory of Team Rocket featuring Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, and the two ex Starter Sets: Steven’s Metagross ex and Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex decks.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals continue where Journey Together lets off with the release of Trainer’s Pokémon, focusing on Cynthia, Ethan, and Team Rocket.

According to Bulbapedia, the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals set will have 182 cards, not including Secret cards. Thanks to PokeBeach, we have pictures of the booster pack artwork.

The booster pack artwork shows Giovanni, Executive Ariana, Executive Petrel, and two Team Rocket Grunts (all using their FireRed & LeafGreen and HeartGold & SoulSilver designs). The artwork reveal the inclusion of Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, Rocket’s Koffing, Rocket’s Arbok, Rocket’s Murkrow, and Rocket’s Rattata.

When is the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals release date?

The Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals release date is May 30, 2025. Prerelease events are scheduled for May 17 to May 25, 2025.

For readers looking to know when Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals will launch for prerelease on the Pokémon Center, preorders should open a day or two after images of the ETB come out. You’d have to be vigilant to get in, as they sell out a few hours after the preorder goes live.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals release formats

With the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals’s release date set two months away, details about its formats remain under wraps. However, we expect Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals to have the typical formats for all main sets in the Scarlet & Violet era.

These include booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, booster bundles, and special collection boxes. Collectors can expect a similar offering. We’ll update this article with more details as soon as The Pokémon Company reveals them.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals pros

One of the most exciting pros of the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals set is that it is partly a Team Rocket set. No Pokémon fan needs an introduction to Team Rocket as they are an iconic group in Pokémon’s legacy.

When it comes to all Pokémon franchises, OG sells, and Team Rocket’s enduring appeal all but assures this will be a great set.

Even though Team Rocket makes up just a part of the set, the hype around these cards is unmistakable. Team Rocket’s legacy as one of the most recognized groups in Pokémon history ensures they’ll bring immense value to any set they’re a part of.

Away from Team Rocket, the other half of this set includes Misty and Cynthia’s trainer’s Pokémon cards, Ho-oh, etc, which is almost as hyped as the Team Rocket half.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals cons

While Team Rocket is featured on the checklist, Destined Rivals is not a set dedicated to Team Rocket. Some collectors feel Team Rocket deserves an entire expansion devoted to the group. The fact that it isn’t a full-fledged Team Rocket-themed set has dimmed the overall expectation of the set.

However, the second set that makes up Destined Rivals isn’t a set that’s entirely without perks. Heat Wave Arena, which this set pulls from, has its share of great cards that will attract collectors, with Ho-oh leading the park.

The Pokémon TCG is already experiencing high hype with consecutive great releases, and Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals, fueled by nostalgia, will have significant accessibility issues.

Several collectors haven’t been able to get their hands on Priamtic Evolution, which was released several weeks ago, with boxes selling out in minutes and prices skyrocketing on the secondary market.

With Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals expected to be another hyped set, many collectors may struggle to get their hands on products without resorting to inflated secondary market prices.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals value

The Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals is already a highly hyped set several months before its release. A Team Rocket set that’s sure to deliver several chase cards with stunning artwork. However, how well would this set perform on the secondary market?

To make a guess, we’ll consider how well the last Scarlet & Violet sets performed on the market.

Wax

Singles

Let’s look at the top eBay sales from the last two Scarlet & Violet sets, Surging Sparks and Prismatic Evolution.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals is poised to be a solid investment if you want to sell for profit. As shown above, wax and top singles from the last 3 Scarlet & Violet sets have strong performance, maintaining impressive value and demand. This trend is expected to continue with Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals having even more hype than Surging Sparks.

Thus, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals should offer even greater potential for value retention. It leans heavily on the nostalgia factor, which has shown to be a prime determinant of appreciation over time.

Bottom line of the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals is a really hyped release that perfectly blends nostalgic elements with stunning cards, new illustrations from top artists (Atsushi Furusawa) and improved gameplay potential.

Rocket’s Mewtwo, Ho-Oh and Cynthia’s Garchomp Secret Illustration Rares all in one set. Combined, this has led to a hyped set that will continue the current Pokémon climate of astronomically high prices and difficulties in getting any product.

Hopefully, the hype will cool down, and we’ll get back to a regular schedule sometime in the future, but that wouldn’t be with this set. The other half of this set includes Misty and Cynthia’s trainer’s Pokémon cards, Ho-oh, which is almost as hyped as the Team Rocket half.

This set delivers sentimental value for collectors across generations and will perform spectacularly in the market.

Whether you’re collecting for competitive game play, investment potential, or the sheer joy of reliving memories tied to Team Rocket, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals is a perfect addition to ALL Pokémon card collection.