The Pokémon Trading Card Game is set to release its next big expansion, Scarlet & Violet: Destined Rivals, in May 2025! This highly anticipated set will bring together some of the most iconic Pokémon Trainers and their signature Pokémon, offering players and collectors a new wave of powerful cards and stunning artwork.
(Source: PokéBeach)
Key Details of the "Destined Rivals" Set
Here’s everything we know so far about this exciting new expansion:
- Official Release Date: May 30, 2025
- Prerelease Events: May 17 - May 25, 2025
- Set Name: Scarlet & Violet: Destined Rivals
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Inspired by Japanese Sets:
- Heat Wave Arena (featuring Cynthia’s Garchomp ex and Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex)
- Steven’s Metagross ex and Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex Decks
- The Glory of Team Rocket (Rocket’s Mewtwo ex)
The set will showcase a trainer-vs-trainer rivalry theme, featuring some of the strongest Pokémon belonging to iconic figures in the Pokémon universe.
Why "Destined Rivals" Instead of a Team Rocket-Themed Name?
Many fans speculated that this set would include Team Rocket branding due to the inclusion of Rocket’s Mewtwo ex. However, modern Pokémon TCG sets pull from multiple Japanese expansions, and using "Rocket" in the English title could have been misleading.
Historically, previous Team Rocket sets like EX Team Rocket Returns (2004) were based on a single source. In contrast, Destined Rivals integrates content from multiple Japanese releases.
What Cards Can We Expect?
Based on the set's inspirations, we can expect several high-value and highly sought-after cards. Some key Pokémon that may appear include:
| Trainer | Pokémon |
|---|---|
| Cynthia | Garchomp ex |
| Ethan | Ho-Oh ex |
| Steven | Metagross ex |
| Marnie | Grimmsnarl ex |
| Team Rocket | Mewtwo ex |
These Pokémon are fan favorites and have historically been competitive in the Pokémon TCG meta.
What This Means for Collectors & Players
With Trainer-focused Pokémon cards becoming a staple of modern TCG releases, Destined Rivals could be another must-have set for collectors, investors, and competitive players alike.
For Collectors:
✅ Expect high-value Special Illustration Rares featuring trainers alongside their Pokémon.
✅ Rocket’s Mewtwo ex could be the chase card of the set.
For Players:
✅ The set is likely to introduce meta-defining cards, with Garchomp ex and Metagross ex expected to be strong contenders.
✅ If Rocket’s Mewtwo ex has unique abilities or attacks, it could shake up the competitive scene.
📅 Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, and stay tuned for more updates as new card reveals roll in!
