The next big release for the Pokémon TCG, Destined Rivals, is on the horizon, and I'm already making room on my shelf while trying to convince myself I won't splurge on yet another Elite Trainer Box. This set reintroduces Trainer's Pokémon, brings back Team Rocket for more villainous antics, and boasts some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. If you're all about those shiny collectibles or just thrive on the thrill of cardboard power, this set is right up your alley.
The Pokémon Center website has undergone some *mysterious* "maintenance" and is now accepting preorders. If you miss out on that, keep an eye out for listings at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers. It's time to hit that refresh button like it's Black Friday for battle decks. Here's everything you need to know to secure your preorder this week.
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When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?
Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, as that's when Destined Rivals will officially launch. That's when you can expect sealed products to ship and hit store shelves, provided they're not sold out. The Pokémon Company has been working to address ongoing stock shortages, so fingers crossed. From May 17 to May 25, select stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. If you're interested, reach out to your local league store now—maybe bring some snacks to sweeten the deal.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
I keep telling myself I'll just buy one item and be done with it. I also tell myself I'll hit the gym three times a week. We're all living in a fantasy world, and that's okay.
Here’s what you can look forward to when Destined Rivals launches:
- Booster Packs
- Booster Boxes (36 packs)
- Elite Trainer Box
- Pokémon Center Exclusive Elite Trainer Box
- Booster Bundle (6 packs)
- Triple-pack blisters
- Build & Battle Box
- Build & Battle Stadium
We might also see special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos of characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You don't need them, but you'll definitely tell yourself you do.
Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals
Here’s the full expected card list by Japanese set origin.
Heat Wave Arena
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex
- Cynthia’s Roserade
- Misty’s Psyduck, Staryu, Starmie, Magikarp, Gyarados, Lapras
- Ethan’s Cyndaquil, Quilava, Typhlosion
- Ethan’s Slugma, Magcargo
- Hydrapple line
- Yanmega ex
- Zeraora, Electivire ex, Rotom, Manectric
- Steven’s Metang (alt print)
- Arven’s Mabostiff ex
- Marnie’s Impidimp (alt print)
- Applin, Dipplin
- Ogerpon (Teal Mask, Hearthflame Mask, Wellspring Mask, Cornerstone Mask variants)
- Cynthia’s Milotic, Feebas
- Buizel, Floatzel, Dondozo ex
- Dwebble, Crustle
- Shaymin
- Ponyta, Rapidash
- Arven’s Toedscool, Toedscruel
- Arven’s Maschiff, Skwovet, Greedent
- Mudbray, Mudsdale
- Electabuzz
- Ethan’s Pinsir, Ethan’s Pichu
- Trainer Cards: Judge, Ethan’s Adventure, Cynthia’s Power Weight, Sacred Ash, MC’s Hype Up, Spikemuth Gym
The Glory of Team Rocket
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex
- Team Rocket’s Spidops
- Team Rocket’s Meowth, Persian ex
- Team Rocket’s Porygon, Porygon2, Porygon-Z
- Team Rocket’s Tarountula
- Trainer Cards: Team Rocket’s Giovanni, Archer, Ariana, Receiver
- Special Energy: Team Rocket Energy
Steven’s Starter Deck
- Steven’s Metagross ex
- Steven’s Skarmory, Beldum, Metang
- Steven’s Carbink
- Steven’s Claydol, Baltoy
- Trainer Card: Granite Cave
Marnie’s Starter Deck
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex
- Marnie’s Impidimp, Morgrem, Liepard, Scrafty
- Marnie’s Purrloin, Scraggy
- Trainer Cards: Energy Recycler (reprint), Spikemuth Gym
Destined Origins Cards I’ve Got My Eye On
I'm already envisioning multiple binders filled with these cards, but a few have already claimed a spot on my must-have list.
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse, delivering big damage and drawing cards with the confidence of a champion. It's the kind of card that screams "I always get my setup right on the first turn." I need three of these.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with elegance. Its ability to accelerate Fire Energy is effortless, and Shining Feather heals your entire team while dealing 160 damage. It's ridiculous, and I'm completely in love.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is all about drama. It won't attack unless you've built a full Rocket-themed deck around it, but when it does, it tosses energy around like a hyper Gengar. It's extra, and I respect that.
- Misty’s Psyduck is here for the laughs and the occasional loss in the most endearing way. Its ability lets you discard it to the top of your deck for... reasons. I don't care; it's perfect.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex brings the villainous flair with a Dark-type build that thrives on energy acceleration and being just irritating enough to work. It's the dream card for a disruption deck, and I plan to run it like it's 2020 all over again.
