Get ready, Pokémon TCG fans! The highly anticipated Destined Rivals set is just around the corner, and I'm already clearing space on my shelves while trying to convince myself I won't splurge on yet another Elite Trainer Box. This set reintroduces the beloved Trainer's Pokémon, brings back Team Rocket for more mischief, and features some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent years. Whether you're a collector of dazzling cards or simply revel in the thrill of strategic gameplay, this set is sure to captivate you.
The Pokémon Center website has been mysteriously undergoing "maintenance" but has now opened preorders. If you miss out on that, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers, as listings should go live soon. It's like Black Friday for Pokémon enthusiasts, so be ready to refresh your browser constantly. Here’s a comprehensive guide to securing your preorder this week.
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When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?
Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, when Destined Rivals officially hits the shelves. Pre-release events are set to take place between May 17 and 25, featuring Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. Check with your local league store to participate—you might need to sweeten the deal with some snacks to secure your spot.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
Let's be honest, we all tell ourselves we'll only buy one item, just like we promise to hit the gym regularly. Here's what you can expect 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
There's a good chance we'll also see special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos, possibly with characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You don't need them, but you'll definitely find a way to justify the purchase.
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: This card embodies Champion energy with its high damage output and hand draw capabilities. It's a must-have for any serious player.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A perfect blend of utility and beauty, this card accelerates Fire Energy and heals your team while dealing significant damage. It's a game-changer.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: Dramatic and demanding, this card only attacks if you've built a full Rocket-themed deck around it. Its energy manipulation is both chaotic and thrilling.
- Misty’s Psyduck: A card that brings humor to the game, allowing you to discard it to the top of your deck for strategic reasons. It's quirky and endearing.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: Perfect for a disruption deck, this card thrives on energy acceleration and can be a real nuisance on the battlefield. It's a throwback to 2020's competitive scene, and I'm here for it.
