The Ultimate Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Set List Breakdown – 15 Must-Have Cards And Secret Rares Revealed
The Pokémon Trading Card Game’s *Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals* expansion has already cemented its place as one of the biggest and most thematic releases of the year. Launched on May 30, 2025, this set dives deep into the lore of legendary rivalries and iconic trainer-Pokémon partnerships, bringing back beloved characters from across the franchise's history. Unlike standard expansions, *Destined Rivals* is a direct homage to the clashes that define the Pokémon world, making it a must-collect for both competitive players and long-time fans.
The set, which is part of the ongoing Scarlet & Violet series, features an impressive array of over 200 cards before accounting for the staggering number of Secret Rares and special printings, totaling around 409 unique entries. If you’re looking to complete your master set, or simply hunting for the most powerful and valuable cards, understanding the full *Destined Rivals* set list is essential to dominating your next pack opening. The focus on classic rivals like Giovanni, alongside fan-favorite champions like Cynthia and Ethan, gives this expansion a nostalgic yet fresh feel.
The Core Theme: Trainers, Rivals, and Iconic Pokémon ex
The central pillar of the *Destined Rivals* expansion is the celebration of the bonds—and conflicts—between trainers and their signature Pokémon. This is the first major set in the Scarlet & Violet era to heavily feature specific, named trainers from previous generations alongside their partners, creating a unique collecting experience. The set’s narrative is driven by these intense, long-standing rivalries, which translates into powerful and highly collectible cards.
The set is anchored by several powerful Pokémon ex cards, many of which are tied directly to their trainers. These cards are not just great for gameplay; they are also the primary chase cards for collectors due to their stunning artwork, particularly the Special Illustration Rare (SIR) versions. The inclusion of villainous teams, most notably Team Rocket, adds a layer of excitement, bringing back the dark aesthetic and powerful effects associated with the infamous organization.
Key Trainer and Pokémon Pairings in Destined Rivals
- Giovanni’s MewTwo ex: A colossal psychic powerhouse, this card is a centerpiece of the set, representing the leader of Team Rocket’s ultimate weapon. Its SIR version is one of the most valuable cards in the entire expansion.
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: The signature Pokémon of the Sinnoh Champion, this is an instant competitive staple and a massive collector favorite. The Illustration Rare and Special Illustration Rare versions are highly sought after.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: Representing the protagonist from *Pokémon Gold* and *Silver*, this Legendary Pokémon ex brings a majestic and powerful Fire-type presence to the set.
- Yanmega ex: A powerful Grass-type ex card that has already seen significant play in competitive formats.
- Team Rocket Executives and Grunts: A series of Supporter and Item cards that bring the Team Rocket mechanic back to the TCG, often with disruptive and powerful effects.
Destined Rivals Set List: The Essential Card Checklist
The full *Destined Rivals* set list is extensive, but the most important cards to track are the Pokémon ex, the Illustration Rares, and the Full Art Supporters. The set is structured with a primary list of common, uncommon, and rare cards, followed by a massive list of Secret Rares that extend well beyond the standard set numbering.
The base set includes over 160 cards, but the real value is in the 40+ Secret Rares, which include alternate art versions of popular cards, gold-stamped items, and unique full-art trainer cards.
The Most Sought-After Chase Cards (Illustration and Special Illustration Rares)
These are the cards driving the market value of the set. They feature unique, full-card artwork that often tells a story or highlights a specific moment between a Trainer and their Pokémon. The Special Illustration Rares (SIR) are the rarest and most valuable.
- Giovanni’s MewTwo ex (SIR): Expected to be the most expensive card in the set, featuring detailed artwork of the Team Rocket leader and his creation.
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex (SIR): A stunning card that captures the intensity of a Champion battle.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex (SIR): A beautiful, vibrant card that showcases the Legendary Pokémon in a dynamic pose.
- Full Art Supporter - Cynthia: A highly anticipated Full Art Supporter card, featuring the popular Champion in a new art style.
- Full Art Supporter - Giovanni: A dramatic and imposing card that captures the villainous nature of the Team Rocket boss.
- Illustration Rare - Ethan’s Pinsir: A surprisingly valuable common rare, known for its unique and charming artwork.
- Illustration Rare - Cynthia’s Roserade: A beautiful floral-themed card that is a favorite among collectors.
Breaking Down the Destined Rivals Rarity Tiers
Understanding the rarity structure is key to prioritizing your pulls and trades. *Destined Rivals* follows the standard Scarlet & Violet rarity system, but with a heavier emphasis on the special illustration categories due to the narrative focus on specific trainers.
The set offers a wide variety of rarities, ensuring that every pack has the potential for an exciting pull. From the standard reverse holo to the elusive gold-etched Secret Rares, the collecting journey is full of surprises.
Full Rarity Breakdown and Card Types
The set is generally divided into the following categories, which are crucial for any master set completionist:
- Common, Uncommon, Rare: The foundation of the set, including basic Pokémon, evolution lines, and standard Trainer cards.
- Holo Rare: Standard rare cards with a holographic image.
- Pokémon ex: The powerful, high-HP Pokémon that define the competitive meta.
- Illustration Rare (IR): Full-art Pokémon cards with unique, non-standard artwork, numbered within the Secret Rare section.
- Special Illustration Rare (SIR): The rarest Pokémon and Supporter cards, featuring full-card, borderless artwork. These are the most valuable and hardest to pull.
- Full Art Supporters: Trainer cards featuring a single trainer character with a full-card art treatment.
- Gold Secret Rares: Item, Tool, or Energy cards with a gold-etched foil treatment.
- Hyper Rares (Rainbow/Gold): While the Rainbow Rare style has largely been phased out, the gold-etched cards continue the tradition of ultra-rare, high-value pulls.
The sheer number of Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares in *Destined Rivals* makes it a collector's dream. The focus on fan-favorite trainers like Cynthia and Giovanni ensures that the Full Art Supporter cards and their associated Pokémon ex cards will maintain a high market value for years to come. Whether you are chasing the competitive power of Yanmega ex or the nostalgic value of Giovanni’s MewTwo ex, this set offers something for every Pokémon TCG enthusiast.
Completing the *Destined Rivals* set list is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. With the full digital set list now revealed, collectors can strategically plan their purchases, focusing on booster boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs), and the exclusive Pokémon Center ETBs to maximize their chances of pulling the most valuable Special Illustration Rares and Trainer cards.
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