If you thought your Pokémon TCG collection was safe from another expansion-induced spending spree, think again. Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals is officially set to launch on May 30, 2025, and it’s bringing back some serious heat. From the return of Trainer’s Pokémon to the villainous comeback of Team Rocket, this set is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases in years.

The Battle Lines Are Drawn: Heroes vs. Team Rocket

The Destined Rivals expansion isn’t just about new cards—it’s about choosing a side. According to the official Pokémon website, Team Rocket is back with a brand-new scheme, and it’s up to Trainers to decide whether they’re stopping Giovanni’s plans or joining in on the chaos.

This means you can team up with legendary characters like Cynthia and her powerful Garchomp EX, Ethan and his majestic Ho-Oh EX, or Arven and his loyal Mabosstiff EX. But if you’ve always had a soft spot for the villains, you can throw your lot in with Team Rocket’s Mewtwo EX, Spidops, and Persian EX under Giovanni’s command.

It’s a classic good-versus-evil scenario, and honestly, both sides look stacked with amazing cards and artwork.

When and Where to Get Your Hands on Destined Rivals

Mark your calendars: May 30, 2025, is the official launch date, meaning booster boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes, and other products will be hitting store shelves. Given past shortages, it’s best to plan ahead if you want to secure your favorites.

For those who can’t wait until the official release, pre-release events will be running from May 17 to 25 at select stores. These events feature Build & Battle boxes and early tournaments, giving players a chance to experience the set before the full launch. If you want in, check with your local league store now—and maybe bring them some snacks as a peace offering.

What Products Are Dropping With Destined Rivals?

Let’s be real: we all say we’ll stick to buying just one or two items, but we know that’s a lie. Here’s what will be available 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

It’s also likely that special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos of popular characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie will be released. You don’t need them, but you will convince yourself otherwise.

Expected Card List: Heroes and Villains Face Off

A major highlight of Destined Rivals is the Trainer’s Pokémon mechanic, bringing back fan-favorite characters alongside their signature partners. Here’s a look at some of the key cards expected in the set, based on Japanese releases:

Heat Wave Arena (The Heroic Side)

• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex
• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex, Cynthia’s Roserade, Cynthia’s Milotic, Feebas
• Misty’s Psyduck, Staryu, Starmie, Magikarp, Gyarados, Lapras
• Ethan’s Cyndaquil, Quilava, Typhlosion
• Hydrapple line, Yanmega ex
• Zeraora, Electivire ex, Rotom, Manectric
• Arven’s Mabosstiff ex
• Applin, Dipplin, Ogerpon (Teal Mask, Hearthflame Mask, Wellspring Mask, Cornerstone Mask variants)
• Buizel, Floatzel, Dondozo ex
• Dwebble, Crustle, Shaymin, Ponyta, Rapidash
• Arven’s Toedscool, Toedscruel, Arven’s Maschiff, Skwovet, Greedent
• Trainer Cards: Judge, Ethan’s Adventure, Cynthia’s Power Weight, Sacred Ash, MC’s Hype Up, Spikemuth Gym

The Glory of Team Rocket (The Villainous Side)

• 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

Destined Rivals is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Pokémon TCG sets of the year, bringing back beloved mechanics, stunning artwork, and a battle between legendary heroes and classic villains.

Make sure you plan ahead if you want to grab your favorite cards—and let’s be honest, you will want them all.