Destined Rivals is one of the most dramatic Pokémon TCG sets of the Scarlet & Violet era, spotlighting legendary clashes, villainous returns, and fan-favorite Trainers. With Team Rocket back in the spotlight and stunning Special Illustration Rares that capture cinematic scenes, this expansion has quickly become one of the most talked-about releases of 2025.
Why Destined Rivals is so popular
What makes Destined Rivals special?
- Team Rocket returns with powerful new cards like Giovanni and Rocket’s Mewtwo EX.
- Legendary Pokémon and Trainers appear together in breathtaking Special Illustration Rares.
- Strong mix of nostalgia, villain energy, and competitive viability keeps demand high.
Honorable Mentions
Some cards didn’t crack the top 10 but remain highly collectible:
- Ethan’s Typhlosion Illustration Rare: a fiery artwork that captures Johto nostalgia.
- Misty’s Lapras Illustration Rare: a serene water-themed card that pairs perfectly with Misty’s Psyduck.
- Team Rocket’s Meowth: a cheeky, flavor-filled Rocket collectible.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh EX Hyper Rare: the gold treatment makes this legendary shine.
- Cynthia’s Roserade: an elegant support card that rounds out her Sinnoh team.
1. Team Rocket’s Mewtwo EX SIR - #231
The ultimate chase of Destined Rivals. This Special Illustration Rare shows Giovanni looming over a weaponized Mewtwo in a Rocket laboratory setting. It’s a perfect blend of villain theme, iconic Pokémon, and rarity, making it the centerpiece card for collectors.
Market value: Around $340–$365 raw.
2. Cynthia’s Garchomp EX SIR - #232
Cynthia remains one of the most beloved Champions, and this Special Illustration Rare shows her with Garchomp in a dramatic stadium battle scene. It’s both visually striking and nostalgic for Sinnoh fans, securing its place near the top.
Market value: Around $205–$225 raw.
3. Ethan’s Ho-Oh EX SIR - #230
This Special Illustration Rare pairs Ethan with the legendary Ho-Oh in a radiant, sky-high scene. As one of Johto’s most symbolic Pokémon, Ho-Oh’s inclusion makes this a grail for many collectors.
Market value: Around $170–$185 raw.
4. Team Rocket’s Moltres EX SIR - #229
Archer commands Moltres in a fiery, explosive scene that perfectly captures Team Rocket’s villainous aura. Legendary Bird collectors rank this as one of the most dramatic Rocket cards to date.
Market value: Around $125–$140 raw.
5. Team Rocket’s Nidoking EX SIR - #233
Nidoking embodies Rocket’s brute force in this Special Illustration Rare. With Giovanni in the background, this card oozes villain energy and has become a must-have for Rocket-themed binders.
Market value: Around $100–$110 raw.
Fun fact
Destined Rivals revives the classic “Rocket’s [Pokémon]” naming style from earlier eras, giving modern collectors a nostalgic throwback with updated Scarlet & Violet art direction.
6. Team Rocket’s Crobat EX SIR - #234
This card depicts a whole swarm of Zubat and Crobat in a neon-lit cityscape. The moody atmosphere and Rocket branding make it a standout for fans of dark and atmospheric artwork.
Market value: Around $72–$82 raw.
7. Team Rocket’s Mewtwo EX Hyper Rare - #240
The gold Hyper Rare variant of Rocket’s Mewtwo EX adds shine and prestige to an already iconic card. For collectors chasing premium versions, this is an essential upgrade.
Market value: Around $62–$70 raw.
8. Misty’s Psyduck Illustration Rare - #193
A fan-favorite slice-of-life card showing Psyduck mid-headache while Misty looks exasperated in the background. It’s both humorous and nostalgic, making it the most popular Illustration Rare in the set.
Market value: Around $52–$60 raw.
9. Ethan’s Adventure SIR - #236
This Special Illustration Rare captures Ethan on a classic Pokémon journey, surrounded by companions on a winding path. It appeals to collectors who love story-driven cards as well as players who value its playability.
Market value: Around $47–$53 raw.
10. Team Rocket’s Giovanni SIR - #238
The boss himself returns in a commanding style. This Special Illustration Rare highlights Giovanni’s dominance and ties together the Rocket mini-set, making it a must-have for fans of the villainous team.
Market value: Around $42–$48 raw.
Discover more chase cards of your favourite sets!
From Prismatic Evolutions to Journey Together, every Pokémon TCG release has grail-worthy cards worth chasing. Explore our other guides to keep your collection ahead of the curve.
Buy Destined Rivals
Looking to add Rocket’s Mewtwo, Cynthia’s Garchomp, or Ethan’s Ho-Oh to your collection? Shop Beam Card Shop and start building your binder today.