The Destined Rivals booster bundle gives you six packs from one of the most fun sets of the Scarlet and Violet era. Released on 30 May 2025, Destined Rivals brought back Team Rocket and pitted Giovanni’s villains against heroic Trainers and their partner Pokemon.
In this guide we look at what is inside the Destined Rivals booster bundle, the set’s best chase cards, how the bundle compares with other products and tips for completing the set.
What Is in the Destined Rivals Booster Bundle?
The contents are simple:
- 6 Pokemon TCG: Scarlet and Violet, Destined Rivals booster packs
- 10 cards and 1 Basic Energy in each pack
- Cards vary by pack
There is no promo card or accessories, so the bundle is all about the packs.
About the Destined Rivals Set
Destined Rivals asks a simple question: whose side are you on? Team Rocket is setting a new plan in motion, and heroic Trainers are racing to stop it. The set features Trainer’s Pokemon, cards that show a Trainer and their partner fighting as one.
On the heroic side, you will find cards such as Cynthia’s Garchomp ex, Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex, Arven’s Mabosstiff ex and Steven’s Metagross ex. On the villainous side, Team Rocket’s Pokemon line up under Giovanni’s command, led by Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex.
Set size
Destined Rivals has a main set of 182 cards and 244 cards in total once secret rares are included.
Best Chase Cards in Destined Rivals
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex Special Illustration Rare (231/182): the crown jewel of the set, showing the Genetic Pokemon in menacing detail.
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: a fan favourite for Champion collectors, especially in its higher-rarity versions.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: a colourful card for Johto fans, with full-art versions to chase.
- Gold Hyper Rares: shiny gold versions of key Pokemon ex.
- Full-art Team Rocket Supporters: popular with collectors who love the villains.
- Illustration Rares: beautiful scenes featuring Team Rocket’s Pokemon and heroic partners.
Why Team Rocket cards are so popular
Team Rocket has been part of Pokemon since the original anime and the vintage Team Rocket set from 2000. Bringing them back in modern form gave long-time fans a big dose of nostalgia, while newer fans enjoyed the villain theme.
Destined Rivals Booster Bundle vs Other Products
Elite Trainer Box
The Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box includes nine packs plus accessories and a promo card. It suits players and gift buyers.
Booster box
Destined Rivals was a main set, so a standard 36-pack booster box was also released. A box suits big openings or master set chasers.
Blisters and Build and Battle boxes
Checklane and premium checklane blisters offer one to three packs with a promo, while Build and Battle boxes include a ready-to-play deck and four packs.
If you only want packs and already own accessories, the Destined Rivals booster bundle is often the most straightforward option.
Tips for Opening Your Destined Rivals Packs
- Sleeve every Trainer’s Pokemon ex and special illustration immediately.
- Sort cards into heroes and Team Rocket for a fun binder layout.
- Track your progress with a checklist.
- Trade duplicates with friends who are chasing different Trainers.
- Buy the final secret rares as singles rather than chasing them in packs.
Is the Destined Rivals booster bundle good for kids?
Yes. Six packs are a manageable number for younger fans, and the bright Team Rocket artwork is fun to sort. Add a small portfolio and a pack of sleeves, and they have everything they need to start collecting.
Building a Team Rocket Binder
Destined Rivals is perfect for a themed binder. Place Team Rocket’s Pokemon on one side and the heroic Trainers on the other, or group each Trainer’s Pokemon together. Add vintage Team Rocket cards if you own them to show how the villains have changed over 25 years.
A 9-pocket zip binder holds up to 360 sleeved cards, which is plenty for the main set and your favourite secret rares.
Is the Destined Rivals Booster Bundle Worth It?
For fans of Team Rocket, Trainer’s Pokemon or the Scarlet and Violet era, yes. The bundle gives you a meaningful number of packs at a manageable price, and it is a fun size to open in one sitting. As with any older set, prices can change after release, so compare a few Australian stores before you buy.
Keeping a bundle sealed
Bundles are compact, which makes them easy to store sealed. Keep them flat, out of sunlight and away from damp, and check the wrapping occasionally for damage.
Destined Rivals in the Scarlet and Violet Era
Destined Rivals came after Journey Together, which brought Trainer’s Pokemon back to the game. If you enjoyed Destined Rivals, our Journey Together booster box is a natural next step, and the Iono’s Bellibolt ex Hyper Rare shows how striking Trainer’s Pokemon can look.
Trainer’s Pokemon Explained
Trainer’s Pokemon have a Trainer’s name in the card title, such as Cynthia’s Garchomp ex or Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex. They can only be supported by cards that refer to the same Trainer, which gives decks a strong theme. For collectors, Trainer’s Pokemon create natural binder pages, because every Trainer has a team of partner Pokemon to collect.
Team Rocket’s Pokemon in play
Team Rocket’s Pokemon share a theme of trickery and disruption. Players enjoyed building decks around Giovanni’s team, and collectors enjoyed the darker artwork. Both groups made Destined Rivals one of the most talked-about sets of 2025.
A gift for nostalgic fans
If you know someone who grew up watching Jessie, James and Meowth, a Destined Rivals booster bundle is a fun gift. Pair it with a binder so they can start a Team Rocket page.
Destined Rivals Booster Bundle FAQ
How many packs are in the Destined Rivals booster bundle?
Six booster packs, each with 10 cards and 1 Basic Energy.
When did Destined Rivals release?
30 May 2025.
What is the best card in Destined Rivals?
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex Special Illustration Rare, numbered 231/182.
Where can I see the full set list?
The official Pokemon card database lists every card, and our Pokemon sets guide compares the sets we stock.
The Destined Rivals booster bundle is a fun, affordable way to choose a side in the battle between heroes and Team Rocket. Open your packs, sleeve your hits and enjoy the rivalry.
