Destined Rivals Card List: Team Rocket’s Mewtwo and the Top Chase Cards
Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex, Cynthia's Garchomp and 62 secret rares. Here's the Destined Rivals card list and how to tackle it.
5 min read
Pokémon guide
Team Rocket is back, and this time they brought Mewtwo. Destined Rivals was one of the biggest releases of 2025, and people still ask us for a proper Destined Rivals card list that explains which cards actually matter. So here it is.
We’ll go through the basics, the chase cards collectors want most and how we’d approach a set this size without spending a fortune.
The Elite Trainer Box, with Giovanni and Mewtwo on the front.
In this guide
Destined Rivals at a glance
Scarlet & Violet, Destined Rivals released in English on 30 May 2025. It brought back trainer-owned Pokémon, with Team Rocket’s Pokémon taking a lot of the spotlight, and it’s built from two Japanese sets: Heat Wave Arena and The Glory of Team Rocket.
Set size: 244 cards, with 182 in the main set and 62 secret rares.
Lead Pokémon: Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, with Giovanni and Mewtwo on the Elite Trainer Box.
Japanese equivalents: Heat Wave Arena and The Glory of Team Rocket.
With 62 secret rares, the Destined Rivals card list is a big one. It’s a long-term project if you want everything, but the main set is still a realistic goal.
The best cards on the Destined Rivals card list
These are the cards collectors are chasing hardest. We’ve left prices out, as they move all the time, but the order reflects demand.
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex (231/182)
The Special Illustration Rare is the card of the set. Mewtwo plus Team Rocket is a combination that was always going to be huge.
Cynthia’s Garchomp ex (232/182)
Cynthia is one of the most loved Champions in Pokémon, and her Garchomp gets a stunning Special Illustration Rare.
Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex (230/182)
A gorgeous card for Johto fans. Ho-Oh always looks spectacular in full art, and this one is no exception.
Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex, Moltres ex and Crobat ex
Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex (233/182), Moltres ex (229/182) and Crobat ex (234/182) are the other Rocket Special Illustration Rares people are hunting. Put them next to Mewtwo and you’ve got a proper villain’s page.
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex (240/182)
The gold Hyper Rare version of Mewtwo. It’s flashy, it’s rare and it’s a centrepiece card for any Rocket collection.
How to tackle the Destined Rivals card list
With 244 cards, a bit of planning goes a long way.
Pick your goal. The 182-card main set is very achievable. The full list with every secret rare is a serious commitment.
Collect by trainer. A fun alternative is to collect one trainer’s Pokémon, like all the Team Rocket cards. It’s more personal and more affordable.
Use a checklist. Keep the Destined Rivals card list open on your phone while you open packs and mark cards off as you go.
Buy the big hits as singles. Chasing Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex in packs can get expensive quickly.
We’ve seen lots of customers build “Rocket binders” from this set, and honestly, they look brilliant. Giovanni would be proud.
Which product should you open?
Destined Rivals is a main expansion, so there’s a full range of products.
Half booster box
Booster bundle
3-pack blister
Elite Trainer Box
The Elite Trainer Box, with Giovanni and Mewtwo on the front, is the one most people want on the shelf. It has packs, a promo and all the accessories.
Half booster box
The half booster box is a good middle ground if you want a decent number of packs without a full display.
For Team Rocket fans, it’s one of the best sets in years. The trainer-owned Pokémon idea gives the set a lot of personality, and the Special Illustration Rares are strong across the board. It’s also a set with real nostalgia for anyone who grew up watching Jessie and James.
The only caveat is size. If you want everything on the Destined Rivals card list, be prepared for a long project. If you’d rather start smaller, our Pokémon Chaos Rising guide covers a much more compact set.
Who it suits
Team Rocket fans, collectors who love trainer-themed cards, and anyone who enjoys a big set to dig into over time. It’s also a great one for players, because trainer-owned Pokémon brought some fun new deck ideas.
Storing a big set
A set with 244 cards needs proper storage. A 9-pocket binder with at least 30 pages will hold the main set, and we’d keep secret rares in top loaders or a separate binder. Label your pages by number and you’ll find gaps in seconds.
A quick note on reverse holos
If you’re aiming for a master set, remember that every common, uncommon and rare on the Destined Rivals card list also comes in a reverse holo version. That roughly doubles the main set. It’s a fun challenge, but go in with your eyes open, and keep your reverse holos in a separate pile from day one.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards are on the Destined Rivals card list?
There are 244 cards: 182 in the main set and 62 secret rares.
When did Destined Rivals come out?
It released in English on 30 May 2025.
What’s the best card in Destined Rivals?
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex Special Illustration Rare (231/182) is the most wanted card in the set.
