The Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCG) community is buzzing with excitement as Destined Rivals, the tenth Scarlet & Violet expansion (SV10), gears up for its May 30, 2025, release, with prereleases set for May 17-25. This set, combining Japan’s Heat Wave Arena, The Glory of Team Rocket, and select ex Starter Deck cards, promises a hefty 182-card base set before secret rares, as reported by CardChill.com. Featuring Trainer-owned Pokémon like Cynthia’s Garchomp ex and Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, Destined Rivals is shaping up to be a blockbuster—explore it at Pokemon Trading Cards.
The prospective setlist suggests a fusion of fiery powerhouses and Team Rocket flair. Heat Wave Arena contributes heavy hitters like Cynthia’s Garchomp ex, Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex, and Misty’s Psyduck, fresh off its high-value debut in Japan. Meanwhile, The Glory of Team Rocket adds Rocket’s Mewtwo ex and potentially Rocket’s Zapdos ex, reviving the villainous faction’s iconic Pokémon. Cards from the Steven’s Metagross ex and Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex decks round out the lineup, with Steven’s Beldum and Marnie’s Morpeko hinted at as possible inclusions. This mix, detailed at CardChill’s Booster Box page, blends nostalgia with modern gameplay.
Speculation points to a robust Pokémon ex count—potentially eight standard ex and three Trainer’s Pokémon ex in the core set—alongside a hefty secret rare pool exceeding 50 cards. Standouts like Dwebble and Crustle have been confirmed, while Cynthia’s Feebas and Milotic add evolutionary depth. The set’s scale suggests it could dwarf predecessors like Journey Together (159 cards), offering collectors a treasure trove of full arts and SIRs. Competitive players eye cards like Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex for Energy acceleration, while Misty’s Psyduck IR charms with its sentimental appeal—stay updated via Card Chill Articles.
Despite its generic title, Destined Rivals sidesteps a full Team Rocket focus, blending multiple Trainer narratives instead. This shift has sparked debate, with some fans relieved to avoid scalper-driven “Rocket” hype, while others lament the dilution of a potential standalone Rocket set. The inclusion of Japan’s Heat Wave Arena highlights—revealed just before its March 14 launch—adds a competitive edge, with cards like Arven’s Mabosstiff ex poised to shine. At CardChill.com, we’re tracking how this diversity could elevate its market staying power.
As Destined Rivals nears, its prospective setlist signals a set rich in variety and value. With Booster Boxes expected to lead the charge—potentially including stamped promos—and prerelease events looming, CardChill anticipates a release that balances collector allure with strategic depth. Whether you’re chasing Cynthia’s dragon or Rocket’s psychic might, this set promises a rivalry worth joining.