The Pokémon Company has announced an exciting new expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), titled Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals. This expansion is set to be released on May 30, 2025, but eager players have the opportunity to engage with it earlier. Starting May 17, 2025, select retailers will offer the Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals Build & Battle Box, allowing fans to participate in Prerelease events and get a sneak peek at the latest cards before the official launch. For those interested in joining a Prerelease event, the Event Locator is a handy resource to find nearby locations.
The Prerelease Experience
The Prerelease format is designed for both newcomers and experienced players. Participants will use a 40-card deck and set aside four Prize cards at the beginning of their games, which differs from the standard 60-card deck with six Prize cards. This format is ideal for introducing new players to the Pokémon TCG, as it fosters quick and enjoyable matches. Additionally, it provides seasoned players with insight into the strategies and synergies offered by the new Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals expansion. The limited card pool available in the Build & Battle Box also encourages players to explore their creativity in deck building.
Each Build & Battle Box contains four booster packs from the Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals set, along with a 40-card ready-to-play deck. This deck features key cards from both current and past sets, and it includes one of four exclusive foil promo cards. Depending on the promo card drawn, players can find themselves commanding powerful Pokémon such as Ethan’s Typhlosion, Misty’s Gyarados, Team Rocket’s Tyranitar, or Team Rocket’s Mimikyu.
Highlighting the Promo Cards
Ethan’s Typhlosion stands out as a symbol of the bond between Ethan and his Pokémon. Its Buddy Blast attack, requiring just one Fire Energy, deals 40 damage and an additional 60 damage for each Ethan’s Adventure card in the discard pile. This Supporter card can help players retrieve up to three cards, either Ethan’s Pokémon or Basic Fire Energy cards, setting them up for success in the Prerelease format. If players manage to draw additional copies of Ethan’s Typhlosion in their booster packs, they should definitely include them in their decks.
On the other hand, Misty’s Gyarados is known for its recklessness and destructive capabilities. Its Splashing Panic attack allows it to discard the top seven cards of the deck while dealing 70 damage for every Misty’s Pokémon discarded this way. This means that, under optimal conditions, Misty’s Gyarados could theoretically deal a massive 490 damage. However, such outcomes are rare in the Prerelease format, so players should focus on maximizing their Misty’s Pokémon to increase their chances of hitting big damage.
Another noteworthy card is Team Rocket’s Tyranitar, which recalls the iconic Dark Tyranitar from the Team Rocket Returns expansion. With its Sand Stream Ability, it can place two damage counters on each of the opponent’s Basic Pokémon during their Pokémon Checkup phase. Although the Tyranitar must remain active for this ability to activate continuously, the incremental damage can significantly weaken the opponent’s board over time.
Team Rocket’s Mimikyu, although not as impactful in the Prerelease context, possesses the Gemstone Mimicry attack. This attack may not have much effect due to the absence of Tera Pokémon in the Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals expansion, but Mimikyu offers a zero Retreat Cost, which can be advantageous in various battle scenarios. A potential combo to explore involves using Team Rocket’s Giovanni to switch in Team Rocket’s Mimikyu while drawing attention to the opponent’s Benched Pokémon, allowing for strategic retreats into attacking Pokémon.
Flexibility and Creativity in Deck Building
One of the most appealing aspects of the Build & Battle Boxes is the variation among them, enabling players to put their unique spin on their decks. Whether competing at a local game store or playing casually with friends, the new Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals expansion promises quick and entertaining battles. Those unable to attend a Prerelease event won’t miss out for long, as the Build & Battle Boxes will be available for purchase once the expansion officially launches.
Engaging with the Pokémon Community
Participating in Prerelease events and engaging with other players fosters a sense of community among Pokémon fans. These gatherings allow players to share strategies, learn from each other, and experience the thrill of competition. Players of all skill levels can enjoy the dynamic nature of the Pokémon TCG, making it a welcoming environment for newcomers and veterans alike.
The Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals expansion is not just about new cards; it’s about the experiences and connections formed through gameplay. The excitement surrounding the Prerelease events and the opportunities to experiment with deck strategies make this a much-anticipated addition to the Pokémon TCG.
Conclusion
As the release date approaches, anticipation for the Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals expansion continues to grow. With its engaging new cards, unique mechanics, and the chance to participate in Prerelease events, players are eager to dive into the latest chapter of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Whether you’re a dedicated player or just starting, this expansion offers something for everyone. So gather your friends, visit your local game store, and prepare for an exhilarating experience in the world of Pokémon TCG.
