Welcome to Rare Candy's "Player's Guide" series, where we provide tips, strategies and education for TCG players of all experience levels.
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The Scarlet & Violet: Destined Rivals set is one of the most anticipated Pokémon TCG releases of the year, arriving May 30, 2025. With over 240 cards and a heavy focus on the long-awaited return of Team Rocket and Owner’s Pokémon, this narrative-driven expansion blends nostalgia with strategic innovation.
But which cards actually matter for players—and which ones could shape the meta moving forward? In this Player’s Guide, we break down the best and most impactful cards in Destined Rivals, from high-damage attackers to disruptive tech cards and synergy-packed trainer builds.
Set Overview: Thematic Depth Meets Competitive Potential
Destined Rivals pits Team Rocket’s Pokémon against a new wave of Trainer’s Pokémon tied to iconic characters like Cynthia, Misty, Marnie, Steven, and Ethan. This set isn’t just flavorful—it introduces viable deck “recipes” and expands support for lesser-used archetypes.
Importantly, while no single card appears ready to break the meta overnight, the set’s deep synergy and utility open the door for new strategies that could reshape competitive play across the season.
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Top Meta-Relevant Cards in Destined Rivals
1. Cynthia’s Garchomp ex
Role: Offensive Anchor
Why It Matters: With massive synergy potential and the ability to reach high damage thresholds quickly, Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is already being tested as a top-tier deck core. Combine it with Cynthia’s Power Weight for a tanky, near-unstoppable attacker with up to 400 HP.
2. Rocket’s Mewtwo ex
Role: High-Damage Attacker
Why It Matters: Capable of dealing up to 280 damage in one turn, this card can KO most Pokémon ex—if you can meet its demanding setup requirements. Works well with Team Rocket’s Koffing and Spidops, but lacks consistency without broader Team Rocket support.
3. Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex
Role: Darkness Spread Strategy
Why It Matters: Uses spread damage and energy acceleration via Munkidori and Froslass to create pressure over multiple turns. A promising archetype that’s already seen competitive placements in Japan.
4. Ethan’s Typhlosion ex
Role: Efficient One-Prize Attacker
Why It Matters: Hits for up to 330 damage in the late game for just one energy. A sleeper threat in slower matchups and a serious consideration for players who like tempo control.
5. Shaymin
Role: Tech Support
Why It Matters: Great for Dragapult decks, as it allows for early knockouts on Basics and helps counter spread-vulnerable setups. Also provides Bench protection against snipe-heavy decks.
Hidden Gems and Synergy Sleepers
Team Rocket’s Watchtower
Impact: Stadium Disruption
Why It Matters: Shuts down all Abilities in play—a meta-shaking effect against decks that lean on Gardevoir ex or similar engines. Doubles as a synergy enabler for Rocket’s Mewtwo by bypassing setup requirements.
Porygon-Z Line
Impact: Control Archetype Potential
Why It Matters: Reconstitute Ability and “R Command” attack make this line an ideal fit for grindy, resource-managing decks. Scales damage based on Rocket Supporters in discard—a hidden threat.
Misty’s Gyarados Line
Impact: Anti-Spread Water Deck
Why It Matters: With Misty’s Magikarp immune to spread attacks and Psyduck fueling Gyarados’s offense, this rogue archetype could surprise players expecting more traditional Water strategies.
Meta Outlook: What Can Players Expect?
Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is shaping up to be the standout powerhouse of the set. With impressive synergy and bulk—especially when paired with Cynthia’s Power Weight—it's likely to become a mainstay in competitive decks. On the other hand, Rocket’s Mewtwo ex brings explosive damage potential, but its reliance on a specific board state and limited Team Rocket support in the current pool make it a high-risk, high-reward option that might not see top-tier success right away.
Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex offers a compelling Darkness-type spread strategy and is already making waves in Japanese tournaments. Its synergy with cards like Munkidori and Froslass gives it a unique edge that could elevate it in the Western meta. Meanwhile, Ethan’s Typhlosion ex introduces a rare one-prize attacker that can deliver late-game knockouts with minimal energy, positioning it as a potential tech piece against slower decks.
Perhaps the most exciting long-term development is the rise of Trainer’s Pokémon-themed decks. These character-driven archetypes encourage a more diverse meta and reward players who invest in building around synergy “packages” from specific Trainers like Misty, Steven, and Cynthia. Add in disruptive tools like Team Rocket’s Watchtower, and Destined Rivals becomes less about instant dominance and more about strategic innovation and experimentation.
In short, while no card from Destined Rivals is expected to immediately redefine the format, the set is poised to diversify the meta by offering new archetypes, synergy-driven builds, and tools that can slot into existing decks in unexpected ways.
Collectors and Competitive Players Rejoice
The return of Team Rocket and the Owner’s Pokémon mechanic is a huge nostalgia hit—and Destined Rivals doesn’t disappoint. Early feedback praises the pull rates, card quality, and especially the artwork, which may drive higher engagement in sealed play and collecting.
Final Thoughts: A Set Built for Builders
While Destined Rivals may not redefine the meta overnight, it opens doors for fresh strategies, new deck cores, and subtle synergy combos that reward experimentation. Whether you're looking to top local events or just build a deck around your favorite Trainer, this set is full of potential.
Looking for the best cards to up your game? Browse Rare Candy's shop to find all the Destined Rivals you need to master your strategy. Download the Rare Candy App to start scanning and tracking your collection.
