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Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals is being hailed as one of the best sets of the Scarlet & Violet era, and it’s not just because of the return of Team Rocket. With incredible card art, nostalgic Pokémon-Trainer pairings, and notoriously difficult pull rates, this set is packed with grails for serious collectors.
But which cards are the true heavy hitters?
Here’s your updated collector’s guide to the top chase cards in Destined Rivals, ranked by current market value as of November 2025.
*Market values as of time of publishing
10. Team Rocket's Giovanni SIR -$39.33
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare (SIR)
Card Number: #238/182
Why Collectors Love It: As a fan-favorite villain, Giovanni has always commanded respect from his grunts as well as collectors. Featuring other members of Team Rocket, this card shows who the true boss will always be.
9. Ethan’s Adventure SIR – $53.30
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare (SIR)
Card Number: #236/182
Why Collectors Love It: Less about combat and more about character, Ethan's Adventure showcases the attitude and energy that has made him popular among Pokémon fans. Flanked by his Slugma and Cyndaquil with his Pichu hitching a ride, Ethan's Adventure is just beginning.
8. Misty’s Psyduck IR – $54.15
Rarity: Illustration Rare (IR)
Card Number: #193/182
Why Collectors Love It: While Misty's Psyduck has seen some ups and downs in terms of value, it maintains its place as the most valuable standard Illustration Rare due to Misty being a series mainstay dating back to Kanto with her most well-known Pokémon.
7. Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex (Hyper Rare) – $62.90
Rarity: Hyper Rare
Card Number: #240/182
Why Collectors Love It: The Hyper Rare Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex shows that playability along with legendary status goes a long way for collectors. We traditionally do not see Hyper Rare cards breaking the top 10 for their sets, let alone several spots in.
6. Team Rocket’s Crobat ex SIR – $99.58
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare (SIR)
Card Number: #234/182
Why Collectors Love It: Team Rocket's Crobat ex has seen a bit of a resurgence recently. surrounded by many of it's evolution line, the flock of Zubats, Golbats, Crobats add a layer of menace that ultimately fits Crobat's aura.
5. Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex SIR – $110.61
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare (SIR)
Card Number: #233/182
Why Collectors Love It: A true powerhouse in the set, Team Rocket's Nidoking ex showcases strength and rage. Uninori's art style on this card showcases why many collectors keep their eyes on Nidoking cards with its Giovanni cameo.
4. Team Rocket’s Moltres ex SIR – $126.90
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare (SIR)
Card Number: #229/182
Why Collectors Love It: One of the most intimidating Pokémon in the set, Team Rocket's Moltres ex puts the Pokémon at the forefront in a protective state for its trainer. It's no surprise that it's one of the better Legendary Bird cards we've seen in the last several years.
3. Ethan’s Ho-oh ex SIR – $209.47
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare (SIR)
Card Number: #230/182
Why Collectors Love It: Speaking of Legendary, Ethan's Ho-Oh showcases the glory and prestige the Rainbow Pokémon has always displayed. It's healing factor from Shining Feathers adds a competitive layer to this beautiful card.
2. Cynthia’s Garchomp ex SIR – $259.10
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare (SIR)
Card Number: #232/182
Why Collectors Love It: Cynthia and Garchomp are one of the most dynamic duos in all of Pokémon. This card showcases a battle for the generations in a massive stadium for all to see with Garchomp prepping its attack.
1. Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex SIR – $489.77
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare (SIR)
Card Number: #231/182
Why It’s the Top Pick: Still the defining card of Destined Rivals, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex was destined to be the top card in the set, no pun intended. Another example of prestige and playability going hand in hand with Giovanni commanding a presence alongside his Ace.
Why Are These Destined Rivals Cards So Valuable?
Several factors are driving the demand for these top chase cards:
Special Illustration Rares Dominate: These cards feature full-art, story-driven artwork and have incredibly low pull rates making them collector favorites.
Team Rocket’s Return: The Rocket sub-set is one of the most popular in recent memory, with dark themes and iconic Gen I Pokémon bringing in longtime fans.
Nostalgia + Innovation: The set pairs classic characters like Ethan, Cynthia, and Giovanni with new mechanics like Trainer’s Pokémon, appealing to both collectors and players.
Secondary Market Heat: Prices are holding strong post-release, and top-tier cards like Mewtwo ex SIR are already being compared to modern grails.
Final Thoughts: Should You Chase or Buy Singles?
If you’re hunting sealed product in hopes of pulling one of these cards, just know the odds are steep. Some SIRs have pull rates of 1 in 1,000 packs or less. But for collectors chasing a display piece or a long-term hold, now might be the best time to buy before prices settle or spike again.
Destined Rivals has all the ingredients of a modern classic: bold artwork, nostalgic callbacks, and elite-level chase cards. Whether you're opening packs or shopping singles, these ten cards represent the heart of what makes this set special.
Looking to pick up some Destined Rivals of your own? Search Rare Candy's listings to see cards for sale and keep an eye on our auctions where new exciting cards are made available every week!
Download the Rare Candy App to scan, track, and share your Pokémon Cards!
