Top Chase Cards from Destined Rivals – Pokémon TCG’s Newest Showstoppers!
The Destined Rivals set is here, and it's a knockout! Whether you're hunting for the next big investment or chasing your childhood favorites in shiny new forms, this set delivers big time. With jaw-dropping alt arts, powerhouse EX cards, and nostalgic throwbacks, Destined Rivals feels like a love letter to collectors and battlers alike. In this guide, we break down the top chase cards you need to know about—before prices soar or stock disappears. Let’s dive into the heavy hitters and hidden gems of the set that every Trainer, investor, and Pokéfan should be watching!
Updated: June 5, 2025
Ah yes—Team Rocket’s Giovanni 238/182, the card that practically oozes villainous swagger. As one of the biggest chase cards in Destined Rivals, Giovanni doesn’t just command respect—he demands it. This Secret Rare full-art trainer features the iconic mob boss of Kanto in stunning detail, complete with that classic evil smirk and a power stance that says, “I run this game.” For longtime fans of the franchise, Giovanni is nostalgia incarnate, and for investors? He’s a potential goldmine.
What makes this card so desirable isn’t just the artwork (which is 🔥), but its scarcity and character clout. Giovanni cards have historically held value well, and this ultra-premium version is no exception. With a limited print run and massive collector appeal, it’s no surprise prices are climbing fast. Whether you're Team Rocket for life or just here to flip a grail-tier trainer, Giovanni 238/182 is a must-have centerpiece for any serious Destined Rivals binder.
Card # / Rarity | 238 / Special Illustration Rare |
Set | Destined Rivals |
Character(s) |
Quirky, nostalgic, and sneakily valuable—Misty’s Psyduck 193/182 is the surprise darling of Destined Rivals. Let’s be honest: Psyduck has always been the underdog of the Pokéworld, but pair him with Misty—his perpetually exasperated Trainer—and suddenly you’ve got meme magic and collector appeal all in one glorious card. The art is laugh-out-loud adorable, with Psyduck doing his classic headache pose while Misty looks on with that iconic “not again...” expression. It’s a scene straight from the anime—and pure gold for fans of the OG series.
But here’s the kicker: this card isn’t just cute—it’s in demand. Character rares like this, especially ones steeped in nostalgia, have been climbing the charts in recent sets. The Misty-Psyduck duo taps into a massive fanbase of collectors who grew up watching their hilarious dynamic, and that makes this card a certified sleeper hit. Don’t be surprised if this one becomes one of the most sought-after non-holo treasures of the set. Psyduck may have a headache, but your collection? It just got smarter. 🧠✨
Card # / Rarity | 193 / Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Water / Basic |
Set | Destined Rivals |
Character(s) | Psyduck |
Ethan’s Typhlosion 190/182 is the kind of card that makes collectors do a double take—and investors perk up. This card combines Johto nostalgia with modern flair, pairing the beloved Gen II Fire-type powerhouse with fan-favorite trainer Ethan. It’s part of the new wave of character cards that bring the bond between Trainer and Pokémon to life, and this one burns brighter than most.
The artwork? Absolute 🔥—literally. Typhlosion is mid-blast, surrounded by embers, with Ethan standing cool as ever by his side. It’s cinematic, it’s emotional, and it’s already a collector favorite. These types of character rares are proving to be long-term value holders, especially when tied to iconic Pokémon like Typhlosion. Add in the limited print run and demand from Johto-era fans, and you’ve got a recipe for one of Destined Rivals’ hottest chase cards—both figuratively and financially.
Card # / Rarity | 190 / Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Fire / Stage 2 |
Set | Destined Rivals |
Character(s) | Typhlosion |
Ethan’s Adventure 236/182 captures everything we love about Johto—freedom, discovery, and that wide-eyed sense of starting your Pokémon journey with nothing but a backpack and a dream. This full-art Trainer card is a celebration of the iconic Gold/Silver protagonist, rendered in rich, colorful detail as he embarks on a new adventure. Whether you're a Johto baby or just love clean, dynamic artwork, this card hits all the collector buttons.
But don’t let the nostalgia fool you—this card is more than just pretty cardboard. Full-art Trainer cards like Ethan’s Adventure have become serious collector grails, especially when they feature beloved characters from classic games. The rarity, coupled with Johto’s massive fanbase, makes this card one of the stealth chase picks of Destined Rivals. It’s the kind of card that feels personal to own, yet premium enough to turn heads in a display case—or rise steadily in value in your investment binder. This isn’t just an adventure for Ethan—it’s a win for collectors too.
Card # / Rarity | 236 / Special Illustration Rare |
Set | Destined Rivals |
Character(s) |
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex 240/182 isn’t just a card—it’s an event. This dark and dangerous take on one of the most iconic Legendary Pokémon in the franchise is the ultimate chase card for collectors who like their power with a side of villainy. From the moment you lay eyes on it, this card screams intensity. The artwork is pure chaos—Mewtwo surrounded by a swirl of shadowy energy, eyes glowing, fully weaponized under Team Rocket’s control. It's the kind of card that makes you stop flipping through the binder and just stare.
For investors and hardcore collectors, this one checks all the boxes: Legendary status ✅, EX format ✅, Team Rocket twist ✅, Secret Rare 🔥. Cards like this are lightning in a bottle—limited in supply, massive in demand, and dripping with crossover appeal between players, collectors, and nostalgic fans of the anime and games. If you're lucky enough to pull this beast, don’t just sleeve it—put it in a vault. Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is a crown jewel of the Destined Rivals set, and it’s only getting hotter.
Card # / Rarity | 240 / Hyper Rare |
Type / Stage | Psychic / Basic |
Set | Destined Rivals |
Character(s) | Mew / Mewtwo |
Team Rocket’s Crobat ex 234/182 is the kind of card that sneaks up on you—fast. With its sleek, sinister design and venomous vibe, this EX card is flying high as one of Destined Rivals’ stealthiest chase hits. The art is peak Team Rocket: Crobat emerges from the shadows in full ambush mode, wings spread wide, fangs glinting, and ready to cause chaos. It’s the perfect blend of cool and creepy—and collectors are here for it.
Historically, Crobat has flown just under the radar (pun intended), but this Rocket-branded EX version gives the Poison/Flying-type a serious glow-up. It's not just a nod to longtime fans of the Gen II evolution—it’s a collector’s dream with edge. Throw in the fact that it's a Secret Rare EX card, and you've got a recipe for long-term value. Whether you love villainous themes or are assembling a Rocket-themed binder of mayhem, Team Rocket’s Crobat ex is the toxic treasure you’ll want to keep close… and your rivals won’t see it coming until it’s too late.
Card # / Rarity | 234 / Special Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Darkness / Stage 2 |
Set | Destined Rivals |
Character(s) | Crobat |
Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex 233/182 is raw, ruthless, and ready to rumble—and collectors are loving every second of it. This Secret Rare EX card takes the already intimidating Nidoking and cranks the menace up to eleven. Drenched in Rocket-themed darkness and drawn with massive, bone-crushing presence, this card screams power. It's like someone took your childhood fear of running into a fully-evolved Nidoking in Viridian Forest and turned it into collectible art.
But this card isn’t just here to look scary—it's a powerhouse in the binder and in the market. As part of the Rocket EX trio in Destined Rivals, Nidoking brings serious villain energy that collectors crave. It’s a perfect combo of nostalgia (who didn’t love—or fear—Nidoking growing up?) and rarity. The dark border, the Secret Rare shine, and the Rocket symbol all add up to make this a centerpiece card. Whether you’re building an evil-themed deck, filling out your villain vault, or just want a card that feels like a boss fight—Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex is your guy.
Card # / Rarity | 233 / Special Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Darkness / Stage 2 |
Set | Destined Rivals |
Character(s) | Nidoking |
Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex 230/182 is pure Johto magic—a soaring, shimmering chase card that lights up Destined Rivals like a Sacred Fire across the skies. Pairing the legendary Rainbow Pokémon with Ethan, the iconic Gen II Trainer, is a dream come true for longtime fans. The artwork is breathtaking—Ho-Oh mid-flight, trailing flames and glory, with Ethan confidently looking skyward. It’s more than a card—it’s a visual tribute to the heart and soul of Pokémon Gold.
This card is already heating up the collector’s market. Legendary Pokémon always carry weight, but when paired with a beloved Trainer and printed as a Secret Rare EX, it becomes investment gold. The nostalgia for Johto-era players is massive, and Ho-Oh’s mythic status ensures this card stays relevant long after the set cools down. Whether you're chasing top-tier pulls or building a Johto collection fit for a museum, Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex is a radiant jewel you won’t want to miss.
Card # / Rarity | 230 / Special Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Fire / Basic |
Set | Destined Rivals |
Character(s) | Ho-oh |
Cynthia’s Garchomp ex 232/182 is the definition of dominance—and a major prize in the Destined Rivals lineup. One look at this card and you can practically hear the Champion battle theme kicking in. Garchomp lunges forward in a storm of speed and power, while Cynthia stands composed and fearless in the background—because she knows exactly what her ace is capable of. It’s a card that radiates authority and style, just like the Sinnoh Champion herself.
For collectors and investors, this is a no-brainer chase card. Garchomp is one of the most competitive and iconic Pokémon in the game’s history, and Cynthia remains one of the most revered Trainers in the franchise. Combine the two in a full-art EX Secret Rare, and you’ve got a card that’s practically engineered to skyrocket in value. Whether you admire strategic strength or simply want one of the most visually striking cards in the set, Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is an absolute must-have.
Card # / Rarity | 232 / Special Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Fighting / Stage 2 |
Set | Destined Rivals |
Character(s) | Garchomp |
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex 231/182 is the card everyone’s talking about—the top chase of Destined Rivals, and for good reason. This isn’t just another Legendary EX—it’s Mewtwo at its most unhinged and dangerous, fully under Team Rocket’s control. The artwork is dark, cinematic, and pulse-pounding: Mewtwo floats menacingly, shrouded in psychic energy and malice, with that cold, calculating gaze that says, “You never stood a chance.” It’s more than a card—it’s a story in a single frame, and collectors are obsessed.
The combination of Mewtwo and Team Rocket is pure collector dynamite. Mewtwo has always been a top-tier fan favorite and one of the most powerful and mysterious Pokémon in the franchise. Add the Rocket branding—synonymous with mischief, corruption, and raw power—and you’ve got a villainous remix that elevates this card into legendary territory. As a Secret Rare EX, this card is not only visually striking but also incredibly rare, making it a grail-tier pull for anyone opening packs of Destined Rivals.
For investors, Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex represents the holy trifecta: popularity, scarcity, and storyline significance. It’s a card that bridges generations—Gen I nostalgia, TCG collectors, anime fans, and competitive players all find something to love here. Early pricing trends already show this card leading the pack in value, and demand is only expected to grow. If you’re lucky enough to pull one, cherish it—or prepare to list it for a premium, because this is the card everyone’s hunting.
Card # / Rarity | 231 / Special Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Psychic / Basic |
Set | Destined Rivals |
Character(s) | Mew / Mewtwo |

Scarlet & Violet
Destined Rivals
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Destined Rivals Pokemon Products
Checkout the latest Pokemon Card Products for Destined Rivals. Complete with prices and trends.