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The Destined Rivals expansion for Pokemon TCG released on May 30, 2025, and here are the best-looking cards from this pack.
Various Team Rocket-owned Pokemon have arrived in Pokemon TCG in its newest Scarlet and Violet expansion, Destined Rivals. These trainer-unique Pokemon made a return in Journey Together, after which they are appearing again in this expansion.
This time, many Pokemon used by Team Rocket and Champion trainers like Cynthia, Steven, and Ethan are present in this pack. These Pokemon will surely pack a punch in the meta. Many of these cards also have Illustration Rare and Special Illustration Rare versions of the normal cards. Here are some of the best-looking cards from Pokemon TCG Destined Rivals.
Read More: Should You Buy the Pokemon TCG Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box?
Best-Looking Cards in Pokemon TCG Destined Rivals
The Scarlet and Violet expansion has some spectacular card art on a lot of cards. Alas, only five spots are on this list, so many great ones will miss out. Here are some of the best-looking cards from this expansion:
- Team Rocket’s Moltres ex – Special Illustration Rare
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex – Special Illustration Rare
- Zamazenta – Illustration Rare
- Ethan’s Typhlosion – Illustration Rare
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex – Special Illustration Rare
1. Team Rocket’s Moltres ex – Special Illustration Rare
The magnificent artwork on this card shows one of Team Rocket’s executive members, Archer, alongside the Legendary Bird, Moltres. The card shows the burning flames of Moltres as it flies through the night sky, while Archer stands on top of a building looking down at the city.
This card likely references the events of the Goldenrod Radio Tower, where Team Rocket had taken over the building. Archer is also the final executive we face to end this hostile takeover. The bright flames of Moltres contrast very well against the night sky and city backdrop.
2. Cynthia’s Garchomp ex – Special Illustration Rare
Cynthia and her Garchomp have been terrorizing players for over a decade now. This card just shows their ferocious nature in battle. Cynthia’s Garchomp is a force to be reckoned with, and this artwork proves that perfectly.
Calm and collected, Cynthia is seen giving directions to her Garchomp in this Special Illustration Rare card. You will struggle to find a Pokemon and trainer pair more terrifying than these two together.
3. Zamazenta – Illustration Rare
The Legendary Pokemon of Scarlet and Violet also gets a very beautiful illustration in this Destined Rivals expansion. You can see the Shield Pokemon in all of its legendary glory, along with a beautiful background.
The setting sun and the orange sky really make this card shine among the rest. Although there is no trainer present in this card, Zamazenta certainly doesn’t need one with how good it looks on its own. This card is without a doubt, one of the best-looking cards from Destined Rivals in Pokemon TCG.
4. Ethan’s Typhlosion – Illustration Rare
The starter of Johto is already popular among its home region and beyond. However, Ethan’s Typhlosion in particular has a fiery heat matched only by Ethan himself.
The trainer and Pokemon are completely in sync in this card art, with their fiery passion for battle on full display. Flames circle around Typhlosion, as Ethan stands unflinchingly by his side, ready to take on whatever foe they may encounter.
5. Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex – Special Illustration Rare
The iconic Legendary Pokemon, and clone of the mythical Mew, Mewtwo needs no introduction to Pokemon fans. Similarly, Giovanni is equally iconic due to his status as the leader of Team Rocket and being the eighth Gym Leader of the Kanto region.
Pairing both of these together in one card multiplies their terrifying presence manifold. This card not only emphasizes how dangerous both of them are alone, but that together, Team Rocket becomes a force to be reckoned with.
Read More: Pokemon TCG Destined Rivals Pull Rates Explained
Those were five of the best-looking cards in Pokemon TCG from the Destined Rivals expansion. Which cards were your favorite?
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