The Pokemon TCG world went bonkers when Destined Rivals Chase Cards dropped in.
This isn’t another set but it’s the Scarlet & Violet series (SV10) bringing some nostalgia with iconic rivalries we’ve loved. Like Mewtwo and Giovanni, Cynthia and her powerhouse Garchomp or Team Rocket causing chaos like always.
The chase cards from this set are EXPENSIVE.
Collectors and players alike are hunting these cards because the artwork tells stories. You’re not only getting a pretty picture but you’re getting cinematic moments frozen on cardboard that make you feel something.
Pull rates are rough though. Getting a Special Illustration Rare (SIR) can feel like winning the lottery. Some people open entire booster boxes and still be empty-handed.
This guide breaks down which cards are worth chasing, what they’re selling for, and your chances of pulling them. So, let’s go and check them out.
What Are Destined Rivals Chase Cards?
Chase cards are the ones everyone wants.
Destined Rivals is part of the Scarlet & Violet series (it’s SV10 if you’re keeping track). The theme of this revolves around iconic rivalries across the Pokémon universe. We’re talking Mewtwo with Giovanni vibes, Cynthia and her powerhouse Garchomp, and loads of Team Rocket nostalgia.
The set includes a mix of card types. You’ve the standard Commons and Uncommons. Then it ramps up with Pokémon ex cards, Illustration Rares (IR), Special Illustration Rares (SIR), and the Hyper Rares with the gold textured finish.
The combination of art, storytelling, and rarity makes the chase cards special. SIR cards show off cinematic scenes like battles mid-action, emotional trainer moments, villain showdowns. The kind of artwork that makes you want to frame the card instead of sleeve it.
Pull rates matter here. SIR cards are TOUGH to get. You’re looking at one per booster box if luck is on your side. Hyper Rares are brutal, one per two or more boxes.
Destined Rivals Most Expensive Cards: Here Are the Cards List
Prices for these cards can get serious. Raw cards range from a few bucks to over $100 depending on which one you pull. If you get a card graded and it comes back PSA 10, you are looking at $200 to $500+ for the top SIR cards.
Market prices spiked right after release, this is normal. Things calm down but cards tied to nostalgia like Gen 1 stuff, Team Rocket, and Mewtwo hold value better than random new Pokémon nobody cares about.
Here’s the lineup of the most expensive and sought-after cards from Destined Rivals Chase Cards.
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex SIR
This is THE card that everyone is looking for.
Mewtwo ex in Special Illustration Rare form features a narrative with Giovanni. It’s dripping with Team Rocket energy and takes you right back to the original games and anime. The artwork is stunning. Mewtwo looks powerful and conflicted, exactly how it should.
PSA 10 versions of this card have been reported in the hundreds of dollars. Mewtwo with Giovanni becomes instant nostalgia, and collectors are willing to pay for that feeling.
Cynthia’s Garchomp ex – Special Illustration Rare
Cynthia is a fan-favorite champion. Garchomp is a beast. Put them together in an alt-art Special Illustration Rare and you’ve a card that flies off the market.
This card has strong demand from both players and collectors. Cynthia’s popularity is so much. People love her design, her team, her whole vibe. Garchomp adds the power fantasy.
The artwork shows the bond between trainer and Pokémon in a battle-ready scene. It’s dynamic, detailed, and too cool to look at.
Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex – Special Illustration Rare
Ho-Oh is legendary and Ethan brings that Johto-era nostalgia.
This SIR card captures Ho-Oh in majestic glory with Ethan as part of the storytelling composition. The colors shine, which is Golds, reds, and radiant energy make this card a visual treat.
It’s one of the top chase cards and holds value because Ho-Oh fans are dedicated. Legendary bird collectors will hunt this one down.
Team Rocket’s Moltres ex – Special Illustration Rare
Moltres is one of the original legendary birds, and slapping Team Rocket’s name on it makes it cooler. The SIR version shows off that villain narrative we love. Moltres looks fierce and ready to wreck your team.
Value stays strong because it combines villain nostalgia with a Gen 1 legendary.
Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex – Special Illustration Rare
Nidoking doesn’t always get the spotlight, but this card changes that.
Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex in SIR form tells a story. The art is aggressive, powerful, and fits the Team Rocket theme perfectly. It’s not the most expensive card on this list, but it’s a solid pull.
Collectors who love the deep cuts of Team Rocket’s Pokémon roster love this one.
Team Rocket’s Crobat ex – Special Illustration Rare
Crobat is sneaky, fast, and a Team Rocket staple. The SIR version doesn’t disappoint.
This card has a dark color palette and shows Crobat in motion. You can feel the speed. It’s a great-looking card and worthy of being called a chase card.
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex – Hyper Rare
Yes, there’s another Mewtwo but this time in gold Hyper Rare form.
Hyper Rares have the textured metallic finish. They feel different, they look different. This version of Mewtwo ex carries the Team Rocket connection but with the premium gold treatment.
It’s rarer than the SIR in terms of pull rate, and the scarcity keeps prices high.
Misty’s Psyduck – Illustration Rare
Psyduck is a meme and Misty is iconic and together they look great.
This Illustration Rare card is FUN. Psyduck’s confused, adorable face is captured perfectly. It’s not the priciest card, but it has charm. Casual collectors love it because it’s approachable and nostalgic without breaking the budget.
Misty fans especially want this in their collection.
Ethan’s Adventure – Special Illustration Rare
Trainer cards in SIR form are increasingly valuable. Ethan’s Adventure fits in the trend.
The art treatment shows Ethan mid-journey with beautiful background details. These trainer SIR cards tell stories and this one nails the adventurous spirit of the games.
It’s competitively useful too, which adds to demand.
Team Rocket’s Giovanni – Special Illustration Rare
Giovanni is THE villain and the boss of Team Rocket.
His SIR card is dripping with style. He looks confident, powerful, and every bit the criminal mastermind we remember. This card ranks in the top 3 to 5 most expensive pulls from the set.
Trainer card values have been climbing in modern sets, and Giovanni leads the charge.
Arven’s Mabosstiff ex – Special Illustration Rare
Arven might be newer to the franchise, but his bond with Mabosstiff hit players in the feels during Scarlet & Violet games.
The SIR card captures the emotional connection. It’s touching and well-designed. Fans of the recent games want this one.
Team Rocket’s Ariana – Special Illustration Rare
Ariana doesn’t get as much love as Giovanni, but she’s a key Team Rocket figure.
Her SIR card has that sleek villain aesthetic. It’s a strong pull and appreciated by people who dig deep into Team Rocket lore.
Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex – Hyper Rare
The gold version of Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex. Same epic legendary, now with the metallic texture.
Pull rates are rough on this one. Getting a Hyper Rare is hard but getting THIS Hyper Rare is even tougher. But it’s absolutely beautiful and worth chasing if you love Ho-Oh.
Misty’s Lapras – Illustration Rare
Lapras and Misty go together well.
This IR card shows Lapras in a calm, scenic setting. It’s peaceful and nostalgic. It is not the most expensive card, but it’s one people enjoy looking at. Sometimes that matters more than price tags.
Yanmega ex – Special Illustration Rare
Yanmega isn’t a superstar Pokémon, but this SIR card is a hit.
The artwork is aggressive and sharp. Yanmega looks ready to strike. It’s a solid chase card even if it doesn’t carry the same nostalgia weight as Mewtwo or Giovanni cards.
Cynthia’s Garchomp ex – Hyper Rare
This Hyper Rare version of Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is stunning. The textured finish makes Garchomp look even more intimidating. The pull rate is low, value is high. Cynthia fans will pay premium prices for this.
Ethan’s Typhlosion – Illustration Rare
Typhlosion is a Johto starter favorite. Ethan and Typhlosion together bring back memories of playing Gold, Silver, or HeartGold/SoulSilver.
The Illustration Rare shows off beautiful artwork with great color and composition. It’s more accessible than SIR or Hyper Rare cards, making it a realistic chase for collectors.
Team Rocket’s Meowth – Illustration Rare
Meowth is Team Rocket’s mascot. The talking Meowth from the anime lives.
This IR card leans into that nostalgia hard. It’s affordable but beloved and a lot of collectors want it for the memories.
Team Rocket’s Crobat ex – Hyper Rare
Gold Crobat, dark typing and team Rocket energy.
This Hyper Rare is sleek and rare. The pull rate makes it tough to get, so when one hits the market, it moves fast.
Team Rocket’s Meowth ex – Ultra Rare
There’s also a Meowth ex version in Ultra Rare form.
It’s not as flashy as SIR or Hyper Rare cards, but it’s a strong pull. Meowth fans and Team Rocket collectors want it to complete their sets.
What are the Destined Rivals Chase Cards Pull Rates?
Special Illustration Rares have very low pull rates. You’re looking at one per booster box. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you go through two boxes and get nothing. It’s not good but this is what makes them valuable.
Hyper Rare gold cards are rough. Generally one per two or more boxes or could be three or could be more. The randomness is part of the thrill and the frustration.
Illustration Rares are accessible but not common. You’ll see these more than SIR or Hyper Rares, which is why their prices are low.
Standard Pokémon ex cards follow ultra rare frequency. You’ll get a few per box usually, but the specific one you want, it depends on luck.
Pull rates drive secondary market prices. When a card is this hard to get, people would rather buy it outright than gamble on packs. Can’t blame them.
Conclusion
Destined Rivals Chase Cards loved by all. The set balances nostalgia, storytelling, and competitive playability better than recent releases.
If you’re chasing cards, go for Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex SIR first because it’s the crown jewel. After that, Giovanni and Cynthia cards hold strong value and emotional weight. Don’t avoid the Hyper Rares either because these gold cards age well.
Sealed product demand is high. Booster boxes and Elite Trainer Boxes are moving fast. If you’re thinking long-term investment, Mewtwo, Giovanni, and Cynthia cards have the best hold potential.
This set proves that when you combine iconic characters with killer artwork and smart design choices, collectors show up ready to spend. Destined Rivals isn’t another set but it’s a letter to the rivalries that shaped the Pokémon we know today.
