Destined Rivals stands out as one of the most anticipated expansions for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). Among the cards previewed, there is strong speculation surrounding a particular card that may become a Secret Illustration Rare (SIR). This expansion will serve as the American counterpart to the The Glory of Team Rocket set released in Japan, promising to impact players’ wallets significantly. The excitement building around this set, coupled with a recent card rotation and other major developments, positions Pokémon TCG for a significant year ahead.
The buzz surrounding The Glory of Team Rocket suggests it will be a substantial success for Pokémon. Enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating future spoilers, particularly since Destined Rivals is expected to include several cards from this popular Japanese set. Notably, the Japanese release is scheduled for April 18th, which will provide clearer insights into the cards that will be available in the English version. Fortunately, the English release of Destined Rivals is slated for May, so fans won’t need to wait long.
Moltres ex Revealed for The Glory of Team Rocket
Moltres ex’s Basic Rarity Yearns for an Upgrade
During Japan’s Champions League, several cards from The Glory of Team Rocket were unveiled, including the highly anticipated Moltres ex, as reported by PokeBeach. The excitement surrounding this card stems not only from its status as one of the ex cards in the set but also due to its promising attack capabilities.
Moltres ex, classified as a Basic Pokémon, allows players to utilize it effectively without the need for evolution. Its first attack delivers an impressive 110 damage while also mitigating damage received. More notably, its second attack has profound tactical implications as it could completely discard the opponent’s Active Pokémon, forcing them to bring in a different Pokémon from the Bench. If the opponent lacks suitable options in their discard pile, this disruption may alter the course of the game significantly.
Two Versions of Moltres Ex Suggest a Secret Illustration Rare
Two Variants Indicate More Might Be Forthcoming
A second preview revealed an alternate version of the Moltres ex card featuring full art. This additional version, also disclosed on PokeBeach, raises expectations for the potential introduction of a Secret Illustration Rare. Given the early unveiling of two distinct versions, the likelihood of a SIR for this card is heightened. For the moment, both iterations have only surfaced from the Japanese set, hinting at the strong possibility that English players may see the same treatment in Destined Rivals.
A Secret Illustration Rare represents a unique tier within the Pokémon TCG rarity system, providing collectors with full art cards often embellished with special foiling that are not initially listed in the regular card set. For instance, the standard Moltres ex is card 15/98, while a potential SIR might be numbered as 110/98, denoting its exclusivity.
Japanese players won’t have to wait long to confirm the situation, while English players can anticipate timely updates barring any delays in the release of Destined Rivals.
Why the Soaring Probability of a Moltres Secret Illustration Rare in Destined Rivals
Additional Considerations for a Third Moltres Version
While the Japanese and English releases may not always align perfectly, the strong emphasis on the Moltres ex card suggests it will play a pivotal role in the set thanks to its compelling new abilities. If the Japanese set features an SIR, it stands to reason that the English version can expect similar treatment. Although not assured, the odds appear favorable.
Moreover, Moltres ex has historical significance within the Pokémon TCG, featuring prominently in early decks. While this doesn’t guarantee an SIR release, it does reflect the card’s current popularity among the game’s developers. Interestingly, several cards disclosed during the Champions League also had counterparts in those early Pokémon TCG sets, which could signify a trend rather than mere coincidence.
Given its status, it seems feasible that the Moltres ex card could be selected for an even more refined version as an SIR. The visual elements, including its wings and flames, offer tremendous artistic potential for a striking card design. As we edge closer to the set’s full reveal, enthusiasts will be keen to strategize which cards deserve their hard-earned cash in the Pokémon TCG.