The latest release in the Pokémon TCG series promises an exciting lineup of powerful cards capable of elevating existing decks or forming entirely new ones. Scheduled to hit the market later this month, the “Destined Rivals”set boasts a collection of Team Rocket cards alongside a variety of Trainer’s Pokémon cards. Notably, this installment is anticipated to be the concluding “standard”set of the Scarlet & Violet era, paving the way for the much-anticipated return of Mega Evolved Pokémon later this year.
As with each new set, “Destined Rivals”features a diverse array of cards designed to either serve as a foundation for fresh deck creations or enhance current archetypes. While the primary focus will likely be on strengthening existing strategies, many adventurous players will undoubtedly attempt to craft Team Rocket-themed decks, spurred by the plethora of villainous cards included in this set. Below, we highlight ten essential additions you should contemplate for your Pokémon TCG deck upon the release of “Destined Rivals.”
10 Team Rocket’s Watchtower
Shut Down Abilities To Control The Game
Team Rocket’s Watchtower presents an intriguing new Stadium card that can disrupt opponents’ strategies with a straightforward rule: no Pokémon in play can utilize their Ability while this Stadium remains active. This effect not only liberates powerful cards such as Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex—typically bound by card count restrictions for its attack—but also hinders key abilities from decks like Gardevoir ex, which rely on those functionalities. Given its versatility in shutting down formidable decks, Team Rocket’s Watchtower has the potential to become a fan favorite from “Destined Rivals.”
9 Ethan’s Adventure
A Key To Ethan’s Pokémon Cards
Ethan’s Adventure is a Trainer card specifically designed to synergize with Ethan’s Pokémon cards. It allows players to search for up to three Ethan’s Pokémon cards or Fire Energy from their deck and draw them into their hand. This ability not only helps establish decks focusing on Ethan’s Pokémon but also provides Fire Energy options for various Fire-type strategies. The capacity to retrieve Fire Energy, especially early in the game, enhances its practicality across multiple deck types.
8 Energy Recycler
Keeping Things Humming
Energy Recycler serves as a pivotal card for those wishing to manage their energy resources effectively. This card allows players to regain up to five Basic Energy from their discard pile and shuffle them back into the deck. Particularly valuable for decks that can also retrieve Energy cards from the deck, Energy Recycler is beneficial in maintaining a steady pace during mid to late-game stages where energy often accumulates in the discard pile.
7 Shaymin
The Perfect Counter To A Strong Deck
Shaymin emerges as a valuable asset with its unique ability to shield Benched Pokémon from damage, acting as a counter to a prevailing threat in the current metagame. Its Flower Curtain ability safeguards non-Rule Box Pokémon (excluding Pokémon ex) against opponent attacks. Especially effective against Dragapult ex, which aims to target weak Pokémon on the bench, Shaymin ensures your strongest Pokémon can get into play safely. For players looking to bolster their defenses against powerful decks, Shaymin is a must-have addition to many deck strategies.
6 Cynthia’s Garchomp
Ground-Type Powerhouse
Cynthia’s Garchomp stands out as a formidable Stage 2 Pokémon, capable of inflicting significant damage at the cost of two Fighting Energy. Its attack, Dragon Buster, delivers an impressive 260 damage; however, it requires the player to discard all attached energy post-attack. The advantageous aspect of Cynthia’s Garchomp lies in its Stage 1 form, Cynthia’s Gabite, which facilitates drawing Garchomp from the deck to streamline its deployment. This consistency in getting Garchomp onto the field and delivering heavy strikes with minimal preparation makes it a compelling option for players.
5 Team Rocket’s Spidops
Energy Retrieval Specialist
Team Rocket’s Spidops is an unsung hero in any viable Team Rocket’s Mewtwo deck. Its Charging Up ability allows it to retrieve energy directly from the discard pile, facilitating energy needs without hampering overall strategy. While Spidops may lack direct attacks necessitating heavy energy use, its synergy with Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex—which inflicts additional damage when energy is discarded from Benched Pokémon—is invaluable. Deploying multiple Spidops can ensure consistent energy utilization for Mewtwo’s potent capabilities.
4 Team Rocket’s Sneasel
Backstabbing Extraordinaire
Team Rocket’s Sneasel offers a surprisingly cost-effective means to achieve late-game knockouts by exploiting chip damage mechanics targeting Benched Pokémon. Its low energy requirement makes it an asset for numerous deck types, including those built around Dragapult ex, where it could become a significant nuisance. Given its flexibility and damage potential, it is likely to find its way into a variety of competitive decks.
3 Team Rocket’s Ampharos
Shocking Evolution Attacker
Team Rocket’s Ampharos guarantees opponents will feel the consequences of evolving their Pokémon. With its Darkest Impulse ability, opponents will incur 40 damage every time they evolve a Pokémon. Although this effect does not stack, it provides a strategic advantage against opponents, especially when combined with Team Rocket’s Sneasel. For those focused on maintaining pressure against decks that utilize Stage 2 Pokémon, Ampharos is a worthy consideration, despite its slower deployment as a Stage 2 Pokémon.
2 Team Rocket’s Articuno
Protective Legendary Pokémon
Team Rocket’s Articuno is crucial for optimizing the performance of Team Rocket Mewtwo decks. Its Resistance Veil ability negates all effects targeting Basic Team Rocket Pokémon, effectively shielding them from negative conditions without preventing direct damage. This strategic function is essential for maximizing Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex’s effectiveness as it requires reduced interruptions.
1 Team Rocket’s Mewtwo
Deadly Team Rocket Attacker
Easily claiming the title of the strongest card in “Destined Rivals”, Team Rocket’s Mewtwo possesses immense power and has the potential to be the cornerstone of a winning competitive deck. This card can deal up to 280 damage per turn, albeit requiring considerable setup: a minimum of four Team Rocket Pokémon must be in play, along with the discard of two Energy from Benched Pokémon to unleash its Eraser Ball attack. To maintain energy sustainability, utilizing Team Rocket’s Spidops alongside Team Rocket’s Articuno or Shaymin is advisable to ensure defensive capabilities while powering through opponents. If you’re strategizing a new deck from “Destined Rivals,”Team Rocket’s Mewtwo is undoubtedly a card you don’t want to overlook.