In the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals expansion, Team Rocket is back and stronger than ever. Team Rocket’s cards span across different Pokémon types, partnering up with many beloved Pokémon on their quest for glory. Sure, many heroic Trainers and their partner Pokémon are joining the fight, but…what if you want to side with Team Rocket? Worry not, Trainer—we’ve got just the cards to share with you.

Team Rocket’s Giovanni

When it comes to Team Rocket’s card previews, the Boss is the natural choice to showcase first.  Team Rocket’s Giovanni (illus. akagi) stands in a lush office—only the best for Team Rocket’s leader—appearing ready to give a command. This card allows you to manipulate the board in your favor. By switching your Active Team Rocket’s Pokémon with a Team Rocket’s Pokémon on your Bench, you can switch one of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon into the Active Spot. It encourages you to have as many Team Rocket’s Pokémon in your deck as possible, as using this strategy helps you draw out your opponent’s weakest Pokémon (or others you’re keen to Knock Out). Teaming up with Team Rocket’s Giovanni may allow you to fulfill your ambitions of victory.

Team Rocket’s Moltres ex

The Team Rocket executive Archer strikes a pose behind Moltres in Team Rocket’s Moltres ex, illustrated by 5ban Graphics. The Legendary bird of fire is already a ferocious foe, let alone in the hands of the nefarious Team Rocket. Its Flame Screen attack allows Team Rocket’s Moltres ex to take 50 less damage during your opponent’s next turn. For , Evil Incineration can be used to discard your opponent’s Active Pokémon and all its attached cards—if you discard a Team Rocket’s Energy from Moltres. While the cost appears steep, Team Rocket’s Energy does provide two Energy to a Team Rocket’s Pokémon, making Evil Incineration an interesting tactical option earlier in the game.

Team Rocket’s Articuno

In a stunning illustration by Mitsuhiro Arita, Team Rocket’s Articuno swoops into battle against a striking black-and-red backdrop—a classic Team Rocket color combination. Articuno’s Ability, Repelling Veil, shields your Basic Team Rocket’s Pokémon from the effects of attacks used by your opponent’s Pokémon. Plus, its Dark Frost attack gets a power boost if it has any Team Rocket’s Energy attached, capable of doing up to 120 damage.

Team Rocket’s Persian ex

We covered the Boss, but we would be remiss if we didn’t take the time to admire his partner Pokémon, Persian. Team Rocket’s Persian ex (illus. 5ban Graphics) looks ready to claw its way out of the card and onto the battlefield. Haughty Order is a formidable skill to use against your opponent, allowing you to reveal the top 10 cards of their deck, choose an attack from a Pokémon you find there, and use it for just . The risk may very well be worth the reward, depending on what you find! If your orders don’t get the results you expected, you can always attack with Cruel Slash later for 140 damage, making your opponent’s Pokémon Confused.

Team Rocket’s Crobat ex

Sweeping into battle with a nippy Biting Spree Ability, Team Rocket’s Crobat ex (illus. 5ban Graphics) brings its unique aggressive-evasive behavior to battle. Some of the Team Rocket’s Pokémon and Trainer cards we’ve covered so far involve interaction with your opponent’s deck or battlefield, but Team Rocket’s Crobat ex can use Assassin’s Return to do 120 damage and then return to your hand if you like. You’ll have to discard all cards attached to this Pokémon to use that option—but it can save your Crobat from being Knocked Out, keeping your opponent from scoring two Prize cards.

Team Rocket’s Ampharos

Team Rocket’s Ampharos is an electrifying presence, its beacon-like tail sending sharp arcs of lightning in its card art illustrated by Shiburingaru. Its Ability, Darkest Impulse, activates when your opponent plays a Pokémon from their hand to evolve one of their Pokémon—you get to put four damage counters on that Pokémon. While the effects of Darkest Impulse don’t stack, dealing with four damage counters on their Pokémon still presents a challenge for your opponents. This Light Pokémon may be a beacon that lights the way for Team Rocket’s victory.

So how are you feeling, Trainer (or should we say: Team Rocket Grunt)? Are you convinced that siding with Team Rocket is the way to go? Or perhaps you need a bit more time to decide? On May 30, 2025, you’ll have the chance to build your own destiny with the release of the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals expansion.