Pokémon fans, it’s time to embrace your villain era—because Team Rocket is officially back. The Pokémon Company just revealed the Glory of Team Rocket set, a brand-new expansion that’s about to shake up the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) in all the right ways. Whether you're a player, collector, or just here for the nostalgia, this set is a dark, dramatic return to one of the most iconic villain groups in the franchise.
Let’s break down what makes Glory of Team Rocket one of the most exciting TCG releases of 2025.
🗓️ Glory of Team Rocket Release Date
Mark your calendars—the Japanese release drops on April 18, 2025, and will feature a full lineup of Rocket-themed cards and exclusive merch. For international fans, the English version is expected to arrive as part of the Scarlet & Violet: Destined Rivals set on May 30, 2025 (source).
🧪 What’s Inside the Set?
🔥 The Cards
The main set includes 98 cards, but with secret rares expected, the total will likely reach 130+. Each Pokémon card is branded with the signature Team Rocket “R” symbol and paired with the likeness of various Rocket operatives—like Giovanni and Proton—for a nostalgic throwback that fans of the original sets will love.
Standout Pokémon:
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Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex
- 280 HP Psychic-type with the “Power Saver” ability, which locks its attack unless you have 4+ Team Rocket Pokémon in play.
- Its attack, Deletion Sphere, hits for 160+ damage and ramps up by discarding Energy from your benched Pokémon.
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Team Rocket’s Persian ex
- A Colorless-type powerhouse with a unique move: Haughty Orders. This lets you peek at the top 10 cards of your opponent’s deck and use an attack from one of those Pokémon. It’s sneaky, unpredictable, and so on-brand for Team Rocket.
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Team Rocket’s Porygon-Z
- Features a clever ability called Reconstitute, which trades 2 cards from your hand to draw one—great for thin-deck strategies.
- The Control R attack multiplies damage based on the number of Rocket Supporters in your discard pile.
🧠Trainer Cards, Energy & Strategy
The set includes several Team Rocket-exclusive Trainer cards that fuel synergy with Rocket-stamped Pokémon.
- Team Rocket's Receiver: Search your deck for any "Team Rocket" Supporter—consistency in one card.
- Team Rocket’s Ariana: Draw until you have 5 cards (or 8 if your board is all Rocket Pokémon).
- Team Rocket Energy: Provides 2 Energy (Psychic/Darkness) but only works on Rocket Pokémon—risky, but powerful.
These cards promote deck-building strategies that rely on keeping your entire board themed. It's all-in or nothing—exactly the kind of high-stakes gameplay that fits the Rocket aesthetic.
🧳 Collector’s Heaven: Attaché Case Set
For collectors, the Glory of Team Rocket Attaché Case Set is a sleek premium bundle. It includes:
- 30 booster packs
- Team Rocket-themed accessories
- A black-and-red hard case that screams “secret agent”
It’s the kind of high-end collector’s piece we haven’t seen in a while, designed for fans who want to flex their evil allegiance in style.
🧠Why This Set Matters (And Why You Should Care)
This isn’t just another expansion—it’s a love letter to classic Pokémon fans who grew up watching Team Rocket blast off every Saturday morning. With modern mechanics and throwback flavor, Glory of Team Rocket is perfectly positioned to capture the attention of both new players and long-time collectors.
It also introduces a new layer of deck-building that rewards thematic commitment and strategic energy use. If you've been craving a fresh way to play that isn’t just about brute strength or meta-chasing, this set might be your ticket back into the game.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a competitive player, a casual fan, or someone who just really loves Jesse, James, and Meowth, Glory of Team Rocket is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Pokémon TCG sets of 2025.
Expect a surge in pre-orders, limited merch drops, and some very aggressive Team Rocket cosplay at your local card shop.
So, are you ready to join the dark side?
Because Team Rocket’s motto in 2025 might just be: "To expand our collection to the stars above!"