Glory of Team Rocket (sv10): Dark Strategies & Pure Nostalgia
The new Japanese Pokémon expansion set The Glory of Team Rocket (Japanese; ロケット団の栄光 Glory of the Rocket Gang) will be released on April 18, 2025 – bringing one of the most legendary organizations in the Pokémon universe back into the spotlight: Team Rocket!
With a strong dose of nostalgia and new game mechanics, this set promises a tribute to bygone eras, combined with modern elements for players and collectors alike.
A First Look at Team Rocket's Pokémon
Team Rocket is a notorious criminal organization in the Pokémon universe. Their goal: to control and misuse all Pokémon in the world for their own nefarious purposes – whether through theft, manipulation, or brute force. With their iconic red "R" on their chests, Giovanni and his henchmen represent everything that goes against the spirit of true Pokémon trainers.
The set centers on the new "Team Rocket Pokémon," a modern reinterpretation of the classic Rocket's Pokémon, last seen in the EX Team Rocket Returns set from 2004.
These Pokémon bear the "Team Rocket's" label in their name, making them an important part of special strategies – especially the new Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex card. It doesn't matter which trainer is depicted on the card – whether Giovanni, Archer, Ariana, or another Rocket grunt: they all belong to a common archetype. This allows for the targeted construction of a deck full of dark power, insidious strategies, and nasty combos!
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The artwork of the booster packs features a powerful and dynamic motif with Team Rocket's iconic red "R" at the center. Giovanni, as the organization's leader, stands resolutely in the foreground. Behind him and his henchmen, Team Rocket's Mewtwo looms, playing a central role with glowing eyes and a raised fist. The design immediately evokes memories of the classic Team Rocket set from 2000 – combined with a modern touch that appeals to fans from then and now alike.
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| 2025: Glory of Team Rocket (ロケット団の栄光) | 2004: Rocket Gang Strikes Back (ロケット団の逆襲 ) |
1997: Rocket Gang (ロケット団 ) |
This set also features beautiful artworks that continue the unique style of the Scarlet & Violet series. The first Secret Rare cards have been revealed:
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Team Rocket's Meowth (#109/098) eng: Team Rocket's Meowth A very special Art Rare card of Team Rocket's Meowth awaits us in this set! The scene shows Meowth relaxing by Giovanni's side, while the latter seems lost in thought with a serious expression. An atmospheric card that captures the special relationship between Giovanni and his loyal companion – almost like a quiet moment amidst the chaos of Team Rocket. |
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Team Rocket's Wobbuffet (#103/098) eng: Team Rocket's Wobbuffet Wobbuffet also appears as an Art Rare card – with plenty of charm and a wink! The illustration shows Wobbuffet in good spirits and right in the middle of things: enjoying a lively evening with several Team Rocket grunts. Between snacks, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere, the scene almost looks like a secret after-work party for the villains. A lovingly staged card that presents Wobbuffet as a cheerful companion and simultaneously offers a rare glimpse into Team Rocket's relaxed life. |
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Clamperl (#102/098) eng: Clamperl Another Art Rare card in this set shows the Water-type Pokémon Clamperl in a breathtaking underwater world – lovingly and richly detailed by Mori Yu. Clamperl rests peacefully in its shell, surrounded by corals, sea anemones, and the warm glow of sunlight filtering through the water. The scene almost resembles a fairy-tale retreat from a distant deep-sea world. |
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Zamazenta (#107/098) eng: Zamazenta This Art Rare card shows Zamazenta in a heroic pose on a rock – proud, majestic, and ready for battle. The dramatically glowing evening sun bathes the scene in fiery light, enhancing the epic impression. The wind makes Zamazenta's mane and cape flutter, as if it were a statue of a legendary moment.
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Team Rocket as Trainer Cards
Giovanni and the other members of Team Rocket each appear as Trainer cards:
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Team Rocket's Giovanni (#093/098) eng: Team Rocket's Giovanni Giovanni as a Supporter card with a tactically nasty effect: After that, you force your opponent to send one of their Benched Pokémon into the Active Spot – ideal for targeting a weaker Pokémon or disrupting a strategy. |
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Team Rocket's Archer (#092/098) eng: Team Rocket's Archer Archer, a high-ranking member of Team Rocket, also joins this set as a Supporter card. His ability is particularly clever: Ideal for securing fresh options for yourself while disrupting your opponent's game plan. |
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Team Rocket's Ariana (#091/098) eng: Team Rocket's Ariana Ariana, one of the high-ranking Rocket commanders, is also included in the set as a Supporter card – and she brings reliable draw power: Normally, you can draw cards with her until you have 5 in your hand. But if all Pokémon on your field are "Team Rocket's Pokémon," you get a whopping 8 cards instead! |
Conclusion: A Set Full of Nostalgia and Strategy
Whether you're an old fan of Team Rocket or simply looking for a strong, unique archetype to play – The Glory of Team Rocket delivers on both fronts. Between powerful Pokémon, iconic design, and new game mechanics, this set is definitely a highlight of the Pokémon year 2025.
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