Preview: Pokémon TCG Journey Together - A Return to Form for Fans of Trainer's Pokémon

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together is set to launch on March 28, 2025, and it's bringing back a beloved mechanic from 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. This exciting return, reminiscent of the classics from EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, has me eagerly anticipating the release of this set.

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This set focuses on four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with Pokémon ex that highlight the deep bonds they share with their teams. If you've ever dreamed of building a deck around N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, now is your chance.

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

Journey Together boasts over 180 cards, including more than 40 Trainer's Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, and three Hyper Rare gold cards. Box Toppers are also making a comeback, featuring an Enhanced Booster Display Box with a stamped N's Reshiram Illustration Rare.

Journey Together Standard Booster Box

Opening a Booster Box is an exhilarating experience. With 36 packs, the excitement builds with each pull. My highlights included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and the Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. These were thrilling finds, but even beyond the big hits, I pulled numerous solid ex cards that will enhance my decks.

Unfortunately, I didn't pull Hop's Zacian ex or Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, which are highly sought after. That's the nature of Booster Boxes—you get many chances, but nothing is guaranteed. However, this was still the best way to explore the set. If you enjoy opening packs and want to add a substantial number of cards to your collection, a Booster Box is an excellent choice. Check out all the rare pulls further down; this box was definitely worth it for me.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

Elite Trainer Boxes offer a more premium experience than loose packs. The N's Zorua promo card immediately caught my eye, and the box itself is perfect for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are great for players, and with nine booster packs, there's still potential for some exciting pulls.

I didn't expect anything too extraordinary with only nine packs, but I still managed to pull Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and Veluza ex. These fun cards made the opening worthwhile. While Elite Trainer Boxes don't offer as many hits as Booster Boxes, the structured, all-in-one product is a great way to experience Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview further down; we ended up with some gems.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

Build & Battle Boxes provide a unique experience compared to Booster or Elite Trainer Boxes. The main attraction is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to start playing immediately. I pulled Hop's Snorlax as my promo, a fantastic card that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon by 30 damage, making it essential for any deck featuring his lineup.

The four packs delivered Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly fitting my deck's theme. While the limited packs mean fewer rare pulls than a Booster Box, this is the best option for quickly starting to play with the new set. With four different promo cards available, I'm tempted to buy another box to see what I get next. Check out my Journey Together preview pulls below to see some of the best cards from all our openings.

Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls

I opened 49 booster packs across all products and pulled 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I hoped for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will definitely pull more rare cards than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here's what I pulled:

Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)

A robust Basic Pokémon with 150 HP that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 extra damage. This card is ideal for any Trainer-themed deck, and while Dynamic Press hits hard, the 80 recoil damage is a notable drawback. Nonetheless, its ability alone makes it a valuable addition to any Hop-based strategy.

N's Zorua (Promo 189)

A charming but unremarkable card designed to evolve into something more powerful. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it won't stand out on its own, but if Zoroark ex proves strong in this set, Zorua will have its moment.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

An essential card for my decks, it deals 20 damage every time the attached Pokémon is hit, serving both offensive and defensive roles while providing Colorless Energy. A must-have.

Iono's Bellibolt ex-Secret Rare (172/159)

A 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse with Energy acceleration capabilities. Its Electric Streamer ability allows attaching unlimited Lightning Energy to Iono's Pokémon, making it an engine for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage is impressive, though it requires skipping a turn. This card will see competitive play.

Iris's Fighting Spirit Full Art (180/159)

A risk-reward Supporter that lets you discard one card and draw until you have six. This is excellent for refreshing your hand, especially in decks that benefit from discarding Energy or Pokémon. The full art design adds to its allure.

Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

A Lightning-type support Pokémon that refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, though you must discard a Lightning Energy first. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, but this card is more about hand advantage than brute force.

N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

A 130 HP Dragon-type that becomes more dangerous with damage taken. Powerful Rage can accumulate significant damage, while Virtuous Flame's 170 damage is solid but Energy-intensive. Ideal for high-risk, high-reward strategies.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

A Water-type setup Pokémon that accelerates two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering. This is useful for quick battle readiness, and Ice Blast's 110 damage is respectable. A great starting piece for any Water deck.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

This adorable card is highly useful early-game. Call for Family lets you search your deck for two Basic Pokémon, aiding setup. Lunge Out's 10 damage is minimal, but Swinub's role is in setup, not attacking.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

A 320 HP Dragon-type monster adept at spreading and dealing massive damage. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to every Benched Pokémon, and Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage, requiring two discarded Energy. A formidable card.

Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)

A Steel-type legendary with a 240-damage attack. The downside is that Brave Slash can't be used consecutively, necessitating a switching strategy. Insta-Strike offers minor spread damage, but Zacian is designed for one-hit knockouts.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

A support-heavy Psychic Pokémon that heals 30 damage every turn with its Confectionary Gift ability. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is solid, but this card excels as a sustain option in control decks.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

A tricky Pokémon that loves spreading damage. Mischievous Hands puts three damage counters on two of your opponent's Pokémon, setting up future knockouts. Ghostly Trip deals 120 damage and Confuses the Active Pokémon, disrupting their strategy.

Veluza ex (043/159)

A Water-type glass cannon that can hit for 240 damage if you discard your entire hand. Purging Strike is high-risk, high-reward, while Razor Fin's 30 damage is negligible. This card is all-or-nothing.

Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)

A Psychic-type that punishes Dragon decks with its Fairy Zone ability, making all Dragon Pokémon weak to Psychic. Full Moon Rondo scales its damage based on both players' Bench size, potentially sweeping late-game.

Volcanion ex (031/159)

A Fire-type bruiser that burns the opponent's Active Pokémon with its Scalding Steam ability. Scorching Cyclone's 160 damage is great, and moving an Energy to a Benched Pokémon enhances its value.

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

An absolute tank at 340 HP that can search your deck for any Pokémon once per turn with Mammoth Hauler. Rumbling March starts at 180 damage but scales up with more Stage 2 Pokémon on your Bench, making it terrifying in evolution-heavy decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

This is the second Salamence ex I pulled, and I'm thrilled. It shares the same brutal power as the other with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a massive 300 damage hit. Perfect for fans of big, hard-hitting Pokémon.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Journey Together is set to be one of the most thrilling Pokémon TCG expansions in recent years. The nostalgic return of Trainer's Pokémon adds a personal touch to battles. Whether you're collecting for stunning artwork, competitive play, or sheer nostalgia, this set offers something for everyone.

### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Sleeves

9$4.99 save 5%$4.74 at GameStop$4.49 at Best Buy### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Build and Battle Box

8$21.99 save 5%$20.89 at GameStop### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Bundle

7$29.99 save 5%$28.49 at GameStop### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Box 36 Count

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With its release date of March 28, 2025, just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan which cards you want to chase. Whether it's N's Reshiram, Iono's Bellibolt ex, or the elusive Hyper Rare Spiky Energy, there's no shortage of incredible pulls waiting to be discovered.