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 set evokes memories of the classic EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua expansion, and I'm thrilled to give you a sneak peek at what's in store.

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3$14.99 save 5%$14.24 at GameStopJourney Together highlights four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with Pokémon ex that reflect their strong bonds with their teams. Whether you're eager to build a deck featuring N’s Zoroark ex, Lillie’s Clefairy ex, or Iono’s Bellibolt ex, this set offers plenty of opportunities to do so.

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

The set boasts over 180 cards, including over 40 Trainer's Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, and three Hyper Rare gold cards. The return of Box Toppers adds an extra thrill, with Enhanced Booster Display Boxes featuring 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 of each pull is amplified. My highlights included N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono’s Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. Even beyond the big hits, I found numerous solid ex cards perfect for my decks.

I was on the hunt for Hop’s Zacian ex and Lillie’s Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, but they eluded me. That's the nature of Booster Boxes—you get plenty of chances, but nothing is guaranteed. Nevertheless, this was the best way to dive into the set. If you love opening packs or want to significantly boost your collection, a Booster Box is a fantastic choice. Check out my rare pulls further down; this box was definitely worth it.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

Elite Trainer Boxes offer a premium feel compared to loose packs. The N’s Zorua promo immediately caught my eye, and the box itself is ideal for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are great for players, and the nine booster packs still offer a chance at good pulls.

With only nine packs, I didn't expect anything too extraordinary, yet I was pleasantly surprised with Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and a Veluza ex. These fun cards made the opening worthwhile. While Elite Trainer Boxes might not yield as many hits as a Booster Box, they provide a structured, all-in-one experience. If you're after both the fun of opening packs and collectible extras, this is a great way to experience Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview further down; we found some real gems.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

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

The four packs I opened didn't disappoint, yielding Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly fitting my deck's theme. While you won't get as many rare pulls as with a Booster Box, Build & Battle Boxes are ideal for quickly getting into the game with the new set. With four different promo cards available, I'm already tempted to grab another box. Check out my Journey Together preview pulls below to see some of the best cards we got across all our openings.

Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls

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

Hop’s Snorlax (Promo 184)

This bulky Basic Pokémon with 150 HP boosts all of Hop’s Pokémon attacks by an additional 30 damage. A must-have for any Trainer-themed deck, its Dynamic Press hits hard, though the 80 recoil damage is a drawback. The ability alone makes it a valuable addition to any Hop-based strategy.

N’s Zorua (Promo 189)

A charming but unremarkable card that evolves into something more powerful. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it's not a standout, but if Zoroark ex is strong in this set, Zorua will shine.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

An instant staple in my decks, dealing 20 damage every time the Pokémon it's attached to is hit. It also provides Colorless Energy, making it a versatile and powerful card.

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

This 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse accelerates Energy with its Electric Streamer ability, allowing unlimited Lightning Energy attachments to Iono’s Pokémon. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage is impressive, though it skips a turn. A must-have for Lightning decks.

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

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

Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

This Lightning-type support Pokémon refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, albeit after discarding a Lightning Energy. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, but it's all about hand advantage.

N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

A 130 HP Dragon-type that grows more dangerous with each hit it takes. Powerful Rage can deal 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)

This Water-type setup Pokémon accelerates two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering, getting it battle-ready quickly. Ice Blast's 110 damage is respectable, making it a great starting piece for Water decks.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

This adorable Pokémon is useful early-game, allowing you to search your deck for two Basic Pokémon with Call for Family. Lunge Out's 10 damage is negligible, but Swinub is all about setup.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

This 320 HP Dragon-type is a powerhouse, spreading damage with Wide Blast and hitting hard with Dragon Impact for 300 damage, albeit at the cost of discarding two Energy. A formidable card for any deck.

Hop’s Zacian ex (111/159)

This Steel-type legendary deals a brutal 240 damage with Brave Slash, though it can't be used consecutively, requiring a switching strategy. Insta-Strike spreads damage, but Zacian is all about one-hit knockouts.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

This Psychic-type support Pokémon heals 30 damage every turn with Confectionary Gift. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is solid, but it's best used for sustaining in control decks.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

A tricky Pokémon that spreads damage with Mischievous Hands, setting up knockouts. Ghostly Trip deals 120 damage and Confuses the Active Pokémon, disrupting your opponent's plays.

Veluza ex (043/159)

This Water-type glass cannon hits for 240 damage with Purging Strike, requiring you to discard your entire hand. Razor Fin's 30 damage is minimal, making this card all about high-risk, high-reward plays.

Lillie’s Clefairy ex (056/159)

This Psychic-type punishes Dragon decks with Fairy Zone, 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 Scalding Steam. Scorching Cyclone's 160 damage is great, and moving an Energy to a Benched Pokémon enhances its utility.

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

This 340 HP tank searches your deck for any Pokémon with Mammoth Hauler. Rumbling March starts at 180 damage, scaling up with more Stage 2 Pokémon on your Bench, making it a terror in evolution-heavy decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

The second Salamence ex I pulled, this card retains its brutal power with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a massive 300 damage hit. Ideal for players who enjoy big, hard-hitting Pokémon.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Journey Together is poised to be one of the most thrilling Pokémon TCG expansions in recent years. The return of Trainer's Pokémon, a nostalgic feature absent for years, adds depth and personality to battles. Whether you're collecting for stunning artwork, competitive play, or 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

8$160.99 at Best BuySee it at GameStop### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

9See it at GameStop### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Three Booster Blister

3$14.99 save 5%$14.24 at GameStopWith its release date of March 28, 2025, just around the corner, now's the 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 a wealth of incredible pulls waiting to be discovered.