The excitement is building for the upcoming Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together set, set to launch on March 28, 2025. This expansion brings back a beloved mechanic from 2004 with the return of Trainer’s Pokémon, reminiscent of the classics from EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua. As a fan, I'm thrilled to dive into this set and share a sneak peek with you.
### 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 GameStop
Journey Together highlights four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with special Pokémon ex that highlight their unique bonds 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, this set is your golden opportunity.
Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025
My Journey Together Product Openings
With over 180 cards to explore, there's no shortage of excitement. The set includes over 40 Trainer’s Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, and three Hyper Rare gold cards. Box Toppers are also back, with Enhanced Booster Display Boxes featuring a stunning N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare.
Journey Together Standard Booster Box
Opening a Booster Box is an exhilarating experience. With 36 packs, the thrill of every pull is amplified. My standout moments included N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono’s Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. Even beyond the big hits, I pulled numerous solid ex cards that I'm eager to integrate into my decks.
Unfortunately, the one card I was chasing, Hop’s Zacian ex, eluded me. Lillie’s Clefairy ex Special Art Rare was also absent, but that's the nature of Booster Boxes—you get many chances, but nothing is guaranteed. Nevertheless, this was the best way to experience the set. If you enjoy opening packs or want to boost your collection significantly, a Booster Box is a fantastic 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 feel compared to loose packs. The N’s Zorua promo immediately caught my attention, and the box itself is perfect for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are essential for players, and with nine booster packs, there's ample opportunity for exciting pulls.
With only nine packs, I didn't expect anything too extraordinary, but 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 don't offer the same number of hits as a Booster Box, the structured, all-in-one product is appealing. If you're looking for a mix of pack-opening fun 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 uncovered some serious gems.
Journey Together Build & Battle Box
Build & Battle Boxes provide a unique experience compared to Booster and Elite Trainer Boxes, but they're exciting in their own right. The main attraction is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to jump straight into gameplay. 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 complementing my deck's theme. Although you won't get as many rare pulls as with a Booster Box, Build & Battle Boxes are the best way to start playing with the new set quickly. With four different promo cards available, I'm already planning to pick up another box to see what I get next. Check out my Journey Together preview pulls below to see some of the best cards we got from all our openings.
Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls
After opening 49 booster packs across all our products, I ended up with 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I hoped for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will definitely be pulling more rare cards than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here’s a look at my pulls:
Hop’s Snorlax (Promo 184)
A sturdy Basic Pokémon with 150 HP that enhances all of Hop’s Pokémon attacks by an extra 30 damage. This card is a must-have for any Trainer-themed deck. While Dynamic Press packs a punch, the 80 recoil damage is a drawback. Nevertheless, the ability alone makes it a valuable addition to any Hop-based strategy.
N’s Zorua (Promo 189)
This cute card may seem unremarkable at first with 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, but it's a stepping stone to the more powerful Zoroark ex. If Zoroark ex proves strong in this set, Zorua will have its moment to shine.
Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)
An instant staple for my decks, Spiky Energy deals 20 damage every time the Pokémon it’s attached to is hit, providing both offensive and defensive benefits. Plus, it offers Colorless Energy, making it a versatile and powerful addition.
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 deals 230 damage, though it requires skipping a turn. This card will be a game-changer in Lightning decks.
Iris’s Fighting Spirit Full Art (180/159)
A risk-reward 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. The full art design adds an extra layer of appeal.
Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)
A Lightning-type support Pokémon that refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, albeit requiring the discard of a Lightning Energy. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, but this bird is all about hand advantage.
N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)
A 130 HP Dragon-type that becomes more potent as it takes damage. 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, 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 card is a game-changer early on, allowing you to search your deck for two Basic Pokémon with Call for Family. While Lunge Out's 10 damage is minimal, Swinub is all about setting up your strategy.
Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)
This 320 HP Dragon-type beast excels at spreading damage with Wide Blast and delivering a devastating 300 damage with Dragon Impact, albeit requiring the discard of two Energy. A formidable addition to any deck.
Hop’s Zacian ex (111/159)
A Steel-type legendary with a powerful 240-damage attack, Brave Slash. The catch? It can't be used consecutively, requiring a switching strategy. Insta-Strike spreads minimal damage, but Zacian is designed for knockout blows.
Alcremie ex (075/159)
A Psychic-type focused on support, healing 30 damage each turn with Confectionary Gift. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is solid, but Alcremie shines as a sustain option in control decks.
Mimikyu ex (069/159)
A tricky Pokémon that spreads damage with Mischievous Hands, placing three damage counters on two of your opponent’s Pokémon. Ghostly Trip deals 120 damage and Confuses the Active Pokémon, disrupting your opponent's strategy.
Veluza ex (043/159)
A Water-type glass cannon that can hit for 240 damage with Purging Strike, but at the cost of discarding your entire hand. Razor Fin's 30 damage is negligible, making this card a high-risk, high-reward choice.
Lillie’s Clefairy ex (056/159)
A Psychic-type that punishes Dragon decks with Fairy Zone, making all Dragon Pokémon weak to Psychic. Full Moon Rondo scales damage based on both players’ Bench size, making it a potential late-game sweeper.
Volcanion ex (031/159)
A Fire-type bruiser that burns the opponent’s Active Pokémon with Scalding Steam. Scorching Cyclone deals 160 damage and can move Energy to a Benched Pokémon, enhancing its utility.
Mamoswine ex (079/159)
A 340 HP tank that can search your deck for any Pokémon with Mammoth Hauler. Rumbling March starts at 180 damage and scales with more Stage 2 Pokémon on your Bench, making it a powerhouse in evolution-heavy decks.
Salamence ex (114/159)
Another pull of this formidable 320 HP Dragon-type, with the same devastating capabilities. Wide Blast spreads damage, while Dragon Impact delivers a massive 300 damage hit, perfect for players who love 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 years. The revival of Trainer’s Pokémon, a nostalgic feature absent for some time, adds depth and personality to battles. Whether you're collecting for stunning artwork, competitive advantage, or pure nostalgia, this set has 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 GameStop
With the release date of March 28, 2025, approaching, now is the perfect time to plan which cards you're eager to chase. Whether it's N’s Reshiram, Iono’s Bellibolt ex, or the elusive Hyper Rare Spiky Energy, there are countless incredible pulls waiting to be discovered.
