Pokémon TCG Journey Together: A Nostalgic Return for Trainer's Pokémon Fans

The Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together set is set to launch on March 28, 2025, and it's bringing back a fan-favorite mechanic not seen since 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. This nostalgic feature, reminiscent of the classics from EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, is poised to add a new layer of strategy and excitement to your battles. I'm thrilled to dive into what this set has in store for us.

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Journey Together spotlights four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with their unique Pokémon ex, highlighting the deep bonds they share with their teams. Whether you're eager to build a deck around N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, this set offers plenty of opportunities to showcase your favorite Trainer's prowess.

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

This expansive set 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. Additionally, the set reintroduces Box Toppers 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, each pull is filled with anticipation. My highlights included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. These were thrilling finds, but even beyond the big hits, I pulled numerous solid ex cards perfect for my decks.

Despite my hopes, I didn't pull Hop's Zacian ex or Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare. That's the nature of Booster Boxes—plenty of chances, but no guarantees. Nevertheless, it's the best way to immerse yourself in the set. If you enjoy the thrill of opening packs and want to bolster your collection significantly, a Booster Box is a fantastic choice. Check out all the rare pulls further down. For me, it was definitely worth the investment.

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 ideal for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are perfect for players, and with nine booster packs, there's still potential for great pulls.

With only nine packs, I didn't expect anything extraordinary, but I was pleasantly surprised with Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and a Veluza ex. These exciting cards made the opening rewarding. While Elite Trainer Boxes don't offer as many hits as a Booster Box, their structured, all-in-one design is appealing. If you're looking for a blend of pack-opening fun and collectible extras, this is an excellent way to experience Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview further down. We discovered some real treasures.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

Build & Battle Boxes provide a unique experience compared to Booster Boxes or Elite Trainer Boxes, offering a different kind of excitement. The main attraction is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to jump straight into gameplay without sorting through numerous cards. I pulled 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 deck featuring his lineup.

The four packs I received didn't disappoint, yielding Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, which perfectly complemented my deck's theme. While the limited packs mean fewer rare pulls compared to 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 eager 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 obtained across all our openings.

Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls

After opening 49 booster packs across all products, I ended up with 18 rare cards. Some met my expectations, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will find themselves pulling more rare cards than with 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 an additional 30 damage. This card is a must-have for any Trainer-themed deck. While Dynamic Press packs a punch, the 80 recoil damage is significant. Nonetheless, the ability alone makes it a valuable addition to any Hop-based strategy.

N’s Zorua (Promo 189)

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

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

An instant staple for my decks, dealing 20 damage whenever the Pokémon it's attached to is hit, making it both offensive and defensive. It also provides Colorless Energy, making it an absolute win.

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

A 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse with unmatched Energy acceleration. Its Electric Streamer ability allows attaching unlimited Lightning Energy to Iono's Pokémon, making it a key engine for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage is impressive, despite requiring a turn skip. This card is sure to 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. Ideal for decks that benefit from discarding Energy or Pokémon, and even sweeter as a full art.

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 focuses more on hand advantage than brute force.

N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

A 130 HP Dragon-type that becomes increasingly dangerous as it takes damage. Powerful Rage can stack up significant damage, while Virtuous Flame's 170 damage is solid but Energy-intensive. Perfect for high-risk, high-reward strategies.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

A Water-type setup Pokémon that can accelerate two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering, making it battle-ready quickly. Ice Blast's 110 damage is respectable, making it a great starting piece for any Water deck.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

This adorable card is incredibly useful early-game, allowing you to search your deck for two Basic Pokémon with Call for Family. Lunge Out's 10 damage may be laughable, but Swinub's purpose is setup, not attack.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

A 320 HP Dragon-type monster that excels at spreading damage and delivering powerful hits. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to every Benched Pokémon, while Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage, requiring the discard of two Energy. A true beast.

Hop’s Zacian ex (111/159)

A Steel-type legendary with a devastating 240-damage attack. The downside? Brave Slash can't be used consecutively, necessitating a switching strategy. Insta-Strike offers some spread damage, but Zacian is designed to knock out opponents in one hit.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

A Psychic-type focused on support, healing 30 damage each turn with its Confectionary Gift ability. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is solid, but this card shines as a sustain option in control decks.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

A tricky Pokémon that loves spreading damage. Mischievous Hands places 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 capable of hitting for 240 damage, but only 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 about going all-in.

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 just by being in play, thanks to its Scalding Steam ability. Scorching Cyclone's 160 damage is great, and moving an Energy to a Benched Pokémon enhances its utility.

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

A 340 HP tank 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 a terror in evolution-heavy decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

The second Salamence ex I pulled, and I'm not complaining. It boasts the same brutal power with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a massive 300 damage hit. Ideal for those who love big, hard-hitting Pokémon.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Journey Together is shaping up 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 a personal touch to battles. Whether you're collecting for stunning artwork, competitive value, or pure 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

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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.