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

The excitement is palpable as the Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together set is set to launch on March 28, 2025. This expansion brings back the beloved Trainer's Pokémon mechanic, unseen since 2004, reminiscent of the classic EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua set. I'm thrilled to dive into this set and share my insights with you.

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3$14.99 save 5%$14.24 at GameStopJourney Together focuses on four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with their signature Pokémon ex, highlighting the deep connections they share with their teams. This set offers a unique opportunity to build decks centered around N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, among others.

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

This expansive 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. Enhanced Booster Display Boxes make a return, featuring a stamped N's Reshiram Illustration Rare as a Box Topper.

Journey Together Standard Booster Box

Opening a Booster Box is an exhilarating experience. With 36 packs, the sheer volume ensures plenty of excitement. My highlights included pulling N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and the Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. Even beyond these standout cards, I secured numerous solid ex cards for my decks.

While I didn't pull the coveted 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, this was the best way to fully experience the set. If you enjoy opening packs or need a substantial addition to your collection, a Booster Box is a fantastic choice. Check out my rare pulls further down to see if it's worth it for you.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

Elite Trainer Boxes offer a premium experience. The N's Zorua promo immediately caught my attention, and the box is perfect for storing cards. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are invaluable for players, and with nine booster packs, there's still potential for great pulls.

Though I didn't expect much from just nine packs, I was pleasantly surprised with Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and Veluza ex. These exciting cards made the opening worthwhile. While ETBs might not yield as many hits as a Booster Box, they offer a structured, all-in-one experience. If you're looking for a blend of pack-opening fun and collectible extras, this is a great way to explore Journey Together. Check out the full list of our rare pulls below to see the gems we uncovered.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

Build & Battle Boxes provide a unique experience, distinct from Booster Boxes and 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 powerful card that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon by 30 damage.

The four packs provided some excellent cards, including Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly matching my deck's theme. Although the limited packs mean fewer rare pulls, this is the best way to start playing with the new set quickly. With four different promo cards available, I'm already eager to pick up another box to see what I get next. Check out my preview pulls below to see some of the best cards from our openings.

Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls

After opening 49 booster packs across various products, I pulled 18 rare cards, some expected and others pleasantly surprising. Here's a detailed look at what I pulled:

Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)

This bulky Basic Pokémon with 150 HP enhances all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 extra damage. Its Dynamic Press hits hard, despite the 80 recoil damage, making it a valuable asset for any Hop-themed deck.

N's Zorua (Promo 189)

This card is a stepping stone to its evolution, Zoroark ex. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it's unremarkable on its own but essential for evolving into a stronger form.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

This card is a game-changer, dealing 20 damage whenever the attached Pokémon is hit, while also providing Colorless Energy. It's an instant staple in my decks.

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

This Lightning-type powerhouse with 280 HP and Energy acceleration through Electric Streamer is a must-have for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage, despite skipping a turn, makes it a formidable card.

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

This Supporter card allows you to discard one card and draw until you have six, offering a great way to refresh your hand, especially in decks that benefit from discarding.

Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

This Lightning-type support Pokémon refills your hand through Flashing Draw, albeit at the cost of discarding a Lightning Energy. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, but the card's real value lies in hand advantage.

N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

This Dragon-type with 130 HP becomes more potent as it takes damage. Powerful Rage and Virtuous Flame's 170 damage make it ideal for high-risk, high-reward strategies.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

This Water-type accelerates two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering, making it an excellent starter for any Water deck. Ice Blast's 110 damage is a solid addition.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

This cute Pokémon helps with early-game setup by allowing you to search for two Basic Pokémon with Call for Family. Lunge Out's 10 damage is minimal, but Swinub's true utility lies in its setup capabilities.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

This 320 HP Dragon-type excels at spreading damage with Wide Blast and dealing massive 300 damage hits with Dragon Impact, making it a formidable force in any deck.

Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)

This Steel-type legendary hits hard with Brave Slash's 240 damage, though it can't be used consecutively. Insta-Strike spreads damage, but Zacian is primarily a knockout machine.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

This Psychic-type supports with Confectionary Gift, healing 30 damage each turn. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is decent, but Alcremie shines in control decks as a sustain option.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

This tricky Pokémon spreads damage with Mischievous Hands and disrupts with Ghostly Trip, dealing 120 damage and causing Confusion, setting up future knockouts.

Veluza ex (043/159)

This Water-type glass cannon can hit for 240 damage with Purging Strike, though it requires discarding your entire hand. It's a high-risk, high-reward card perfect for all-in strategies.

Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)

This Psychic-type punishes Dragon decks with Fairy Zone, making them weak to Psychic. Full Moon Rondo scales its damage based on Bench size, making it a potential late-game sweeper.

Volcanion ex (031/159)

This Fire-type burns the opponent's Active Pokémon with Scalding Steam and hits hard with Scorching Cyclone's 160 damage, while moving Energy to a Benched Pokémon.

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

This 340 HP tank searches for any Pokémon with Mammoth Hauler and hits hard with Rumbling March, scaling damage with Stage 2 Pokémon on the Bench.

Salamence ex (114/159)

This second Salamence ex is a welcome addition, offering the same brutal power with Wide Blast and Dragon Impact's massive 300 damage hit.

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 revival of Trainer's Pokémon adds a nostalgic touch and enhances the strategic depth of battles. Whether you're drawn to the stunning artwork, competitive potential, or the nostalgia of Trainer's Pokémon, this set has something for everyone.

With its release just around the corner on March 28, 2025, it's time to start planning which cards you'll chase. From N's Reshiram to Iono's Bellibolt ex and the elusive Hyper Rare Spiky Energy, there are countless exciting pulls waiting to be discovered.