The Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together expansion, set to launch on March 28, 2025, marks an exciting return to a beloved mechanic from 2004. Trainer's Pokémon are back, reminiscent of the classic sets like EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, and I'm thrilled to give you a sneak peek into this eagerly anticipated set.
### 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
This set spotlights four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each with their own Pokémon ex cards 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, this is your golden opportunity.
Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025
My Journey Together Product Openings
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
With over 180 cards to discover, there's no shortage of excitement. Journey Together includes more than 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 the ultimate thrill ride. With 36 packs, the anticipation builds with each pull. My highlights included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. These were exhilarating finds, but even without the big hits, I pulled plenty of solid ex cards that are now essential to my decks.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Despite my hopes, I didn't find Hop's Zacian ex or Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare. That's the nature of Booster Boxes—you have lots of chances, but no guarantees. Nonetheless, this was the best way to dive into the set. If you enjoy opening packs or want to boost your collection significantly, a Booster Box is a rewarding 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 premium experience 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 great for avid players, and with nine booster packs, there's still plenty of opportunity for great pulls.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
With only nine packs, I didn't expect any major hits, but I was pleasantly surprised with Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and Veluza ex. These fun cards made the opening worthwhile. While ETBs don't offer the sheer number of hits a Booster Box does, their structured, all-in-one nature is appealing. If you're after a mix of pack-opening fun and collectible extras, this is a fantastic way to experience Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview further down; we uncovered some real gems.
Journey Together Build & Battle Box
Build & Battle Boxes provide a unique experience compared to Booster Boxes or Elite Trainer Boxes, with their own brand of excitement. The main attraction is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to jump straight into a game without sorting through countless cards. I pulled Hop's Snorlax as my promo, which is a fantastic card. Its ability gives all of Hop's Pokémon a 30-damage boost, making it a crucial component for any deck featuring his lineup.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
The four packs didn't disappoint, yielding Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, which perfectly complemented my deck's theme. Though you won't get as many rare pulls as with a Booster Box, this is the best way to start playing with the new set quickly. With four different promo cards available, I'm already eager to get another box to see which one I'll get next. Check out my Journey Together preview pulls below to see some of the best cards from across all our openings.
Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls
I opened 49 booster packs across all our products and ended up with 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I hoped for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will be pulling many more rare cards than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here's what I pulled:
Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A bulky Basic Pokémon with 150 HP that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by an additional 30 damage. This card is ideal for any Trainer-themed deck. While Dynamic Press packs a punch, the 80 recoil damage is a significant drawback. However, its ability alone makes it a valuable addition to any Hop-based strategy.
N's Zorua (Promo 189)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A cute yet unremarkable card meant to evolve into something more formidable. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it won't turn heads on its own, but if Zoroark ex proves strong in this set, Zorua will have its moment.
Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
An instant staple in my decks, this card deals 20 damage every time the Pokémon it's attached to is hit, serving both offensive and defensive roles. It also provides Colorless Energy, making it an absolute win.
Iono's Bellibolt ex-Secret Rare (172/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse with Energy acceleration capabilities. Its Electric Streamer ability lets you attach unlimited Lightning Energy to Iono's Pokémon, making it an essential engine for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt delivers 230 damage, though it means skipping a turn. This card is sure to see competitive play.
Iris's Fighting Spirit Full Art (180/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A risk-reward draw Supporter that lets you discard one card and draw until you have six. This is an excellent way to refresh your hand, especially in decks that benefit from discarding Energy or Pokémon. Its full art status makes it even more appealing.
Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Lightning-type support Pokémon that refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, albeit at the cost of discarding a Lightning Energy. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, but this bird is all about gaining hand advantage, not brute force.
N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A 130 HP Dragon-type that grows more dangerous as it takes damage. Powerful Rage can stack up serious numbers, while Virtuous Flame's 170 damage is solid, though a bit Energy-intensive. If you enjoy high-risk, high-reward plays, this card is for you.
Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Water-type setup Pokémon that can accelerate two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering. This speeds up battle readiness, and Ice Blast's 110 damage is respectable. It's a great starting piece for any Water deck.
Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
This adorable card is invaluable early-game. Call for Family lets you search your deck for two Basic Pokémon, aiding setup significantly. Lunge Out's 10 damage is negligible, but Swinub's role isn't to attack.
Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
This 320 HP Dragon-type beast excels at spreading damage and delivering massive hits. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to every Benched Pokémon, while Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage, requiring you to discard two Energy. It's a true powerhouse.
Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Steel-type legendary with a brutal 240-damage attack. The downside? Brave Slash can't be used twice in a row, necessitating a switching strategy. Insta-Strike spreads minor damage, but Zacian is here to knock things out in one hit.
Alcremie ex (075/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
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 shines as a sustain option in control decks.
Mimikyu ex (069/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A tricky Pokémon that spreads damage. Mischievous Hands places three damage counters on two of your opponent's Pokémon, setting up for future knockouts. Ghostly Trip deals 120 damage and Confuses the Active Pokémon, disrupting their plays.
Veluza ex (043/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Water-type glass cannon capable of hitting for 240 damage, provided you discard your entire hand. Purging Strike is a high-risk, high-reward move, and Razor Fin's 30 damage is hardly noteworthy. This card is all-in or nothing.
Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
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 in the late game.
Volcanion ex (031/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
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 value.
Mamoswine ex (079/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
An absolute tank with 340 HP, capable of searching 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)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
My second pull of Salamence ex, 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. If you're into big, hard-hitting Pokémon, this is the one for you.
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 reintroduction of Trainer's Pokémon, a nostalgic feature absent for years, adds an exciting layer of personality to battles. Whether you're collecting cards for their stunning artwork, competitive value, 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
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 March 28 release date 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's a wealth of incredible pulls waiting to be discovered.
