The eagerly awaited Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together set is set to launch on March 28, 2025, bringing with it a thrilling revival of a beloved mechanic not seen since 2004. Fans of the classic sets like EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua will be thrilled to see the return of Trainer’s Pokémon, and I can hardly contain my excitement to share a preview of what this set has in store.
### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Sleeves
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### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Build and Battle Box
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### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Bundle
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### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Box 36 Count
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### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
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### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Three Booster Blister
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This set shines a spotlight on four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with their unique Pokémon ex, highlighting the deep connections 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
With over 180 cards, the set offers an exciting chase for collectors and players alike. It features over 40 Trainer’s Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, and three Hyper Rare gold cards. Additionally, Box Toppers are back, with Enhanced Booster Display Boxes boasting a stamped N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare.
Journey Together Standard Booster Box
Opening a Booster Box is an exhilarating experience, filled with anticipation and excitement. With 36 packs, the thrill of each pull is heightened. My standout cards included N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono’s Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. These were some of the most thrilling moments, but even beyond the big hits, I managed to pull numerous solid ex cards perfect for my decks.
Sadly, the card I desired the most, Hop’s Zacian ex, eluded me. Lillie’s Clefairy ex Special Art Rare was also missing from my haul, but that's the nature of Booster Boxes—plenty of chances but no guarantees. Nonetheless, opening a Booster Box remains the best way to dive deep into the set. If you enjoy the excitement of pack openings or want to expand your collection significantly, a Booster Box is definitely worth it. Check out the rare pulls further down to see why this box was a fantastic investment for me.
Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
Elite Trainer Boxes offer a more premium experience than loose packs. The N’s Zorua promo card immediately caught my eye, and the box's design is perfect for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are great for players, and with nine booster packs, there's still potential for some excellent pulls.
Despite having only nine packs, I was pleasantly surprised with pulls like Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and a Veluza ex. These cards made the opening experience rewarding. While an ETB won't offer the volume of hits a Booster Box does, the structured, all-in-one product adds a special touch. If you're looking for a blend of pack-opening fun and collectible extras, the Elite Trainer Box is an excellent choice to experience Journey Together. Check out the list of rare cards from our preview further down to see some of the gems we uncovered.
Journey Together Build & Battle Box
The Build & Battle Box provides a unique experience compared to other products. The main attraction is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to jump straight into a game without sorting through piles of cards. I pulled Hop’s Snorlax as my promo card, which is a fantastic addition. Its ability boosts all of Hop’s Pokémon by 30 damage, making it nearly indispensable in decks featuring his Pokémon.
The four packs included didn't disappoint; I pulled Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, both perfectly fitting my deck's theme. Although you won't get as many rare pulls as with a Booster Box, the Build & Battle Box is ideal for quickly starting to play with the new set. With four different promo cards available, I'm already tempted to grab another box to see what I'll 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
I opened 49 booster packs across various products and ended up with 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I hoped for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will find themselves pulling more rare cards than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here's a rundown of my pulls:
Hop’s Snorlax (Promo 184)
This bulky Basic Pokémon with 150 HP boosts all of Hop’s Pokémon attacks by an extra 30 damage. It's a must-have for any Trainer-themed deck, and 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 cute but unremarkable card, it exists mainly to evolve into something better. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it won't turn heads on its own, but if Zoroark ex is powerful in this set, Zorua will shine.
Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)
An essential card for my decks, it deals 20 damage whenever the Pokémon it's attached to is hit, serving both offensive and defensive purposes. Plus, it provides Colorless Energy, making it a versatile and powerful choice.
Iono’s Bellibolt ex-Secret Rare (172/159)
This 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse offers unmatched Energy acceleration. Its Electric Streamer ability lets you attach unlimited Lightning Energy to Iono’s Pokémon, making it a key engine for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage is impressive, even if it means skipping a turn. This card is sure to see competitive play.
Iris’s Fighting Spirit Full Art (180/159)
A strategic draw Supporter, it lets you discard one card and draw until you have six. It's perfect for refreshing your hand, especially in decks that benefit from discarding Energy or Pokémon. The full art design adds to its appeal.
Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)
A Lightning-type support Pokémon that refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, but requires discarding a Lightning Energy first. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, but this card is all about gaining hand advantage.
N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)
This 130 HP Dragon-type becomes more dangerous as it takes damage. Powerful Rage can stack up serious damage, while Virtuous Flame's 170 damage is potent but requires a lot of Energy. It's ideal for high-risk, high-reward strategies.
Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)
A Water-type setup Pokémon that can quickly get battle-ready with Frigid Fluttering, accelerating two Basic Water Energy onto itself. Ice Blast's 110 damage is solid, making it a great starting piece for Water decks.
Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)
This adorable little guy is a setup powerhouse early-game. Call for Family lets you search your deck for two Basic Pokémon, crucial for getting started. Lunge Out's 10 damage is minimal, but Swinub is all about setup, not attacking.
Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)
This 320 HP Dragon-type is a force to be reckoned with, capable of spreading damage and delivering massive hits. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to every Benched Pokémon, and Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage at the cost of discarding two Energy. It's a true beast.
Hop’s Zacian ex (111/159)
A Steel-type legendary with a formidable 240-damage attack. The catch? Brave Slash can’t be used consecutively, necessitating a switching strategy. Insta-Strike offers some spread damage, but Zacian is all about one-hit knockouts.
Alcremie ex (075/159)
A support-heavy Psychic Pokémon, it heals 30 damage every turn with its Confectionary Gift ability. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is good, but this card shines as a sustain option in control decks.
Mimikyu ex (069/159)
A tricky Pokémon that loves spreading damage, Mischievous Hands puts three damage counters on two of your opponent’s Pokémon, setting up future knockouts. Ghostly Trip deals 120 damage and Confuses the Active Pokémon, making it a great disruptor.
Veluza ex (043/159)
A Water-type glass cannon capable of hitting for 240 damage if you discard your entire hand with Purging Strike. It's a high-risk, high-reward card, with Razor Fin's 30 damage barely worth mentioning. 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, making it a potential late-game sweeper.
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 strong, and moving an Energy to a Benched Pokémon adds to its utility.
Mamoswine ex (079/159)
With 340 HP, this absolute tank 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 terrifying in evolution-heavy decks.
Salamence ex (114/159)
Pulling a second Salamence ex was no disappointment. It offers the same brutal power with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a massive 300 damage hit. If you enjoy big, hard-hitting Pokémon, this is the card for you.
Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?
Journey Together is poised to be one of the most thrilling Pokémon TCG expansions in years. The nostalgic return of Trainer’s Pokémon adds a personal touch to battles. Whether you're collecting for stunning artwork, competitive play, 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 its March 28 release date approaching, now is the perfect time to plan which cards to pursue. 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.
