Best Journey Together Pokémon Cards to Buy: Standalone Guide

I had high hopes for *Journey Together* to make a significant impact. Following the success of *Surging Sparks* and *Prismatic Evolutions*, it seemed like we were on a winning streak. However, instead of a seamless three-hit combo, this set stumbled right from the start. Initial prices were inflated, and now, after the market has had a chance to stabilize, we're seeing a sharp correction.

### N's Reshiram - 167/159 (Journey Together Stamped)

2$25.66 save 48%$13.40 at TCG Player### Lillie's Clefairy ex 184/159

4$212.68 save 20%$169.94 at TCG Player### Salamence ex 187/159

2$141.13 save 23%$108.99 at TCG Player### N's Zoroark ex 185/159

6$111.62 save 30%$77.99 at TCG Player### Articuno - 161/159

0$41.34 save 38%$25.62 at TCG Player### Wailord 162/159

2$37.35 save 34%$24.80 at TCG Player### N's Reshiram 167/159

1$27.85 save 55%$12.50 at TCG Player### Iono's Bellibolt ex 172/159

1$8.94 save 56%$3.90 at TCG Player### Lillie's Clefairy ex 173/159

0$27.12 save 63%$10.00 at TCG Player### N's Zoroark ex 175/159

6$17.27 save 58%$7.19 at TCG Player### Hop's Zacian ex 176/159

2$11.32 save 45%$6.25 at TCG Player### Volcanion ex 182/159

2$43.11 save 7%$40.00 at TCG Player### Iono's Bellibolt ex 183/159

3$101.91 save 34%$66.93 at TCG Player### Hop's Zacian ex 186/159

3$98.50 save 40%$58.61 at TCG Player

Despite these setbacks, Journey Together remains a solid set. It boasts great art, fun pulls, and some nostalgic hits. However, many of the single card prices were built on hype that couldn't be sustained.

Collectors anticipated another round of rapid value increases, but that didn't materialize. If you're looking to buy now, you're picking up cards on their way down rather than riding them up. Just be aware of which cards are worth grabbing and which are still riding on the fumes of their launch-day hype.

Illustration Rares

Articuno started strong with prices reaching $55 in late March, which was understandable given its status as a fan-favorite Legendary with stunning artwork. However, it has since fallen by 36% to around $35. Personally, I think this is still a bit high; I've seen near-mint listings at $18.69, which seems more appropriate. If you're after a beautiful bird card without the early adopter tax, Articuno is a solid choice.

### Maractus - 160/159

1$3.98 save 12%$3.52 at TCG Player### Articuno - 161/159

0$41.34 save 38%$25.62 at TCG Player### Wailord 162/159

2$37.35 save 34%$24.80 at TCG Player### Iono's Kilowattrel 163/159

1$11.18 save 47%$5.90 at TCG Player### Lillie's Ribombee 164/159

3$10.20 save 22%$8.00 at TCG Player### Swinub 165/159

3$15.06 save 77%$3.50 at TCG Player### Lycanroc 166/159

2$6.99 save 46%$3.79 at TCG Player### N's Reshiram 167/159

1$27.85 save 55%$12.50 at TCG Player### N's Reshiram - 167/159 (Journey Together Stamped)

2$25.66 save 48%$13.40 at TCG Player### Furret 168/159

4$33.00 save 73%$8.79 at TCG Player### Noibat 169/159

2$20.00 save 75%$5.10 at TCG Player### Hop's Wooloo 170/159

5$19.99 save 77%$4.54 at TCG Player

Wailord, another early hype Illustration Rare, surged quickly due to its appeal as a comically large water type. It reached $60 at the end of March but has since dropped by 63.66% to a market value of about $22.49, with listings as low as $14.55. I believe it might rebound to around $30 once the market stabilizes and Wailord enthusiasts return.

My top pick among Illustration Rares is N's Reshiram. Its artwork is exceptional, and the character pairing adds significant value. It started at $39.43, which was reasonable given the initial demand. It's now at $17.44, while the Journey Together stamped variant is even lower at $14—a 79.51% drop. This makes it an incredible deal for those seeking a chase card at a bargain price.

Special Illustration Rare And Hyper Rares

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Lillie’s Clefairy ex Special Illustration Rare (SIR) was marketed as the set's flagship card, and it briefly seemed poised to maintain that status. Prices soared to $400, which was surprising. Now, it's around $180, which I still think is too high. I expect it to settle at around $150, a more realistic price point for most collectors.

### Volcanion ex 182/159

2$43.11 save 7%$40.00 at TCG Player### Iono's Bellibolt ex 183/159

3$101.91 save 34%$66.93 at TCG Player### Lillie's Clefairy ex 184/159

4$212.68 save 20%$169.94 at TCG Player### N's Zoroark ex 185/159

6$111.62 save 30%$77.99 at TCG Player### Hop's Zacian ex 186/159

3$98.50 save 40%$58.61 at TCG Player### Salamence ex 187/159

2$141.13 save 23%$108.99 at TCG Player### Iono's Bellibolt ex 188/159

0$30.99 save 19%$24.99 at TCG Player### N's Zoroark ex 189/159

1$44.93 save 26%$33.47 at TCG Player### Spiky Energy 190/159

1$9.54 save 13%$8.32 at TCG Player

I thought Iono’s Bellibolt ex SIR would be the standout card of the set. It has the rarity, the character, and the chaotic appeal to become a fan favorite. However, it's now hovering around $80, which is acceptable but not exceptional. The price seems stable, so if you like it, it's a safe purchase, though it's unlikely to double in value anytime soon.

Salamence ex SIR exemplifies the pricing missteps of *Journey Together*. At launch, it fetched up to $250, but it's now at about $106. I anticipate it settling around $100. It's still pricey but more in line with a high-tier chase card. The artwork is strong, and Salamence has enduring appeal, so it should hold its value better than others.

Full Arts

Iono’s Bellibolt ex is my favorite full art card, partly because I pulled one and thought I'd struck gold. It was going for around $80 at launch but has since settled at $7–$8. If you paid more than $15, you might feel the sting. It's a great-looking card, but it's unlikely to see a significant price increase. It's a Bellibolt, after all—let's keep our expectations in check.

### Volcanion ex 171/159

0$2.49 save 44%$1.40 at TCG Player### Iono's Bellibolt ex 172/159

1$8.94 save 56%$3.90 at TCG Player### Lillie's Clefairy ex 173/159

0$27.12 save 63%$10.00 at TCG Player### Mamoswine ex 174/159

1$3.70 save 45%$2.05 at TCG Player### N's Zoroark ex 175/159

6$17.27 save 58%$7.19 at TCG Player### Hop's Zacian ex 176/159

2$11.32 save 45%$6.25 at TCG Player### Salamence ex 177/159

1$12.93 save 71%$3.75 at TCG Player### Dudunsparce ex 178/159

1$5.67 save 13%$4.95 at TCG Player### Brock's Scouting 179/159

1$8.61 save 48%$4.50 at TCG Player### Iris's Fighting Spirit 180/159

2$5.75 save 62%$2.17 at TCG Player### Ruffian 181/159

0$1.87 save 47%$1.00 at TCG Player

Lillie’s Clefairy ex had an unusual start, with prices climbing past $110 before launch, possibly due to confusion with the Special Illustration Rare. It's now around $17–$19, which is where it should have been initially. It's a great buy at this price if you're a fan of Lillie, Clefairy, or just want a card that holds its value.

N’s Zoroark ex began at a more reasonable $30 but has since dropped to $12. This feels like a fair price for a card with excellent artwork and collector appeal thanks to N.

When I say Journey Together prices are crashing, this is exactly what I mean. Those "can't-miss deals" I posted at launch weren't because the cards were underpriced—it's because they were about to plummet.

For more insights on finding Pokémon cards, check out my comprehensive guide, and stay updated with this week's latest market trends in the crashers and climbers article. Don't miss out on the Pokémon TCG full Release Schedule for this year. Buying singles is currently the most cost-effective way to collect, but remember, you don't have to "Catch 'Em All!"