Best Journey Together Pokémon Cards for Standalone Purchase

After the success of Surging Sparks and Prismatic Evolutions, we had high hopes for Journey Together. We anticipated a seamless continuation of our winning streak, but instead, the set stumbled right out of the gate. The initial pricing was inflated, and now, with the market having had time to adjust, we're seeing a significant 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 the pricing issues, Journey Together remains a strong set with fantastic artwork, exciting pulls, and a touch of nostalgia. However, many of the single card prices were driven by initial hype that couldn't be sustained. Collectors were banking on another surge in value, but that didn't materialize. If you're buying now, you're getting cards on a downward trajectory, not an upward one. Approach with caution, knowing which cards are worth investing in and which are still riding on the fumes of their launch-day excitement.

Illustration Rares

Articuno had a promising start with prices reaching $55 in late March, which seemed justified given its popularity and stunning artwork. However, it has since dropped by 36% to around $35. This price still feels a bit high, with near-mint listings at $18.69, which is more in line with its current value. If you're looking for a beautiful Articuno card without the early adopter premium, now might be the time to buy.

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 Illustration Rare, saw its value pumped quickly due to its unique appeal and the affection fans have for oversized water types. It peaked at $60 by the end of March but has since plummeted by 63.66% to a market value of $22.49, with listings as low as $14.55. I believe Wailord might see a slight recovery to around $30 once the initial panic subsides and fans come back to it.

My top pick among Illustration Rares is N's Reshiram. Its artwork is exceptional, and the character pairing adds significant value. It debuted at $39.43, which was reasonable given the launch demand. Now, it's hovering around $17.44, and the Journey Together stamped variant is even lower at about $14. This represents a 79.51% drop, making it an excellent opportunity to grab a coveted card at a bargain.

Special Illustration Rare And Hyper Rares

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Illustration Rare (SIR) was initially seen as the set's highlight, with prices hitting $400. However, it's now at around $180, which still feels a bit high. I predict it will settle at about $150, aligning more closely with what collectors are willing to pay for it. It's a beautiful card, but the market is correcting itself.

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

Iono's Bellibolt ex SIR had the potential to be the set's star, with its rarity, character, and chaotic design. However, it's currently around $80, which is a reasonable price and likely to remain stable. It's a good buy if you appreciate the card, but don't expect it to double in value.

Salamence ex SIR is a prime example of the set's early pricing issues. It was initially sold for up to $250, but now it's at about $106, likely to settle near $100. Despite the high cost, its strong art and Salamence's enduring popularity suggest it will maintain its value better than most.

Full Arts

Iono's Bellibolt ex is my favorite Full Art, partly because I pulled it and thought I'd struck gold. It started at around $80 but has since settled into the $7–$8 range. If you paid over $15, you might have overpaid. Still, it's a great-looking card and likely to stay at this price point. Don't expect it to reach Supporter-tier Iono levels—it's a Bellibolt, after all.

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 a peculiar start, with prices soaring past $110 before the set's release. It's now at a more reasonable $17–$19, which is where it should have been initially. At this price, it's a solid purchase if you're a fan of Lillie or Clefairy.

N's Zoroark ex began at around $30 but has since dropped to $12. This feels like a fair price, given its appealing design and collector interest due to N.

When I mention that Journey Together prices are crashing, this is what I'm referring to. The "can't-miss deals" I shared at launch weren't because the cards were undervalued—it's because they were about to plummet.