Best Journey Together Pokémon Cards for Standalone Purchase

We had high hopes for *Journey Together* to be a major hit. Following the success of *Surging Sparks* and *Prismatic Evolutions*, it seemed like we were on an unstoppable streak. However, instead of completing a seamless three-hit combo, *Journey Together* stumbled right from the start. The initial prices were inflated, and now, with the market having had time to adjust, the correction has been sharp.

### 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 rocky start, Journey Together remains a solid set. It boasts stunning artwork, exciting pulls, and nostalgic hits. However, many of the single card prices were driven by initial hype that couldn't sustain itself. Collectors anticipated another surge in value, but that didn't materialize. If you're buying now, you're catching cards on their way down rather than riding a wave up. Approach with caution and know which cards are worth grabbing and which are still riding on launch-day excitement.

Illustration Rares

Articuno kicked off strong with prices reaching $55 in late March, which was justified given its status as a fan-favorite Legendary with captivating artwork. Since then, it has experienced a 36% dip, now hovering around $35. This price still seems a bit high; I've spotted near-mint listings at $18.69, which aligns more closely with its true value. It's a solid pick if you're after a beautifully designed bird without the early adopter premium.

### 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, soared to $60 by the end of March, largely due to its appeal as a comically large water type. Its value has since plummeted by 63.66% to around $22.49, with listings as low as $14.55. I believe it might rebound to $30 once the initial panic subsides and Wailord enthusiasts return to the market.

My top pick among the Illustration Rares is N's Reshiram. Its artwork is exceptional, and the character synergy adds significant value. It debuted at $39.43, which seemed reasonable given the launch demand. It's now at $17.44, with the Journey Together stamped variant even lower at $14, representing a 79.51% drop. At this price, it's an incredible deal for a chase card.

Special Illustration Rare And Hyper Rares

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Lillie's Clefairy ex SIR was marketed as the set's flagship, and briefly, it lived up to that billing with prices reaching $400. Currently, it's around $180, which I still consider overpriced. It's a stunning card, but I predict it will soon settle at around $150, aligning more with its perceived value.

### 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 anticipated Iono's Bellibolt ex SIR to be the set's standout card due to its rarity, character appeal, and unique design. It's currently hovering around $80, which is a decent but not spectacular price. It seems stable, so if you like it, it's worth picking up. However, don't expect it to skyrocket in value.

Salamence ex SIR exemplifies the pricing missteps of *Journey Together*. Initially, it fetched up to $250, but now it's at about $106. I believe it will stabilize around $100, which is still pricey but more reasonable for a top-tier chase card. Its strong artwork and the enduring popularity of Salamence suggest it will hold its value well.

Full Arts

Iono's Bellibolt ex is my favorite full art, partly because I pulled it and hoped it would be a treasure. At launch, it was around $80, but it's now settled at $7–$8. If you paid more than $15, you might feel a bit disappointed. Nonetheless, it's a visually appealing card and should remain at this price point as the market stabilizes. Just don't expect it to become the next high-value Supporter card.

### 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 exceeding $110 before the set even launched. It has since settled at $17–$19, which is a more fitting value. It's a great buy at this price if you're a fan of Lillie or Clefairy, or if you're looking for a card that won't depreciate rapidly.

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

When I mention that Journey Together prices are crashing, this is the reality. The "can't-miss deals" I highlighted at launch were not because the cards were undervalued — it's because they were on the brink of a significant drop.

For more insights on where to find Pokémon cards, check out my comprehensive guide. Stay updated with the latest market trends by reading this week's article on crashers and climbers. Also, don't miss the full Pokémon TCG release schedule for the year. Buying singles remains the most cost-effective way to collect, but remember, you don't need to "Catch 'Em All!"