Best Journey Together Pokémon Cards for Standalone Purchase

After the success of *Surging Sparks* and *Prismatic Evolutions*, *Journey Together* was poised to be another blockbuster in the Pokémon TCG lineup. However, instead of continuing the momentum, this set stumbled right out of the gate. Initial prices were inflated due to hype, but as the market has settled, we're seeing a sharp correction across the board.

### 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 price drop, Journey Together remains a compelling set with its stunning art, enjoyable pulls, and nostalgic elements. However, the initial pricing was heavily influenced by hype that couldn't be sustained. Collectors had anticipated a rapid increase in value similar to previous sets, but that didn't materialize. If you're entering the market now, you're buying into a downward trend rather than a rising one. Approach your purchases with a clear understanding of which cards still hold value and which are lingering on launch-day enthusiasm.

Illustration Rares

Articuno, a fan-favorite Legendary with captivating artwork, initially soared to a price of $55 in late March. It has since experienced a 36% decline, settling around $35, which is still somewhat high. I've seen near-mint listings at $18.69, which seems more appropriate for this card. Articuno is a solid addition for collectors seeking a beautiful card without the premium of early adoption.

### 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, quickly gained attention due to its charm as an oversized water type. It peaked at $60 at the end of March but has since fallen by 63.66%, with a current market value around $22.49. I've spotted listings as low as $14.55. I believe Wailord may see a modest recovery to around $30 once the initial panic selling subsides and dedicated fans return.

N's Reshiram is my top pick among Illustration Rares due to its exceptional artwork and meaningful character pairing. It debuted at $39.43, which seemed reasonable given the launch demand. Now, it's available for about $17.44, and even the Journey Together stamped version is slightly cheaper at $14. This represents a 79.51% drop, making it a fantastic deal for collectors seeking a chase card at a reduced price.

Special Illustration Rare and Hyper Rares

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Lillie’s Clefairy ex SIR was initially seen as the set's flagship card, reaching a peak of $400. However, its current value is around $180, which I still consider high. The card is undoubtedly beautiful, but I anticipate it will soon stabilize at around $150—a more reasonable 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 had high hopes for Iono’s Bellibolt ex SIR as the set's standout card, but it's currently hovering around $80. This price seems stable, and while it's not going to plummet, it's unlikely to surge in value either. If you're a fan, it's a good time to buy, but don't expect significant appreciation.

Salamence ex SIR exemplifies the pricing issues with *Journey Together*. At launch, it reached $250, but now it's available for about $106, likely to settle near $100. Despite the high cost, its strong art and the enduring popularity of Salamence make it a more resilient investment compared to others.

Full Arts

Iono’s Bellibolt ex is my favorite full art, though its value has dropped significantly from $80 at launch to the $7–$8 range. If you paid more than $15, you might feel the sting, but it's a great card to own at its current price. Just don't expect it to reach the heights of top-tier Supporter cards.

### 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 price trajectory, initially climbing past $110 before settling at $17–$19. This is a reasonable price for those interested in Lillie or Clefairy, offering good value without the risk of a sharp decline.

N’s Zoroark ex started at $30 and has since dropped to around $12. This is a fair price for a card with appealing artwork and collector appeal due to its association with N.

When I mention that Journey Together prices are crashing, this is precisely what I'm referring to. The so-called "can't-miss deals" I highlighted at launch were not because the cards were undervalued but because they were poised for a significant drop.

For more insights on finding Pokémon cards, check out my comprehensive guide. Stay updated with the latest market trends in this week's *Crashers and Climbers* article. And don't miss out on the full release schedule for this year's Pokémon TCG sets. Remember, buying singles is currently the most cost-effective way to collect, but there's no need to "Catch 'Em All!"