TL;DR
- Journey Together launches March 28, 2025 with over 200 cards including 28+ special rarities
- Trainer Pokémon cards return featuring Hop, Iono, and N with unique artwork
- Lycanroc AR emerges as both collectible and competitive with new Spike Energy mechanic
- Scalping concerns and poor pull rates require strategic purchasing approach
- Japanese Battle Partners set previews cards ahead of January 2025 release
The Pokémon TCG’s Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together expansion introduces some of the most anticipated collector items in recent memory. As with every major set release, certain cards will emerge as premium chase targets that combine artistic appeal with competitive viability.
This expansion marks the triumphant return of Trainer’s Pokémon cards, previously known as Owner’s Pokémon. These distinctive cards showcase trainers integrated into the artwork through corner portraits or full-art presentations. The Pokémon Company began building excitement for these special editions during the August 2024 World Championships. Since Japanese sets traditionally debut before English versions, collectors have already glimpsed potential treasures by examining the Battle Partners Japanese release.
Battle Together reportedly contains at minimum 28 additional art rares, special art rares, and secret rare variants. Among the confirmed collection, several standout candidates demonstrate exceptional potential as top-tier chase cards.
Most likely chase cards in Journey Together
While predicting exact chase cards involves some uncertainty, analyzing Battle Partners provides reliable indicators of what collectors can anticipate from Journey Together.
Chase cards represent the most sought-after pulls in any Pokémon TCG expansion. These premium cards have gained prominence in recent years primarily through their stunning illustrated full-art designs rather than standard box art. They typically feature exceptional rarity combined with unique visual properties that make them outstanding collector’s pieces. Competitive players also target these cards for their battle effectiveness. Recent examples include the Pikachu ex special art rare from Surging Sparks and the terastallized Umbreon ex special art rare from Prismatic Evolutions.
Unsurprisingly, the full-art trainer cards generate significant excitement among Journey Together enthusiasts. Confirmed trainers receiving special treatment include Hop, Iono, and N, each featuring both Trainer Pokémon variants and art rare or special art rare editions.
- Hop’s Wooloo AR
- Hop’s Zacian ex SAR
- Iono’s Bellibolt ex SAR
- N’s Reshiram AR
- Lycanroc AR
Lycanroc distinguishes itself by serving dual purposes as both a collectible art rare and a potentially dominant competitive card. It utilizes a novel energy type called Spike Energy that automatically places damage counters on opposing Pokémon. The Grabbing Fangs attack then inflicts substantially increased damage after Spike Energy attachment, creating powerful combination opportunities.
Despite being a prominently featured trainer, Lillie’s art rare card remains undisclosed. Industry experts anticipate her card will showcase her signature Pokémon Clefairy. Battle Partners releases in Japan on January 25, 2025, giving global collectors comprehensive visibility into all art rare options before determining the set’s ultimate chase cards.
When does Journey Together launch in the United States?
The Pokémon Company officially launches the Journey Together expansion in the United States on March 28, 2025.
The Journey Together Elite Trainer Box includes 11 booster packs, two distinct full-art N’s Zorua cards, and additional collector items. Alternative product configurations offer smaller sets featuring different highlighted cards. Collectors should anticipate over 200 potential card acquisitions compared to Battle Partner’s limited 128-card collection. While all Japanese cards transition to the English edition, remaining cards originate from ex Starter Deck Generations.
Prospective purchasers should prepare for challenging acquisition conditions. The previous set, Prismatic Evolutions, gained notoriety for extensive scalper activity depleting inventory. These products frequently sell at substantial premiums above standard pricing due to intense demand. Simultaneously, early pack openings indicate exceptionally low pull rates for premium cards.
Collectors hope Journey Together’s eventual release enables enthusiasts to secure at least one of their preferred chase cards. Success will require both strategic planning and favorable fortune.
Action Checklist
- Research Japanese Battle Partners set releases starting January 25, 2025 for preview insights
- Monitor official Pokémon TCG channels for Lillie’s unrevealed art rare card
- Identify preferred chase cards from confirmed list including Trainer Pokémon variants
- Establish relationships with reputable retailers before March 28, 2025 release
- Develop budget strategy accounting for potential scalper premiums and poor pull rates
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