Best Journey Together Pokémon Cards to Buy Standalone: Top Picks

Journey Together aimed to be a significant hit following the success of Surging Sparks and Prismatic Evolutions. However, despite our high expectations, the set stumbled right out of the gate. Initial prices were inflated, and as the market adjusted, we're now witnessing 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 PlayerDespite the rocky start, Journey Together remains a solid set with great art, enjoyable pulls, and some nostalgic hits. However, many of the single card prices were driven by initial hype that couldn't be sustained.

Collectors anticipated another surge in value, but that didn't materialize. If you're buying now, you're getting cards on their downward trajectory rather than at the peak of their value. It's important to know which cards are worth investing in and which are still riding on the coattails of launch-day excitement.

Illustration Rares

Articuno started strong, reaching $55 in late March, which was reasonable given its status as a fan-favorite Legendary with appealing artwork. However, it has since declined by 36% to around $35, which might still be a bit high. I've seen near-mint listings at $18.69, which seems more appropriate. It's a good pick if you're after a visually stunning card without paying 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 PlayerWailord, another hyped Illustration Rare, quickly escalated in price due to its popularity among fans of large water types, reaching $60 by the end of March. It has since dropped by 63.66% to around $22.49, with some listings as low as $14.55. I believe it might rebound to $30 once the initial panic listings clear out and Wailord enthusiasts return.

My top pick for Illustration Rares is N's Reshiram. The artwork is exceptional, and the character pairing adds significant value to the card. It debuted at $39.43, which seemed justified by the launch demand. Currently, it's at about $17.44, while the Journey Together stamped variant is slightly cheaper at $14. This represents a 79.51% drop, making it a fantastic deal for anyone seeking a chase card at a reduced price.

Special Illustration Rare And Hyper Rares

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon CompanyLillie’s Clefairy ex Special Illustration Rare (SIR) was initially seen as the set's highlight, with prices soaring to $400. Now, it's hovering around $180, which I still consider overpriced. It's a beautiful card, but I anticipate a further drop to $150, aligning more closely with market expectations.

### 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 PlayerI had high hopes for Iono’s Bellibolt ex SIR, expecting it to be the set's top card due to its rarity, character appeal, and unique design. However, it's now around $80, which is acceptable but not spectacular. The price seems stable, so if you like it, it's a good time to buy. Don't expect it to double in value, though.

Salamence ex SIR exemplifies the pricing issues with Journey Together. At launch, it sold for up to $250, but it's now around $106. I believe it will settle at $100, which is still pricey but more reasonable for a high-tier chase card. The art is compelling, and Salamence's enduring popularity should help maintain its value.

Full Arts

Iono’s Bellibolt ex full art is my personal favorite, not just because I pulled it but because I initially thought it was a goldmine. It started at $80 but has since settled at $7–$8. If you paid over $15, it was a misjudgment, but it's a great card at its current price. It's unlikely to see significant price increases, but it's a solid addition to any collection.

### 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 PlayerLillie’s Clefairy ex full art had an unusual start, with prices reaching over $110 before launch. It's now at $17–$19, which is more appropriate. At this price, it's a great buy for fans of Lillie or Clefairy, or for those looking for a card that won't lose value quickly.

N’s Zoroark ex began at around $30 but has since fallen to $12, which feels fair. The card retains its visual appeal and collector interest, particularly due to the N connection.

When I mention that Journey Together prices are crashing, this is exactly what I'm referring to. Those "can't-miss deals" at launch? They weren't underpriced; 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 in my weekly crashers and climbers article. Also, don't miss the full Pokémon TCG 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!"