The Journey Together set has become a collector's dream since its release, delivering some of the most stunning special illustration rares and competitive playable cards we've seen in recent years. Whether you're a competitive player hunting meta staples or a collector chasing those breathtaking alt-art cards, this set has something that'll make your heart skip a beat. Let's dive into the cards that are commanding serious TCG market prices right now.

What Makes Journey Together Special?

Journey Together struck gold by combining fan-favorite Trainer characters with iconic Pokémon, all wrapped in gorgeous special illustration rares that rival some of the best artwork in the entire hobby. The set features characters like Lillie, N, Hop, and Iono—names that hit hard for longtime Pokémon fans. Combined with competitive playability and a relatively limited pull rate for chase cards, you've got the perfect recipe for skyrocketing values. If you're serious about tracking your collection and monitoring how these prices shift, check out the full set on TCGFomo.

The Top 3: Where the Real Value Sits

#1: Lillie's Clefairy ex #184 — $128.00

This card is the crown jewel of Journey Together, and honestly, it's easy to see why. At $128, Lillie's Clefairy ex commands premium pricing that reflects both its scarcity and aesthetic appeal. The special illustration rare version features Lillie with her beloved Clefairy in a moment that feels genuinely nostalgic for anyone who's followed the Pokémon games and anime.

Beyond the art, this card's 190 HP and status as an ex Pokémon make it relevant in certain deck archetypes, though most collectors are willing to pay this premium purely for the special illustration rare treatment. The combination of character nostalgia and technical rarity makes this the ultimate chase card from the set. If you're building a high-end collection, landing a near-mint copy of this card is a legitimate centerpiece.

#2: Salamence ex #187 — $74.99

Don't sleep on Salamence ex. At nearly $75, this special illustration rare is no joke, and it's actually seeing some competitive play, which adds another layer of demand beyond pure collecting. With a hefty 320 HP, Salamence ex can actually do work in deck lists, making it attractive to both players and investors.

The artwork on this card is exceptional—it captures Salamence mid-flight with incredible detail and vibrant colors that really pop when you have it in hand. The combination of competitive viability and collectibility keeps demand high for this one. If you're looking at your collection value, don't underestimate how much this card contributes to your overall portfolio.

#3: N's Zoroark ex #185 — $49.00

N's Zoroark ex rounds out the top 3 at a still-impressive $49. This is another special illustration rare that's catching attention from both the competitive and collecting communities. The character art featuring N with Zoroark delivers that emotional resonance that Pokémon fans crave, and the card's 280 HP makes it a legitimate threat on the battlefield.

What's interesting about Zoroark ex is that it sits in that sweet spot where demand is driven by gameplay potential and artistic appeal. You're not just buying this card to look at—you might actually sleeve it up and use it. That dual demand keeps the TCG market price elevated and stable for this particular card.

Cards #4-10: Still Worth Your Attention

The remaining cards on the list don't drop off in quality, just in price:

• Iono's Bellibolt ex #183 ($39.99) — Special illustration rare with 280 HP
• Hop's Zacian ex #186 ($33.31) — Special illustration rare, 230 HP
• Articuno #161 ($22.00) — Illustration rare, 110 HP
• N's Reshiram #167 ($19.99) — Illustration rare, 130 HP
• Wailord #162 ($19.00) — Illustration rare, 240 HP
• Volcanion ex #182 ($18.00) — Special illustration rare, 220 HP
• Iono's Bellibolt ex #188 ($17.00) — Hyper rare, 280 HP

Each of these cards offers solid value, whether you're collecting for the art, the gameplay, or both. The illustration rares might hit your wallet a bit lighter than the special illustration rares, but they're still gorgeous and hold their value well.

How to Build Your Journey Together Collection

The key to smart collecting is understanding why cards hold their value. In this set, special illustration rares with strong character connections and competitive relevance dominate the top spots. When you're considering which cards to chase, think about: Is this card playable? Do I love the art? Will this hold value long-term?

As your collection grows, keeping track of card values and market movements becomes essential. That's where a proper collection tracker comes in handy—you can monitor how your