The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) continues to captivate collectors and players alike with its latest expansion, Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together, which hit shelves on March 28, 2025. This set marks a nostalgic return to Trainer’s Pokémon, a mechanic first introduced in the early days of the TCG with sets like Gym Heroes. With over 180 cards, including more than 40 Trainer’s Pokémon and a host of stunning alternate art designs, Journey Together has quickly become a fan favorite. But for many, the real excitement lies in the chase cards—those rare, highly sought-after pulls that can make or break a booster box opening. Here’s a look at the biggest chase cards in this set and why their rarity makes them so coveted.
What Makes a Chase Card?
Before diving into the specifics, let’s define what makes a card a "chase" in the Pokémon TCG. Chase cards are typically the rarest pulls in a set, often featuring unique artwork, high playability, or strong ties to beloved characters or Pokémon. In Journey Together, the chase cards are dominated by Special Illustration Rares (SIRs), Illustration Rares (IRs), and Hyper Rare gold cards, which combine stunning visuals with extreme scarcity. The set’s focus on Trainer’s Pokémon—cards showcasing the bond between iconic trainers like N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop and their signature Pokémon—has also driven demand, making these cards particularly desirable due to their limited availability.
The Top Chase Cards in Journey Together
Based on early market trends, pre-release data, and fan sentiment, here are the biggest chase cards from Journey Together that collectors and players are scrambling to find, thanks to their rarity and appeal:
1. Lillie’s Clefairy ex Special Illustration Rare
No surprise here—Lillie’s Clefairy ex SIR is the most elusive card in the Journey Together set. Featuring breathtaking artwork by Susumu Maeya, this card depicts Lillie and her cheerful Clefairy surrounded by vibrant flowers. Its rarity as a Special Illustration Rare, combined with Lillie’s popularity as a character from Pokémon Sun and Moon, makes it a top target for collectors. The card’s scarcity is heightened by its status as one of the set’s most visually stunning pieces, making it a rare gem that few will ever pull from a booster pack.
2. N’s Zoroark ex Special Illustration Rare
Coming in a close second is N’s Zoroark ex SIR, another incredibly rare card that collectors dream of finding. Illustrated by long-time TCG artist Megumi Mizutani, this card captures the enigmatic N and his devious Zoroark in a full-art holofoil design. N, a fan-favorite character from Pokémon Black and White, brings a layer of nostalgia, and the card’s rarity as a Special Illustration Rare ensures it’s a holy grail for those who grew up with the Black and White era. Its scarcity makes it one of the toughest pulls in the set.
3. Iono’s Bellibolt ex Special Illustration Rare
Iono’s Bellibolt ex SIR is another rare heavyweight in the chase card lineup. Featuring Iono, the electric-type Gym Leader from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, paired with her signature Bellibolt, this Special Illustration Rare is notoriously hard to come by. Its dynamic full-art design and the character’s recent rise in popularity among fans make it a sought-after rarity. Early reports suggest that pulling this card is a rare feat, adding to its status as a top chase for collectors and players alike.
4. Hop’s Zacian ex Special Illustration Rare
Hop’s Zacian ex SIR is another scarce treasure, rounding out the top tier of Trainer’s Pokémon chase cards. Illustrated by DOM, this card depicts Hop and his legendary Zacian in a sunlit forest scene, showcasing their bond. As a Special Illustration Rare, it’s one of the rarer pulls in the set, though its scarcity might be slightly less extreme than other Trainer’s Pokémon ex cards due to Hop’s relatively lower profile compared to other trainers. Still, its rarity makes it a prized addition to any collection.
5. Salamence ex Special Illustration Rare
Stepping away from Trainer’s Pokémon, Salamence ex SIR is a rare contender that stands out for its scarcity. This card features a blazing Salamence with fire erupting from its mouth against a dramatic sunset sky, making it one of the set’s most visually striking pieces. As a Dragon-type Pokémon ex and a Special Illustration Rare, its rarity ensures it’s a chase card for both players and collectors, with pull rates that make it a rare find in booster packs.
Honorable Mentions: Illustration Rares and Hyper Rares
While the Special Illustration Rares steal the spotlight, other cards are also generating excitement due to their rarity. The Articuno Illustration Rare, with its gorgeous full-art depiction of the legendary bird in a snowstorm, is a rare pull that collectors covet for its artwork by Kuroimori. Similarly, Wailord Illustration Rare is another scarce find, prized for its massive 240 HP and unique Hydro Pump attack. On the Hyper Rare front, gold-etched cards like N’s Zoroark ex and Iono’s Bellibolt ex are incredibly rare, adding to their allure as some of the hardest cards to obtain in the set.
Why Are These Cards So Coveted?
Several factors contribute to the high rarity and chase status of these cards. First, the return of Trainer’s Pokémon taps into nostalgia, reminding veteran players of the early days of the TCG while appealing to new fans who adore characters like Lillie and Iono. Second, the artwork in Journey Together is top-notch, with artists delivering designs that are both emotionally resonant and visually spectacular, making each rare card a collector’s dream. Third, scarcity plays a huge role—Special Illustration Rares and Hyper Rares are notoriously difficult to pull, with some estimates suggesting you might need to open dozens of packs to have a chance at the rarest cards.
Finally, the current state of the Pokémon TCG market, marked by high demand and scalping issues, has made these rare cards even harder to find. Sets like Prismatic Evolutions faced similar challenges, and Journey Together is no exception, with products disappearing from shelves almost instantly. This scarcity only fuels the chase, as collectors and players alike compete to secure these elusive cards.
Challenges for Collectors
While the chase cards are undeniably exciting, their rarity comes with challenges. Pull rates for these rare cards are notoriously low, and many fans have expressed frustration over the set’s small size (190 cards) and the prevalence of duplicates in booster packs. Scalping remains a significant issue, with products vanishing from stores quickly and resellers snapping up the rarest cards. For casual players and collectors, finding these chase cards might mean turning to singles markets like TCGPlayer or eBay, where availability can still be limited by their rarity.
Final Thoughts
The Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together set is a collector’s paradise, and its chase cards are a big reason why. Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic charm of Trainer’s Pokémon, the stunning artwork, or the competitive potential of cards like N’s Zoroark ex and Iono’s Bellibolt ex, there’s something for everyone in this expansion. However, the extreme rarity and low pull rates mean that finding one of these top cards is a rare thrill—and for many, that’s part of the fun.
As the Pokémon TCG heads into the final stretch of the Scarlet & Violet era, Journey Together sets the stage for what’s to come, including the highly anticipated Destined Rivals set later in 2025. For now, keep your eyes peeled for Lillie’s Clefairy ex, N’s Zoroark ex, and the rest of the chase card lineup. Happy hunting, trainers—and may the odds be ever in your favor!
Note: Availability and pull rates are subject to change as the set continues to settle into the market. Check online platforms and local game stores for the latest updates.