The Special Illustration Rare Lillie’s Clefairy ex from the Journey Together expansion, released March 28, 2025, in the Scarlet & Violet series, is a card worth talking about. Numbered 184/159, it’s caught the eye of Pokémon TCG players and collectors alike. It’s not flashy for the sake of flash—it’s got a quiet charm and some solid gameplay chops that make it stand out. Let’s take a closer look.
The artwork, by Susumu Maeya, is a highlight. It shows Lillie holding her Clefairy, both of them framed in soft, pastel colors. The background feels calm, almost serene, with a hint of a twilight sky. Clefairy’s big eyes and Lillie’s gentle expression give it a warm, personal touch. Compared to the Regular and Full Art versions by 5ban Graphics, this Special Illustration Rare leans harder into the emotional side of their bond. It’s the kind of card you’d linger on while flipping through a binder.
On the gameplay front, Lillie’s Clefairy ex is a Psychic-type Basic Pokémon ex with 190 HP. Its Fairy Zone Ability shifts the battlefield by making all your opponent’s Dragon-types weak to Psychic, doubling the damage they take. That’s a nice twist against decks heavy on Dragons like Salamence ex. Its attack, Full Moon Rondo, deals 20 damage base, plus 20 more for each Benched Pokémon—yours and your opponent’s.
With full Benches, that’s up to 220 damage for two Energy, which is solid. Pair it with Lillie’s Ribombee to fill those Benches, and it gets even better. If it goes down, your opponent takes two Prize cards, but a Lillie’s Pearl Tool cuts that to one, softening the blow.
The card ties into Lillie’s story from Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, where Clefairy was a key part of her journey. Journey Together is all about that Trainer-Pokémon connection, and this card captures it well. The Fairy Zone Ability doesn’t directly reference Pokémon Masters EX, but it echoes the teamwork theme Lillie and Clefairy bring to the table. In the TCG, they’re a duo that can shake things up.
For collectors, this is a prize. Special Illustration Rares are always sought after, and this one’s no exception—prices are climbing, likely hitting $300 or more already. It’s not just the rarity, though; the art and the character appeal make it special.
Players like it for its strategic options, especially in Psychic or Fairy-focused decks, while others just enjoy having it in their collection. It’s versatile—whether you’re battling, trading, or showing it off, it fits the bill.
Lillie’s Clefairy ex isn’t here to scream for attention. It’s a card that quietly does its job, blending a pretty illustration with mechanics that reward smart play. If you’re into Journey Together, this one’s worth a spot in your deck or display. It’s a little piece of Lillie’s story, brought to life on the table