Hops zacian ex – Journey Together (#186)
Price Overview & Key Facts
Hops zacian ex (#186) is a Special Illustration Rare card from Scarlet & Violet - Journey Together released in 2025. It showcases artwork by DOM and the Insta-Strike attack (30 damage), This attack also does 30 damage to 1 of your opponent's Benched Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.). TCGplayer market price sits around $39.82, Cardmarket average sale is €46.74, Floor listings start near €32.00.
- TCGplayer market price: $39.82
- Cardmarket trend price: €45.02
- Recent low listing: €32.00
Card Details
- Set
- Journey Together
- Card Number
- 186
- Rarity
- ✨ Special Illustration Rare
- Illustrator
- 🎨 DOM
- HP
- 230
- Type
- ⚙️ Metal
- Regulation Mark
- Regulation I ✓ Legal in Standard
- Weaknesses
- Fire ×2
- Resistances
- Grass -30
- Retreat Cost
- 2 (Colorless, Colorless)
Attacks & Strategy
-
Insta-Strike
[Colorless]
— 30
This attack also does 30 damage to 1 of your opponent's Benched Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.) -
Brave Slash
[Metal, Metal, Metal, Colorless]
— 240
During your next turn, this Pokémon can't use Brave Slash.
💡 Excellent damage-to-energy ratio (60.0 per energy).
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Hops zacian ex from Journey Together (Special Illustration Rare) represents a solid addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 2025, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator DOM.
Market Trends: Current market conditions show moderate interest in this card.
Investment Considerations: As a modern release, this card offers accessible entry points for new collectors while maintaining good liquidity.
⚔️ Competitive Play & Tournament Viability
This Hops zacian ex 186 is legal for tournament play in Standard, Expanded, Unlimited formats. The card bears Regulation Mark I, indicating its current competitive viability.
Key Attack: Hops zacian ex's Insta-Strike deals 30 damage for Colorless energy. Special effect: This attack also does 30 damage to 1 of your opponent's Benched Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness and R...
Stats Overview: 230 HP • Metal Type • Weak to Fire ×2 • Resistant to Grass -30
Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.
� Compare Hops zacian ex Cards
Looking for other Hops zacian ex cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
| Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journey Together #186 ← Current | 230 | 2 attacks | Special Illustration Rare | $39.82 |
�📦 Journey Together Set Context
This Hops zacian ex is part of the Journey Together expansion , released as part of the Scarlet & Violet series in 2025. As a Special Illustration Rare card, it represents one of the premium pulls from this set.
Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by DOM, whose distinctive illustration style has made their cards highly collectible. Explore more cards illustrated by this artist to discover similar art styles and collecting themes.
💎 Professional Grading Guide
Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Hops zacian ex card. Here's what you need to know:
Industry standard • Value multiplier: 3-6x
Best for: High-value cards, modern sets
Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 3-5x
Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering
Fast turnaround • Value multiplier: 2-4x
Best for: Budget-friendly option, bulk
💡 Should You Grade This Card?
- Yes, consider grading if: Premium rarity card in Near Mint+ condition
- Grading cost: $20-100+ per card (depending on service level)
- Break-even point: Card should be worth $50+ raw to justify grading costs
- Turnaround time: 2 weeks to 6 months depending on service
Collector Notes
- Special Illustration Rare cards from Journey Together are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
- The illustration by DOM resonates with starter collectors, creating consistent search demand for this Bulbasaur variant.
- Metal typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.
More from Journey Together
📚 Card History & Trivia
Release Information: Hops zacian ex 186 was released in 2025 in the Journey Together expansion. This set is part of the Scarlet & Violet series, which introduced new gameplay mechanics and collectible cards.
Artist Background: The artwork for this card was created by DOM. Professional Pokémon TCG artists undergo rigorous selection and bring unique styles to the game. View complete portfolio →
Rarity & Collectibility: As a Special Illustration Rare card, this Hops zacian ex is among the premium chase cards from Journey Together. Illustration Rare cards feature stunning full-art illustrations that showcase the Pokémon in unique scenes and perspectives. These premium versions typically hold value better than common printings.
Set Popularity: Journey Together is a modern release that benefits from high print quality and readily available supply, making it accessible for collectors.
Competitive History: Metal type Pokémon like Hops zacian ex with high HP make excellent tank options in competitive play, often serving as cornerstone Pokémon in control decks. Currently legal in Standard, Expanded, Unlimited formats.
🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building
Maximize the value and playability of your Hops zacian ex card with these essential products:
- Penny sleeves: Basic protection
- Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
- Top loaders: Display & storage
- Magnetic holders recommended
- Binders with side-loading pages
- Storage boxes (800-count)
- ETB (Elite Trainer Box) storage
- Premium display cases
- Pair with Metal energy cards
- Energy acceleration trainers
- Draw support & consistency cards
💡 Deck Building Tip: Hops zacian ex works best in Metal type decks. With high HP, consider including healing and damage reduction cards to maximize survivability. Low energy cost attacks make this card great for aggressive early-game strategies. For Standard format play, check the current rotation for legal support cards.