Hops Zacian ex
Quick take
- Fifth most valuable SIR in Journey Together at approximately $37
- Hop is the player's rival through the entirety of Pokemon Sword and Shield
- Zacian is the Sword version legendary, a distinctive Fairy/Steel-type wolf
- Galar region players have direct connection to both the character and Pokemon
Collector's readWhat it means for your master set
Set landscapeWhere this card sits in Journey Together
VariantsCard variants
Holofoil 186/159 · $26.83 — the only variant this card was printed in (no reverse holo or special pattern), so a master set needs just this one copy.
The storyHop and Zacian from the Galar Region
Hop is the player's rival in Sword and Shield, accompanying them through the entire Galar region story. His character arc involves stepping out of his brother Leon's shadow — a relatable underdog story that players who experienced it remember. By the end of the game, he becomes a research partner working with Professor Magnolia, an unusual trajectory for a rival character.
“Fifth most valuable SIR in Journey Together at approximately $37”
Zacian is the legendary on the Sword version box art, a Fairy-type wolf Pokemon wielding a sword in its mouth. The Crowned Sword form is one of the more distinctive legendary designs of the modern era. Pairing Hop with Zacian connects him to the Galar legendaries that his story touches on through the broader Galarian myth.
At $37, Hop's Zacian ex sits fifth in Journey Together's SIR pricing. Hop's rival status and the Galar generation's player base support solid demand without reaching the heights of longer-established characters.
By the numbersMarket analysis
Fifth in Journey Together's SIR pricing. Sword and Shield collectors and Hop fans support meaningful demand. Zacian's legendary status adds cross-demographic appeal beyond just rival character collectors.
Galar-era cards have maintained reasonable values in the Scarlet and Violet period. Hop's Zacian ex launched at higher prices and will likely see some correction, settling into a price reflecting both character and legendary demand.
Galar cards have shown reasonable long-term stability. Hop is not at the top tier of character demand, but he's not a niche character either — Sword and Shield sold over 25 million copies. Moderate hold.
PSA 10 and CGC 10 copies typically reach 1.5 to 2x raw value. Zacian's white and blue design reveals centering and surface issues clearly — inspect before submitting.
Special Illustration Rares appear roughly once every 36 packs. Journey Together's multiple SIRs reduce the specific odds of pulling Hop's Zacian ex.
Fifth in Journey Together SIR pricing. Hop's rival status and Zacian's legendary identity keep this above lower-demand Trainer SIRs, though the gap to the top of the set is significant.
ArtworkWhy the art matters
Kouki Saitou's TCG work captures character emotion and movement. The illustrations tend toward expressive, dynamic compositions that emphasize the relationship between characters.
The artwork shows Hop with Zacian in its Crowned Sword form, the legendary wolf Pokemon with the sword held in its mouth prominent in the composition. Hop's familiar green jacket and enthusiastic expression are true to his in-game characterization. The artwork captures the Galar aesthetic with appropriate color palette.
Zacian's metallic sword and light-toned fur work well with the SIR holofoil treatment, adding shimmer to the sword especially when the card is tilted. The overall composition balances the human character with the large legendary Pokemon without either overwhelming the other.
Hop looks like Hop — the energetic, earnest rival who is genuinely trying his best. The artwork doesn't try to make him look cool in a forced way. That honesty to the character is what collectors recognize.
BackgroundAbout Hops Zacian ex
Zacian was introduced in Generation VIII as the Sword version legendary. In its Crowned Sword form, it gains the Fairy/Steel dual typing and the Intrepid Sword ability, which raises its attack on entering battle. Zacian's competitive impact was immediate and significant — it was the dominant legendary in Sword and Shield VGC for much of that era.
- ›Sword version box art legendary — direct familiarity for half of all Sword/Shield players
- ›Crowned Sword form with the sword held in its mouth is immediately distinctive
- ›Intrepid Sword ability made it a dominant competitive Pokemon
- ›Fairy/Steel dual typing is both visually unusual and competitively strong
- ›Remains visually recognizable and popular into the Scarlet and Violet era
- ›Pokemon Sword box art and in-game legendary
- ›VGC Series 7 dominance before Dynamax era restrictions
- ›Recurring reference in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet through Galar lore
Zacian with Intrepid Sword was one of the most powerful Pokemon in Sword and Shield VGC. The ex version provides a current Standard-legal card with competitive applications, though the legendary type restrictions apply.
Own it wellCollector guide
Zacian's light coloring and the card's overall palette will reveal centering and surface imperfections. Inspect under direct light. The metallic sword surface in the artwork can show print line defects more clearly than softer textures.
At $37 raw, grading is financially tighter. A PSA 10 at $55-$74 covers submission for very clean copies. Only commit to grading if the card looks genuinely pristine — average copies are better kept raw at this price point. Read the grading guide →
Perfect fit sleeve immediately. Rigid toploader for storage. The lighter color palette on this card will show handling marks more readily than darker-artwork cards. See the storage guide →
Sword and Shield era cards have generally reached stable pricing. Compare TCGPlayer sold history to assess fair value. Initial release premiums will correct as more product is opened over the following months. See the singles buying guide →
Protect your card
High Chase Score — protect and consider grading. · Amazon affiliate links · Storage guideWord on the streetCommunity sentiment
Welcomed by Galar region collectors and Hop fans. The pairing with Zacian was well received as a story-appropriate choice. Sword players in particular appreciated seeing Hop represented with the game's signature legendary.
Discussion in TCG communities positions this as a solid Galar-era SIR. Hop doesn't have the passionate fanbase that Lillie or N carry, but Sword and Shield's large player base ensures consistent interest.
Good to knowFrequently asked questions
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