Pokémon Card Rarities & Mechanics
While most Pokémon cards share a basic structure, the Pokémon TCG has introduced a variety of mechanics and rarity levels that influences the value and scarcity of the card. From shiny and full-art cards to rare variants, these elements add layers of depth and collectibility that make the hunt for special cards all the more thrilling. If you're diving into the world of collecting, understanding both the different mechanics and rarity symbols will help you identify the gems in your pulls.
What Is Rarity in the Pokémon TCG?
Rarity is a classification assigned to help give a rough indication of how many copies of a card are in circulation.
Most Pokémon cards are found in booster packs, which include a random assortment from a larger set. Typically, these packs contain more cards of lower rarities, while higher rarity cards are much less common.
Understanding Card Rarities
Pokémon cards are generally categorized into six main rarities, ranked from least to most rare:
Common (●)
Uncommon (◆)
Rare (★)
Holo Rare
Ultra Rare
Secret Rare
Note: Additionally, there are promo cards, which are not obtained from standard booster packs. Instead, they are typically printed and distributed to celebrate special occasions, like movie launches, or included as box toppers in Pokémon TCG products.
The Pokémon Company identifies several additional rarities beyond the main six, but for a clearer understanding of how common or scarce these cards are, it’s helpful to think of them as variations or subsets of the primary categories. Rarities like Rare Holo EX, Rare Holo GX, Rare Holo Lv.X, Rare Prime, LEGEND, Rare ACE, and Rare BREAK were introduced for specific gameplay mechanics and were generally short-lived. In terms of scarcity, these rarities are comparable to modern Ultra Rares within the sets they appeared in.
Japanese vs. English Rarity Indicators
While English Pokémon cards use symbols (● ◆ ★) to indicate rarity, Japanese Pokémon cards instead use letters. These correspond as follows:
• C (Common) → Equivalent to ●
• U (Uncommon) → Equivalent to ◆
• R (Rare) → Equivalent to ★
• RR (Double Rare) → Used for stronger Pokémon such as V and EX cards
• SR (Super Rare) → Equivalent to Ultra Rare in English
• UR (Ultra Rare) → Typically applied to Secret Rares, often with gold foiling
Understanding these differences is crucial for collectors and players dealing with both English and Japanese Pokémon cards. Now lets take a look at the different types of rarities and cards mechanics you might come across whilst collecting....
Common
A card with a black or white circle (●) as its rarity symbol indicates that it is a Common card.
Common cards represent the lowest rarity tier in the Pokémon TCG. In recent non-premium booster packs, you'll typically find five or more Common cards, making them easy to come by. These cards may either lack any holographic foil or feature a reverse holographic effect.
Uncommon
A card with a black or white diamond (◆) as its rarity symbol signifies that it is an Uncommon card.
Uncommon cards are slightly rarer than Common cards and can be found fairly easily, with at least three appearing in each standard booster pack. These cards often have two variations: one that features no foil and another that has a shiny finish across the card, enhancing its visual appeal.
Rare
A black or white star (★) indicates that a Pokémon card is classified as at least a Rare. To determine if it’s a standard Rare, check for any holographic foil. If the card lacks foil entirely or is a reverse holo, then it's a normal Rare.
In typical booster packs, you can expect to find one or more cards rated as Rare or higher. However, it’s possible for a pack to not include any standard Rares if that slot is taken by a Holo Rare or Ultra Rare card.
Additional Scarlet & Violet rarity symbols
Beginning with the Scarlet & Violet Pokémon TCG expansion, The Pokémon Company introduced five new rarity symbols to clarify the distinctions between official rarities and the "fan-dubbed" rarities that had emerged in earlier expansions. The new rarity symbols include:
Double rare: 2 black stars (★★)
Ultra rare: 2 silver stars (★★)
Illustration rare: 1 gold star (★)
Special illustration rare: 2 gold stars (★★)
Hyper rare: 3 gold stars (★★★)
Keep in mind that when it comes to Pokémon cards, simply looking at the rarity symbol won’t give you an accurate idea of a card’s value. To effectively assess how valuable a Pokémon card is, collectors must learn to distinguish between different card types and their variants.
1) Holofoil and Reverse Holofoil Cards
Holofoil Cards
What It Is: Holofoil cards are easy to spot thanks to their shiny, reflective background behind the Pokémon’s image. They shimmer in the light, making them stand out immediately when you’re ripping open packs.
Collector’s Insight: Holofoil cards, especially from the early sets like the Base Set, can be highly sought after. One of the most famous examples is the original 1st Edition Holo Alakazam, which is not only culturally iconic but also incredibly valuable. Collectors often prioritize holofoil cards, especially if they’re in mint condition, as they tend to hold more value than non-holo versions.
Reverse Holofoil Cards
What It Is: Introduced later, Reverse Holofoil cards feature a shiny, reflective surface across the entire card except for the Pokémon’s image.
Collector’s Insight: Reverse Holofoils can add an extra layer of challenge for collectors aiming for a Master Set, as nearly every card in a set can have a reverse holo version. While they’re not as coveted as traditional holofoils, rare Pokémon with reverse holo effects can still fetch a decent price.
How Do Holographic Foils Affect Pokémon Card Rarity?
Holo Rares are the first type of rarity that may not appear in every standard Pokémon booster pack. There can be some confusion, as it's not possible to visually differentiate between reverse holographic Rares and reverse holographic Holo Rares. If you’re unsure whether a particular card is a standard Rare or a Holo Rare, the best way to confirm is by consulting a card database like phygitals.io.
When it comes to rarity, Holo Rares represent a unique category within the Pokémon TCG, but many modern holographic cards don't fit neatly into this classification. Terms like "foil," "holo," and "holographic" refer to cards that feature a shiny, reflective finish. It’s worth noting that while Holo Rares have foiled artwork, standard Rares do not.
Since the release of the Legendary Collection set in 2002, most Holo Rare cards and those of lower rarities (Rare, Uncommon, Common) have been available in both standard and reverse holographic versions. In contrast, Ultra Rare and Secret Rare cards typically showcase foil across the entire card.
In summary, foil versions exist across all rarity levels, so simply having a holographic finish doesn’t automatically determine a card's rarity.
2) Full-Art and Alternate-Art Cards
Full-Art Cards
What It Is: Full-art cards feature illustrations that cover the entire card, without the typical borders. This gives them a bold look, typically showing the Pokémon in action-packed poses. most full art Pokémon cards are also ultra rare cards. Ultra Rare cards such as full art cards never feature a reverse foil treatment. Instead, Ultra Rare cards are usually foil from top to bottom.
Collector’s Insight: Collectors love full-art cards for their stunning visuals. These cards often appear in rare slots of booster packs and depict fan-favorites with enhanced artwork. For example, full-art EX, GX, and V cards are highly prized for their rarity and artistic value. Many collectors get these cards graded due to their visual appeal.
Alternate-Art Cards
What It Is: Alternate-art cards are even rarer versions of full art cards, featuring completely unique artwork that sets them apart from the standard versions. These cards often show the Pokémon in creative or playful environments.
Collector’s Insight: Alternate-art cards are some of the most sought-after in any set. Their limited availability and extraordinary artwork make cards like Umbreon VMAX (Alternate-Art) and Rayquaza V (Alternate-Art) grail cards for collectors.
3) EX, GX, V, and VMAX Mechanics
EX Cards
What It Is: Introduced in the EX Series (2003), EX cards are powered-up versions of standard Pokémon. They have higher HP and stronger moves, but knocking one out gives your opponent extra rewards. Each Pokémon-ex card features a lowercase “ex” following the Pokémon’s name. This designation stands for “extra,” highlighting the added effects that specific gameplay mechanics provide to Pokémon-ex cards. Although Pokémon-ex cards are not categorized as full art cards, they do come as reverse holofoils.
Collector’s Insight: EX cards, particularly older ones from sets like EX Ruby & Sapphire, are highly collectible. Their strong stats and holofoil designs make them popular with collectors.
GX Cards
What It Is: GX Pokémon cards were introduced during the Sun & Moon era and represent a new generation of ultra-powerful cards, featuring unique mechanics and standout artwork. Pokémon GX cards closely resemble Pokémon EX cards in both appearance and gameplay. They include a special gameplay mechanic known as GX attacks, which deliver significant damage and can be used only once per game.
Collector’s Insight: Collectors love GX cards not only for their strength but for their striking designs. Cards like Pikachu GX are often the stars of collections due to their rarity and eye-catching artwork.
V and VMAX Cards
What It Is: Launched with the Sword & Shield expansion, Pokémon V cards are all Basic Pokémon that feature a distinctive V graphic as part of their name. They share similarities with Pokémon EX and GX in both design and gameplay mechanics. One notable aspect of Pokémon V is their ability to evolve into Pokémon VMAX, which offer increased HP and enhanced attacks. This unique battle style enables players to enlarge their Pokémon while fighting over a Power Spot in the Sword and Shield games. However, in the Pokémon TCG, Power Spots are unnecessary. Players simply need to have a V and VMAX card to unleash the formidable abilities of a giant Pokémon during battles.
Collector’s Insight: VMAX cards are particularly desirable for their intricate, full-art designs. Cards like Sylveon VMAX or Eevee VMAX are collector favorites, especially when in near-mint or gem-mint condition.
4) Tag Team Pokémon Cards
What It Is: Introduced during the Sun & Moon era, Tag Team Pokémon cards feature two or three Pokémon teaming up on a single card. These cards pack a punch with high HP and powerful combos.
Collector’s Insight: Tag Team cards are a fan favorite, particularly when they combine iconic Pokémon like Pikachu & Zekrom-GX or Mewtwo & Mew-GX. Collectors often prize the full-art variants of these cards for their fun artwork and the appeal of having multiple Pokémon on one card.
5) Shiny Pokémon Cards
What It Is: Shiny Pokémon cards show off the rare Shiny versions of Pokémon, with alternate color schemes that differ from the standard versions. These cards are usually found in special sets like Shining Legends or Hidden Fates.
Collector’s Insight: Shiny Pokémon cards are highly desirable due to their rarity. Cards like Shiny Charizard-GX from Hidden Fates and Shiny Rayquaza from Shining Legends are must-haves for serious collectors, both for their unique colors and their scarcity.
6) Secret Rare and Rainbow Rare Cards
Secret Rare Cards
What It Is: Secret Rare cards are numbered beyond the normal card set (e.g., a card numbered 105/102). These cards are often harder to find and come with special designs or effects. For every secret rare Pokémon card in a set, there is usually a card of a lower rarity that is identical in name and gameplay mechanics. Secret rare Pokémon cards are a step above ultra rare cards in both overall rarity and appearance.
Collector’s Insight: Secret Rare is the highest category of Pokémon card rarity. They often feature unique designs like gold borders or special holofoil patterns, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Rainbow Rare Cards
What It Is: Introduced in the Sun & Moon era, Rainbow Rare cards feature a brilliant rainbow-colored foil that covers the entire card. These are some of the rarest cards in the set.
Collector’s Insight: Rainbow Rares are a favorite among collectors due to their striking design. Cards like Rainbow Pikachu VMAX are highly coveted, with their rarity and beautiful rainbow foil making them standouts in any collection.
7) Promo Cards and Special Releases
What It Is: Promo cards are exclusive cards released outside of regular sets, often tied to special promotions, events, or partnerships with well-known brands like McDonald's, making them unique collectibles.
Collector’s Insight: The rarity of promo cards is entirely determined by their distribution method. Certain promo are some of the most valuable collectibles, particularly those tied to significant events or limited releases. Cards like the Tropical Mega Battle or event-exclusive Shining Magikarp cards are iconic and often hold high value due to their rarity and historical significance.
8) Other Rarity Symbols
Amazing Rare
Amazing Rare, often referred to as "Amazing," was a brief rarity in the Pokémon TCG that featured its own unique symbol. These cards were comparable to Ultra Rares in the sets where they were included and typically occupied the reverse holographic slot in booster packs.
Prism Rare
Prism Rare is not officially recognized in The Pokémon Company's card database, but it represented another short-lived rarity associated with the Prism Star mechanic. These cards featured a distinct foil treatment and a prominent Prism Star symbol behind the text, placing them in a similar rarity tier as Ultra Rares.
Radiant Rare
Radiant Rare is a newer rarity introduced in the Sword & Shield: Astral Radiance expansion. These cards showcase shiny Pokémon and prominently feature "Radiant" in their names. They are considered roughly equivalent to Ultra Rares, adding a vibrant flair to any collection.
Legend
Legend cards represent a unique gameplay mechanic introduced in the first Legend sets, where two cards combine in gameplay to form a single powerful Pokémon. The two cards share the same name but consist of a Top Card and a Bottom Card. When you have both cards in your hand, you can place the Pokémon on your bench as if they combine to form a single Pokémon. These cards often highlight legendary Pokémon, enhancing their collectibility and strategic value.
What If My Pokémon Card Has No Rarity Symbol?
Several factors can explain why a Pokémon card might be missing a rarity symbol.
Firstly, basic energy cards classified as Common do not feature rarity symbols. Additionally, certain sets, such as Dragon Vault and the McDonald's 25th Anniversary Promos, also omit these symbols.
In the case of some Ultra Rare and Secret Rare cards, the silver-foil star rarity symbol may be almost impossible to see due to it being printed on a white background.
While The Pokémon Company typically provides information on the number of Commons, Uncommons, and Rares found in each booster pack, they don't specify the exact scarcity of higher-rarity cards. To determine how many packs from a particular Pokémon set contain a Holo Rare or better, you’ll need to open them yourself.
Based on collectors' data, different sets exhibit varying pull rates for these higher rarities, and even cards of the same rarity within a set may not be produced in equal amounts. In summary, simply identifying a card's rarity won't reveal its true scarcity or value. However, it's still a crucial first step in identifying potentially valuable cards. Generally, a rare Pokémon card will command a higher price than a common one.
With a deeper understanding of Pokémon card rarities and mechanics, it's time to shift our focus to how these elements have evolved through various expansions. Each new set not only introduces fresh mechanics but also enhances the overall gameplay experience and collecting appeal. In the next section, we’ll delve into the impact of expansions on the Pokémon TCG, exploring how they have shaped the game and introduced exciting new features over the years.
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