Card Rarity Guide
Every Pokemon TCG card has a rarity indicated by a symbol in the bottom-right corner. Here's what each rarity means and how hard they are to pull.
How to Identify Card Rarity
Look at the bottom-right corner of any Pokemon card, next to the set number. You'll see a small symbol:
In Scarlet & Violet, higher rarities use multiple stars: ★★ for Double Rare/Ultra Rare, ★★★ for Special Illustration Rare and above.
All Rarity Tiers
Common
StandardThe most frequently found cards. Usually Basic Pokemon, Trainer Items, and basic Energy cards. Every booster pack contains several Common cards.
Uncommon
StandardSlightly harder to find than Commons. Stage 1 Pokemon, Supporter cards, and some useful Item cards are often Uncommon.
Rare
StandardOne per booster pack. These are non-holographic Rare cards, typically Stage 2 Pokemon or powerful Trainers. The basic "rare" tier.
Rare Holo
HolographicSame star symbol as Rare, but the card artwork has a holographic foil pattern. The classic "shiny card" that collectors love. Holographic patterns vary by era.
Rare Holo V / Rare Holo GX
HolographicHolographic cards featuring Pokemon V, GX, or similar mechanics. Higher HP and stronger than regular holos. These replace the rare slot.
Rare Holo VMAX / VSTAR
UltraPremium holographic cards showing Dynamax/Gigantamax forms (VMAX) or Brilliant Star forms (VSTAR). Larger artwork, premium feel.
Double Rare (ex/V)
UltraIntroduced in Scarlet & Violet. Pokemon ex cards with two stars. They have the standard ex artwork with premium holographic treatment.
Ultra Rare
UltraFull-art cards with textured foil covering the entire card face. Features alternate artwork different from the regular version. Character is usually in a dynamic pose.
Illustration Rare
PremiumIntroduced in Scarlet & Violet. Features beautiful, artistic illustrations that extend beyond the normal card frame. The art style is often painterly or whimsical.
Special Illustration Rare
PremiumThe most sought-after cards in modern sets. Stunning full-card artwork, often showing Pokemon in scenic or narrative settings. Similar to "Alternate Art" from Sword & Shield era.
Hyper Rare / Secret Rare
PremiumCards numbered beyond the set's official count (e.g., card 198/193). In Sword & Shield, these were gold or rainbow foil. In Scarlet & Violet, they're gold cards featuring Items, Energy, or Pokemon.
How Rarity Has Changed Over Time
Simple system: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Rare Holo. That's it. A holo Charizard was the rarest you could get.
Introduced Ultra Rare (Pokemon-ex, LV.X). Secret Rares appeared as cards numbered beyond the set count. Gold Stars were incredibly rare.
Full Art cards became a tier. Pokemon-EX got Ultra Rare and Full Art versions. Secret Rares featured gold borders. Mega Evolution added another collectible tier.
Rainbow Rare (Hyper Rare) introduced — fully rainbow-foiled versions of GX cards. Alternate Art debuted in Tag All Stars. GX cards had regular, Full Art, and Rainbow versions.
Alternate Art became highly coveted. VMAX, VSTAR, and Trainer Gallery (Character Rare) cards added multiple collectible layers. Gold cards continued as Secret Rares.
Complete rarity overhaul. Star system (★, ★★, ★★★) replaced named tiers. Illustration Rare and Special Illustration Rare replaced Alternate Art. Crown Rare added as an ultra-premium tier.
Tips for Collectors
- 1. Check the set number — If a card's number exceeds the set total (e.g., 198/193), it's a Secret Rare.
- 2. Texture indicates rarity — If you can feel ridges or texture on the card face, it's at least an Ultra Rare. Regular holos are smooth.
- 3. Sleeve valuable cards immediately — Even slight edge wear reduces a card's grade. Penny sleeves cost fractions of a cent.
- 4. Popularity matters more than rarity — A Special Illustration Rare Charizard is worth far more than an equally rare card of an unpopular Pokemon.