Rarity in Pokémon TCG determines the chances you have of pulling a card and therefore its value.
This guide features both the classic yellow-border generation and the exciting new silver border revamp that kicked off with the Scarlet & Violet series.
There are several types of rarities in Pokémon TCG and they are denoted by these symbols at the bottom of each card.
| Common cards are marked with a circle symbol. | Uncommon cards are marked with a diamond symbol. | Rare cards are marked with a star symbol. There are several sub-classes of rare. |
| While not considered a specific rarity level, Black Star Promos are marked with a black star with "PROMO" symbol. They are typically released alongside Pokémon-related merchandise, such as movies and special events. |
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Example below: Common Rowlet card from Astral Radiance set.
Ultra Rare
Ultra Rare Pokémon cards are a subclass of RARE and retain their “star” symbol. These cards typically have unique game mechanics or provide an extra ability. They often feature unique artwork, different foil patterns, or textured elements that make them stand out from the rest.
Some examples of Ultra Rare cards include but are not limited to:
- Pokémon EX
- MEGA Pokémon EX
- Pokémon LV.X
- Pokémon Tag Team GX
- Pokémon VMAX
- Pokémon BREAK
- Pokémon VSTAR
- ...
Secret Rare
Secret Rare Pokémon cards are a subclass of RARE and retain their “star” symbol. They are cards whose collector number (XXX) exceed the listed number of the set (YYY).
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Revamps Pokémon TCG Card Aesthetic:
Starting with the Scarlet & Violet series, rarity symbols are being updated to more clearly showcase differences in rarity between cards. The solid black symbols for common, uncommon, and rare—circle, diamond, and star—will remain unchanged. These symbols will continue to denote rarity for many types of cards found in an expansion, including parallel "reverse" foil cards.
Card borders have also been updated from yellow to gray.
The brand-new rarity known as illustration rare will be represented by one shiny gold star. Illustration rare cards are alternate-art versions of common, uncommon, and rare Pokémon depicted with beautiful full-art foil illustrations that often showcase the character’s personality or environment. Similarly, the brand-new rarity known as special illustration rare encompasses alternate-art cards for Pokémon ex or Supporter cards, which also feature full-art foil illustrations capturing the character’s unique traits or environment. Lastly, hyper rare cards will be represented with three shiny gold stars. Hyper rare cards were previously known as secret rare cards; they are full-art foil cards with gilded borders and accents.
