Pokemon Card Rarity Guide — Every Rarity Explained
Pokemon TCG cards are printed at different rarity levels, which affect their availability, collectability, and market value. This guide explains every rarity you'll encounter in modern Pokemon sets.
Common & Uncommon
Common and Uncommon cards form the bulk of every set. They're the most affordable and widely available cards, making them great for deck building. Common cards are marked with a circle symbol, while Uncommon cards have a diamond. These are essential for competitive play and often overlooked by collectors, but every great deck needs a strong foundation of these cards.
Rare & Holo Rare
Rare cards (marked with a star) are less common than Uncommon cards and often feature popular Pokemon. Holo Rare cards have a holographic pattern on the artwork, making them visually distinctive. These are solid mid-range collectables that many players enjoy pulling from packs.
Double Rare & Ultra Rare
Double Rare cards feature Pokemon ex — powerful cards with high HP and strong attacks. Ultra Rare cards include full-art versions with extended artwork that fills the entire card. These are the first tier of 'chase' cards that collectors actively seek out, and they tend to hold their value well.
Illustration Rare & Special Illustration Rare
Illustration Rare (IR) cards feature unique artistic interpretations of Pokemon by guest artists. Special Illustration Rare (SIR) cards are the most sought-after pulls in any set — they feature stunning full-art designs with dramatic scenes. SIRs are the crown jewels of modern Pokemon collecting and command the highest prices.
Secret Rare & Hyper Rare
Secret Rare cards have a card number higher than the official set count (e.g., card 201/198). Hyper Rare cards feature gold texturing and are among the rarest pulls in any set. These ultra-premium cards are highly collectible and are the ultimate chase for serious collectors.
ACE SPEC Rare & Other Special Rarities
ACE SPEC Rare cards are special trainer cards with powerful effects — you can only include one in your deck. Other modern rarities include Special Art Rare and Mega variants. Each new set may introduce unique rarity types, so keep an eye on the latest releases.