The Ultimate Guide to Pokémon Card Rarities: What Do These Symbols Mean?
Catching ‘em all isn’t just about battling Pikachu against Charizard—it’s about collecting rare, beautiful, and sometimes very valuable cards. Whether you’re new to the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) or a seasoned collector, understanding card rarities is essential for identifying treasures and strategizing trades. Let’s break down all the Pokémon card rarities so you know exactly what those symbols on your cards mean—and why they matter!
What Are Pokémon Card Rarities?
Each Pokémon card rarity represents how common or scarce a card is within its set. The rarity is typically displayed as a symbol next to the card number. These symbols range from circles and stars to diamonds and more elaborate designs. Rarities affect everything from the card’s desirability and price to its availability in booster packs.
Pokémon cards are broadly categorized into basic rarities (Common, Uncommon, and Rare) and advanced rarities, which include hyper-specialized cards with breathtaking art and unique mechanics. Keep reading to find out what makes each rarity special—and which cards might already be hiding in your collection!
Basic Rarities: The Building Blocks of Any Collection
Common Cards (●)
Common cards, marked with a black circle, make up the majority of any Pokémon card set. These cards often feature unevolved Pokémon or essential Energy cards that are the backbone of gameplay. If you’ve opened a booster pack, chances are most of the cards were Commons.
Uncommon Cards (◆)
Uncommon cards are marked with a black diamond. These cards often feature middle-stage evolutions or Trainer cards that help players strategize in battle. Booster packs typically contain three Uncommon cards, making them a little harder to pull than Commons.
Uncommon cards can also come as Reverse Holos, adding a shiny effect that collectors love. These cards strike a balance between being accessible and visually striking. Additionally, most Trainer cards fall under the Uncommon category. These cards are critical for gameplay, so they’re valuable beyond just their rarity.
Rare Cards (★)
Rare cards, denoted by a black star, are where things start getting exciting. These cards usually feature fully evolved Pokémon, Mythical creatures, or Legendary favorites. You’ll typically find one Rare card in a booster pack, making them highly anticipated pulls.
Rare cards come in two main types: Regular Rare and Holofoil Rare. Regular Rare cards have no special shiny treatment, but they often showcase strong and iconic Pokémon. Holofoil Rares take things up a notch with a holographic finish on the Pokémon’s artwork, adding visual appeal and a premium feel treasured by collectors worldwide. These cards are a staple for both players and collectors.
Advanced Rarities: The Real Collectors’ Dream
Double Rare (★★)
Double Rare cards, introduced in the Scarlet & Violet era, are marked with two black stars. These cards typically feature Pokémon ex, a powerful type of card that combines striking visuals with enhanced gameplay mechanics. These cards often showcase full-card holofoil finishes and are prized by competitive players for their strength in battles. Double Rares are not just collectibles but also pack a punch in gameplay, making them a hot commodity among fans.
Ultra Rare (☆☆)
Ultra Rares are marked with two white stars and are sometimes referred to as “Full Art” cards. They feature artwork that covers the entire card, making them a feast for the eyes. Ultra Rares include a range of special card types, such as Pokémon V, VMAX, GX, and ex. These cards aren’t just stunning to look at; they’re also staples in high-level competitive play.
Illustration Rare (⭐)
Illustration Rares (or Art Rares) are some of the most visually stunning cards in the TCG. Marked by a single gold star, these cards feature alternate artwork that often depicts Pokémon in unique, story-like settings. These cards appeal to collectors who love breathtaking artwork, making them a must-have.
Special Illustration Rare (⭐⭐)
Special Illustration Rares take the concept of Illustration Rares to the next level. Marked with two gold stars, they often feature Pokémon ex or Trainer cards with unique, alternate artwork. These cards are not only beautiful but also exceptionally hard to pull, making them top-tier chase cards. These cards are highly sought after by collectors and competitive players alike.
Hyper Rare (⭐⭐⭐)
Hyper Rares, also known as Gold Cards, are marked with three gold stars and feature dazzling gold backgrounds. These cards often highlight key items or Legendary Pokémon in their most majestic forms. Hyper Rares are rare pulls and hold significant value, making them the ultimate trophy for any collector.
Other Rarities
Rainbow Rare is a discontinued rarity that featured identical artwork to another full-art card in their respective sets but recolored with a rainbow gradient on the character artwork and background.
Promo Cards are exclusive releases tied to specific events, products, or campaigns. They’re identified by the “PROMO” text alongside a black star.
ACE SPEC Cards, first introduced in the Boundaries Crossed expansion, are some of the most powerful Trainer cards that players are only allowed one in their deck overall.
Alternate Art Cards offer stunning reimaginings of existing Pokémon. These cards feature unique artwork that spans the full card and are beloved by fans of Pokémon art.
Know Your Rarities, Catch ‘Em All
Understanding Pokémon card rarities is more than just fun—it’s essential for building a valuable collection, making informed trades, and enjoying the thrill of the hunt. Whether you’re opening booster packs, trading with friends, or just admiring the artwork, knowing what makes each card special will help you appreciate the magic of Pokémon TCG even more.
If you’re looking to add some rare and stunning cards to your collection, be sure to visit our shop! We’ve got everything from Common cards to Hyper Rares waiting for you. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for updates on new arrivals, exclusive deals, and more content like this to fuel your Pokémon journey. Let’s catch ‘em all together!