Hyper Rares, Shiny Rares, Black Star Promos, Ace Specs… feeling confused yet? Trying to figure out the rarity of the Pokémon card you just pulled from a Scarlet and Violet set can be overwhelming, but this blog is here to be the paracetamol to your headache. It’s a complete guide to the different rarities in this set, along with some helpful tips to remember the symbols more easily.
Enjoy!
Common and Uncommon
Common and uncommon Pokémon cards are the most straightforward rarities. A common card is marked by a small black circle and usually features basic Pokémon (these are your Pidgeys or Rattatas) often non-holo but sometimes reverse holo. Uncommon cards sport a black diamond and can include both basic and evolved Pokémon, plus most Trainer cards. Reliable and easy to find!
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Rare
Rare Pokémon cards are marked by a black star symbol. Every booster pack guarantees at least one rare, unless a higher rarity replaces it. Rares can be holo or reverse holo, but non-holo rares were retired after 2023’s Scarlet & Violet expansion.
Note: Don’t confuse this black star with the Black Star Promo symbol—we’ll cover that later.
Double Rare
Double Rare cards feature two black stars. These always replace the guaranteed rare in a booster pack and are always holo. Most EX Pokémon fall into this category. Some have a textured finish, but that doesn’t change the rarity symbol. In the Japanese TCG, Double Rares are labeled “RR”, showing their premium status.
Ace Spec
Ace Spec cards are marked by a magenta star and can only be Trainer or Energy cards. Their textured finish and unique holo pattern make them some of the game’s rarest finds. In the Japanese TCG, they’re labeled with “ACE”, underscoring how exclusive and powerful these cards are.
Surging Sparks
Illustration Rare
Illustration Rare cards are marked by a gold star and boast full-art designs that cover the entire card. These showcase alternate art versions of cards already in the set. Same moves, HP, and text—but with upgraded art and rarity. In Japan, they’re “Art Rares (AR)”. If the card’s number exceeds the set total, it’s also a Secret Rare, though that’s not its own official rarity.
Ultra Rare
Ultra Rare cards are marked by silver stars and usually show up in a booster pack’s rare slot. In Japan, they’re labeled “SR” for Super Rare. Ultra Rares feature full-art designs like Illustration Rares, but the artwork is less detailed. These cards have unique textures that add depth, making them highly sought after. Since they often exceed the set’s numbering, Ultra Rares are also Secret Rares.
Special Illustration Rare
Special Illustration Rare cards are marked by two gold stars and labelled “SAR” (Special Art Rare) in the Japanese TCG. Think of these as Illustration Rares with extra flair—more detailed art, premium textures, and scarcity. They take the reverse holo slot in booster packs, making every pull an exciting surprise.
Hyper Rare
Hyper Rare cards are marked by three gold stars and are the highest rarity you can pull from a booster pack. In Japan, they’re labelled “UR” (Ultra Rare). Covered in gold glitter and intricate textures, these cards are collector favourites. Energy cards occasionally appear as Hyper Rares too. They also take the reverse holo slot in booster packs.
Shiny Rare
Shiny Rare cards feature Pokémon with alternate colour palettes and are marked by a gold star outline (not filled in). Japan uses an “S” symbol. Textured and distinct, these cards are unmistakable. Don’t mix them up with other gold-star rarities—Shiny Rares are unique thanks to their outlined stars.
Paldean Fates
Shiny Ultra Rare
Shiny Ultra Rare cards have two gold star outlines and are shiny versions of Ultra Rare Pokémon. In Japan, they’re labelled “SSR” for Shiny Super Rare. These alternate-color Pokémon feature unique numbering and are always Secret Rares. Not all sets include Shiny Rares—the latest being Paldean Fates from early 2024.
Honorable Mention: Black Star Promo
We can’t skip the Black Star Promos, even if they’re not technically a rarity. These cards have a black star labelled “PROMO” where the rarity symbol usually appears. In Japan, they have a black rectangle with “PROMO”. Sequentially numbered but not tied to any mainline set, these promos can pop up anywhere (movie events, product bundles, or even retailer giveaways) but never in a booster pack. Their unpredictability makes them thrilling for collectors which is why it still deserves a mention here!
Scarlet & Violet Black Star Promos
