TCG rarities typically refer to the likelihood of pulling a specific type of card from booster packs, with more rare cards being harder to obtain. Below is a general list of common rarities seen across TCGs, along with rough odds estimates for each rarity:
Common (C)
Common cards are the most frequent and typically the most basic cards in a set. They usually are fundamental to the basic mechanics and are often seen in larger quantities.
- Roughly 50-60% of cards in a pack are common.
Uncommon (U)
Uncommon cards are slightly rarer than common cards. They often feature evolutions or interesting abilities but are still relatively easy to find.
- Odds: Roughly 25-30% of cards in a pack are uncommon.
Rare (R)
Rare cards are harder to find and usually represent more powerful or more important cards in a set. Often completing a strategy, a really useful ability or a beast of a monster .
- Odds: Roughly 10-15% of cards in a pack are rare.
Super Rare (SR)
Super Rare cards are typically a more valuable variant of regular rares. They are typically better artwork, have special features (like foil treatment), or are sought-after for their power or collectability.
- Odds: Roughly 5-8% of cards in a pack are super rare.
Ultra Rare (UR)
Ultra Rare cards are typically the highest-value or most collectible cards in a set. They can include special holographic treatments, full-art cards, or cards that are central to a set’s theme.
- Odds: Roughly 2-4% of cards in a pack are ultra rare.
Secret Rare (SR)
Secret Rare cards are often extremely rare, featuring intricate artwork, alternate foiling methods, signatures or other special properties. They are typically harder to find and sometimes aren’t guaranteed in any booster boxes.
- Odds: Roughly 1-2% of cards in a pack are secret rares.
7. Alternate Art (Alt Art)
- Meaning: Alternate Art cards feature artwork different from the standard card art, making them more collectible. These can exist in any rarity level (e.g., rare, super rare, etc.).
- Odds: Varies depending on the set but generally <1% for some sets.
Promo Cards
Promo cards are distributed outside of standard booster packs, often given at events or as part of special promotions. These can be unique or special variants of regular cards.
- Odds: Dependent on event or promotion; typically not found in regular packs.
Mythic Rare (in some TCGs like Magic: The Gathering)
Mythic Rare cards are rarer than ultra rares and often represent the most powerful or iconic cards in the set. These can include legendary creatures or powerful spells.
- Odds: Roughly 1 in 8 packs or about 12-15% of rares in the set.
God Rare
God Rare cards are an extremely rare category, often with exceptional artwork and a very low pull rate.
- Odds: Roughly <0.1%.
Foil Cards
These are any rarity card that has been treated with foil. Foils are commonly found in many sets and add an aesthetic value to the cards.
- Odds: Foil versions of common, uncommon, and rare cards are common, but foil rare or super rare odds can be as low as 1:3-4 packs.
Holofoil/Full-Art Cards
Full-art or holofoil cards feature the entire artwork as a full-frame image, making them visually striking. They can exist at various rarities.
- Odds: Typically <1% for specific rarities, though they can be more common in some sets.
Summary of Odds (approximate):
- Common: 50-60% of packs
- Uncommon: 25-30% of packs
- Rare: 10-15% of packs
- Super Rare: 5-8% of packs
- Ultra Rare: 2-4% of packs
- Secret Rare: 1-2% of packs
- Alternate Art: <1% (varies)
- Mythic Rare: 12-15% of rares (in sets like MTG)
- God Rare: <0.1%
Keep in mind that these percentages are just to give a rough idea of the variation of cards. These values can fluctuate based on the set, print runs, and the specific TCG you’re referring to.
