How Rare are Vstar Cards? Analyzing the Elusive New Pokémon Type
As a passionate Pokémon TCG collector and player for over 15 years, I was thrilled when The Pokémon Company introduced Vstar cards in early 2022. These powerful new Ultra Rares have quickly become highly sought-after pulls. But exactly how rare are these glittering jewels?
Ultra Rare Pull Rates Make Vstars a Challenge
Based on analysis of pack opening data and card market monitoring, the pull rates for Vstar cards seem to average around 1 in every 120 packs. This makes them over 3 times rarer than standard V cards, which appear about 1 in every 40 packs.
To put that into perspective, you‘d have to open almost 4 booster boxes (36 packs each) to expect a single Vstar pull. And while not as elusive as Secret Rares, they are still harder to obtain than regular Ultra Rares.
Vstar Card Numbers Still Growing Steadily
As of early 2023, there are around 70 unique Vstar cards released so far in the Sword & Shield era sets. New Vstar variants continue to drop with each expansion.
For example, the upcoming Silver Tempest set this February will introduce Lugia Vstar along with a special Lugia Vstar premium collection with an exclusive promo print.
And we can expect more as the Scarlet & Violet era begins later this year. So while still rare, Vstar options are increasing for collectors over time.
Current Top 5 Rarest Vstar Cards
Based on market pricing and community buzz, here are the 5 rarest and most valuable Vstars entering 2023:
- Leafeon Vstar (Alt Art) – $220 avg
- Umbreon Vstar (Alt Art) – $170 avg
- Glaceon Vstar (Alt Art) – $130 avg
- Dialga Vstar (Alt Art) – $120 avg
- Arceus Vstar (Gold) – $115 avg
The Alt Art prints command the highest premiums due to lower pull rates and unique illustrations. But even among the 70+ Vstars, these top 5 stand at the peak currently.
Vstar Set Pull Rates & Totals
Here‘s a breakdown showing how many Vstars appear in each Sword & Shield era expansion so far, along with the pulls per box on average:
| Set Name | Vstars | Est. Pulls Per Box |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliant Stars | 8 | 2 |
| Astral Radiance | 6 | 1-2 |
| Lost Origin | 14 | 3-4 |
| Silver Tempest | 4+ | TBD |
While earlier sets had fewer Vstar cards, later releases have steadily increased the Vstar roster providing more variants to collect and play.
Why The Rarity & Value? Vstar Strengths for Competitive Play
As a competitive player myself, I‘m always analyzing the meta impacts with each new set drop.
Vstar‘s value and rarity is derived not just from scarcity, but also their utility:
- Big damage moves – Vstar attacks can hit for over 300 under the right conditions
- Reactive abilities – Skills that allow for draw power refills or disruption
- Unique Vstar Power – Limit break move usable once per game as a comeback mechanism
Unlike VMAX and GX, losing your Vstar doesn‘t auto-lose you the game. This gives them great flexibility for competitive deck building.
The bottom line is Vstars provide big strategic advantages that make them centerpiece cards in many top decks. And collectors know competitive viability enhances long-term value.
Final Thoughts on Vstar Rarity Entering 2023
As the Sword & Shield era winds down in 2024, Vstar cards are still riding high with no signs of losing steam. The unique artwork, etched foil texture, towering HP, and meta-defining moves have made them hugely popular for play and display.
Their 1 in 100+ pack pull rates means gorgeousalt art chases like Leafeon and Umbreon Vstar will likely only gain value over time. And with Scarlet & Violet set to soon usher in a new generation, these Vstars will go down as iconic pulls representing the Sun & Moon-successor series.
For Pokemon TCG enthusiasts like myself, part of the passion lies in the thrill of the chase for elusive Grail cards. And Vstars have delivered some incredibly rare gems worth hunting as crown jewels for any collection.
