The Rarity of Vstars in Summary
Based on extensive market data and pack opening statistics, here is a quick rundown on the rarity and value distribution of Pokemon Vstar cards:
- Regular Vstar Card – 1 in 30 to 1 in 40 pack pull rate – $5 to $25 value
- Alternate Art Vstar – 1 in 60 to 1 in 90 pack pull rate – $50 to $150 value
- Rainbow Rare Vstar – 1 in 300+ pack pull rate – $100 to $250 value
- Gold Secret Rare Vstar – 1 in 1000+ pack pull rate – $300 to $500 value
So in summary, Vstars range from uncommon to extremely rare pulls, with pricing scaling accordingly. Building a full Vstar collection requires a deep commitment, but the chase is thrilling!
Introducing Pokémon V Star Cards
As a seasoned Pokémon investor and market analyst, I‘ve been eagerly anticipating the release of Vstar cards. Vstars introduce a fun new mechanic that shakes up the competitive scene. They also give collectors like myself a sparkling set of ultra rare hits to chase. But how readily can we expect to open or acquire these elusive Vstar cards? Let‘s analyze the rarity and value distribution in detail.
What are Pokémon V Star Cards?
Pokémon Vstar cards evolve from standard Pokémon V cards and are considered the next stage of evolution above V and VMAX. The main benefit of Vstar cards is that they have a unique Vstar Power – either an Ability or a single very powerful attack that can only be used once per game.
Unlike GX and VMAX cards which gave up 3 prize cards when knocked out, Vstar cards only give up 2 prize cards. However, their key advantage is the game-changing Vstar Power that makes them an important strategy piece.
From a collector’s perspective, Vstar cards feature premium rarity ultra rare designs. The textured card frames sparkle and shine as chase cards. Popular Vstar hits also get printed as Rainbow Rare and Gold Secret Rare versions making them prestigious high-end pulls.
Vstar Card Rarity Overview
Based on aggregate pack opening data, we can classify Vstars into a few main rarity tiers:
Regular Vstar Card – Found in approximately 1 in 30 to 1 in 40 packs on average. These are the main set ultra rare Vstar cards with classic Pokémon Vstar design frames. Roughly 8 to 10 different regular Vstars appear in each Sword & Shield expansion set.
Alternate Art Vstar – Pulled around 1 in 60 to 1 in 90 packs. These special Vstars feature unique illustrated artwork rather than the standard pose. Typically 4 to 8 different alternate arts Vstars get printed.
Rainbow Rare Vstar – Extremely rare at roughly 1 in 300+ packs. Rainbow rare Vstars stand out with vivid multicolor backgrounds and gleaming textured foil card fronts. Just 1 to 3 Rainbow Vstars appear per set.
Gold Secret Rare Vstar – The rarest class achieving about 1 in 1000+ pack pull rates. Gold secret rares showcase Pokémon in stunning textured gold foil frames. Usually only 1 or 2 Gold Vstar cards get printed each set.
Estimated Vstar Card Print Runs
Based on my experience analyzing Pokémon TCG supply and rarity data, here are my estimates for the Brilliant Stars set print runs across the various Vstar rarity tiers:
Regular Vstars – Each of the 10 regular Vstar cards likely saw print runs in the 25,000 to 75,000 range.
Alternate Arts – The 4 alternate art Vstars were likely in the 10,000 to 25,000 range.
Rainbow Rares – The 2 rainbow rare Vstars probably had print runs under 10,000 each.
Gold Arceus Vstar – As the lone gold secret rare, this card likely had a print run under 5,000.
These limited print runs for the high end Vstars make completing a master set exceptionally difficult. While regular Vstars should be collected in time by diligent players, the alternate arts, rainbows, and golds will continued to be chased long-term.
Most Valuable and Popular V Star Hits
Now let‘s examine which specific Pokémon Vstar cards are proving to be the most valuable and sought-after among collectors:
Arceus Vstar (Gold Secret Rare) – $400-500
The Gold Arceus Vstar commands the highest price of any Vstar, unsurprising given its premium gold secret rare status and likely sub-5,000 print run. Gold cards have an eye-catching aesthetic and have routinely achieved $400+ prices across Pokémon‘s history. An extremely scarce Arceus Vstar was destined to hit top dollar.
Charizard Vstar (Rainbow Rare) – $150-200
As the most popular Pokémon, Charizard‘s Rainbow Rare Vstar was also guaranteed to be a top chase card. While the regular Vstar version is cheap, rainbow rare Charizard cards perpetually hold an ultra premium. The Brilliant Stars rainbow Vstar provides a cheaper alternative to the $500+ Evolving Skies version.
Whimsicott Vstar (Alternate Art) – $120-150
Whimsicott has one of the most impressive alternate art designs among Vstars showcasing gorgeous intertwining foliage. For collectors that appreciate the artwork, this beautiful and relatively scarce alternate art is highly desirable.
Lugia Vstar (Alternate Art) – $100-130
Lugia has a fan-favorite design among Pokémon legendaries and its Vstar alternate art captures Lugia‘s aerodynamic elegance in stunning detail. Lugia‘s collectability and the sale price of over $100 for this alternate art comes as no surprise.
Glaceon Vstar (Alternate Art) – $90-120
As one of two early released Vstars, Glaceon had time to build value as the set mascot. This icy scene also pairs perfectly with the Diamond & Pearl nostalgia that Brilliant Stars aimed to capture.
Affordable V Stars for Casual Collectors
While the rarest Vstars run $100+, the regular Vstar card versions remain fairly affordable for casual collectors:
Charizard Vstar (Regular) – $15-25
Despite being the most sought-after Pokémon, the regular Charizard Vstar maintains a price under $25. While not cheap, it‘s still the most reasonably priced way to own the Brilliant Stars set mascot.
Arceus Vstar (Regular) – $10-15
Arceus is priced lower than Charizard which shows the power of being the set headliner. Without a fancy treatment, the normal Arceus Vstar is budget friendly.
Duraludon Vstar, Granbull Vstar – $5-10
Most regular Vstar base set cards from Brilliant Stars can be acquired for under $10. Lesser desired Pokémon like Duraludon and Granbull become almost bargain bin options.
Damaged Vstars – $1-5
Heavily played or damaged Vstar cards can occasionally be found in the $1-$5 range. But expect very poor condition with creases, edge wear, etc. Still, it offers a super budget way to own these iconic new cards.
For collectors on a budget, sticking to regular Vstars is advised. Let the high rolling investors chase the four figure golden Arceus!
Strongest Pokémon V Star Cards for Gameplay
Competitive players also seek out the Vstar cards with the most meta-impacting abilities:
Arceus Vstar
Arceus‘ "Starbirth" ability can fetch any 2 cards from deck to hand or attach as energy. This quickly powers up your board state and provides tremendous flexibility.
Whimsicott Vstar
Whimsicott‘s "Star Search" ability provides recurring healing and position swapping providing immense sustain for your team.
Lugia Vstar
Lugia Vstar‘s "Aeroblast Vstar" delivers a 300 damage nuke for just 2 energy. The one-time super attack can KO nearly any V or VMAX.
Leafeon Vstar, Glaceon Vstar
These Vstars have spreading attacks hitting multiple Pokémon at once. Combined with Quick Shooting Inteleon lines, they enable blistering fast setup.
Just one of these Vstar game-changers can overhaul a deck strategy. Their unique Vstar Powers are impactful effects no other cards can replicate.
Estimated Vstar Card Totals Per Set
Based on the inaugural Brilliant Stars set, here are the expected Vstar totals per expansion:
Regular Vstar Cards – Around 10-12 regular Vstar cards in the main set.
Special Alternate Arts – Each set will contain 4-8 alternate art Vstars.
Secret Rares – Expect 1-3 special rarity Vstars like rainbow rare and gold secret rare.
Total Vstars Per Set – This puts the complete Vstar lineup at approximately 15-25 cards for standard releases.
Given the steep 1:30 to 1:1000 pull rates on Vstars, completing a full set from any given expansion will require immense pack openings.
Upcoming Pokémon V Star Sets
While the Vstar mechanic debuted in Brilliant Stars, many more sets integrating Vstars are on the horizon:
Astral Radiance (May 2022)
- Origin Forme Palkia and Dialga Vstar featured
Japanese Vstar Universe (July 2022)
- Reprints and new alt arts for existing Vstars
Lost Origin (September 2022)
- Giratina and Gengar Vstar expected
Silver Tempest (November 2022)
- Lugia Vstar in English likely
With continued Vstar support planned throughout 2022, collectors can anticipate even more amazing alternate art Vstars along with new Pokémon receiving Vstar treatments.
Completing the Vstar Master Set Challenge
For investors and collectors like myself aiming to acquire a full Vstar master set, expect it to be a long journey requiring thousands of packs across multiple releases. Here is my strategic advice:
- Start by collecting regular Vstars first as they will be the most affordable
- Targeting alt arts/secret rares early is unwise – buy singles instead
- Acquiring all regular Vstars for a set takes ~200-400 packs on average
- Budget $2000+ for a complete master set with all alt arts/secrets
- Consider collecting just one Pokémon (like all Charizard Vstars) as a smaller goal
The master Vstar set is a long-term collector goal, but amassing these sparkling ultra rares pack-by-pack is an exciting adventure. As new sets launch, the Vstar hunt begins anew!
