VSTAR Cards – The New Secret Rares of Pokémon TCG

VSTAR cards are the latest ultra rare card type in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Introduced in early 2022, VSTARs have quickly become secret rares that every collector and player wants to pull from new sets. But what exactly are VSTARs, and which ones like Darkrai VSTAR have the most value and long term potential? Let‘s dive into the VSTAR mechanic and find out.

VSTARs – Evolution of the Ultra Rare

VSTAR cards represent the next evolution of ultra rare Pokémon. Taking a cue from past card types like EX, GX, and VMAX; VSTARs allow basic Pokémon to power up with a special VSTAR Power ability or attack. As the new hot collectible, the VSTAR card type itself is considered secret rare.

Here‘s how VSTARs improve on past ultra rare formats:

• Higher HP than EX, GX, or standard Vs
• Tactical VSTAR Power adds unique strategy
• Etched foil and textured full arts are stunning
• Designed as basic Pokémon for flexibility
• Pull rates at secret rare rarity or better

This combination of strength, design, and scarcity is what makes VSTARs so desirable. Their logo and textured etched foil is instantly recognizable as the new ultra rare card in any set.

Why Darkrai VSTAR is a Rising Star

As a powerful and iconic mythical Pokémon, Darkrai was already a top tier card before getting the VSTAR treatment. But with fantastic art and meta relevance, its VSTAR version has become the poster child for this new mechanic.

Here‘s why Darkrai VSTAR is attracting so much buzz:

• Strong competitive utility with hit and run tactics
• Character popularity as a legendary dark-type
• Some of the most beautiful alternate arts in the set
• Short printed in a special small set, Silver Tempest

Both for playable value and collecting, Darkrai checks all the right boxes. No wonder it‘s skyrocketed to the top VSTAR slot.

Rarity Breakdown – Pull Rates and Print Runs

With multiple versions released, we need to examine production data to see how truly scarce Darkrai VSTAR is:

The Gold Secret Rare stands far apart with an ultra low pull rate. But even the more common versions are shorter printed than main set cards.

Total print runs have not been revealed, but based on pack opening data:

• Normal VSTAR is likely 50,000 – 100,000
• Rainbow Rare 30,000 – 60,000
• Gold Secret is capped at 10,000

These limited productions make all versions rare pulls. But the Gold Secret is in truly elite company.

Current Darkrai VSTAR Market Values

Rarity directly translates to market prices:

Again we see a massive price jump between Rainbow Rare and Gold Secret Rare. The normal VSTAR holds strong budget value.

Competitive Viability and Playability

A key factor propping up Darkrai VSTAR‘s value is its competitive viability. As one of the top decks from Silver Tempest, Darkrai offers strong hit and run tactics:

• Retreat cost of only 1 makes it extremely mobile
• Sniping damage spread disrupts opponent strategy
• VSTAR Power resets Darkness energy to reuse again

This speedy pressure combined with 270HP makes Darkrai a meta pick. Utility beyond just collecting drives up player demand.

Long Term Growth Trajectory

As a special set VSTAR, Darkrai has higher growth potential than main series entries:

• Short supply stimulates price increases
• Playability sustains interest past release hype
• Special set tag adds collector premium

The Gold Secret Rare however is capped by its larger 10K print run. The normal VSTAR likely has the most room to multiply over time as it moves from bulk to scarce.

Art Direction – Full Arts and Rainbow Rares

Stunning artwork also makes VSTARs like Darkrai more desirable. The full art depicts Darkrai ominously emerging from bright pink fog under a moonlit sky. Its rainbow rare meanwhile shifts the color palette to shining gold.

These stylized collector prints combined with the etched VSTAR foil creates visual appeal that matches Darkrai‘s competitive strength.

Investing in VSTARs – Growth, Trends and Strategy

For investors, VSTARs represent the start of a new ultra rare card era. Some tips:

• Focus on meta relevant VSTARs
• Prioritize affordable normal VSTAR versions
• Consider full arts for collector allure
• Monitor growing trends and community hype
• Sell into initial release spikes
• Be selective buying at peak prices
• Hold for long term as demand exceeds supply
• Diversity beyond chasing the top VSTARs

Well chosen VSTARs like Darkrai have plenty of growth runway. But be wary of overpaying on hype. Hidden gems often emerge after early frenzies subside.

The Verdict – A Star on the Rise

Darkrai VSTAR perfectly aligns art, lore, playability and rarity. While the Gold Secret Rare is clearly the lowest population version, it already demands a steep premium. The more affordable normal VSTAR has the most investment upside potential.

For budget friendly access to a meta relevant VSTAR, Darkrai is a smart choice under $10. As the new ultra rare card type, VSTARs have reinvigorated the chase and created a new generation of secret rares. Their long term outlook is bright, and Darkrai will continue leading the way into competitive decks and collections.