In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, there are three important rarity levels you should know: Common, Uncommon, and Rare. While Common and Uncommon cards are relatively easy to find, Rare cards are divided into further categories that include highly sought-after and valuable collector's items. From Regular Rare to Ultra Rare and Special Art Rare, there are many different gradations that make collecting and playing exciting. In this article, we'll take a look at the different rarity levels of Japanese Pokémon TCG cards and their special features.

Common - C

Common cards (Japanese コモン, komon) are the most frequently occurring cards in any set. They usually consist of basic, unevolved Pokémon and mostly feature simpler abilities. Their primary purpose is to supplement a deck or support basic game mechanics.

Flegmon (sv2a, #079) eng: Slowpoke jap:	Bummelz (sv8, #082) eng: Slakoth jap:	Tangela (sv5a, #001) eng: Tangela jap:

 

Uncommon - U

Uncommon cards (Japanese アンコモン, ankomon) are a bit harder to get than Common cards and include both evolved and unevolved Pokémon. They are essential for many decks, often playing key roles in the game, for example, as Trainer or Supporter cards.

 

Laschoking (sv7, #039) eng: Slowking jap:	Glutexo (sv3, #013) eng: Charmeleon jap:	Schlapfel (sv7a, #047) eng: Appletun jap:

 

Rare - R

Rare cards (Japanese レア, rea) are characterized by strong play values and can significantly influence the outcome of a match. Rare cards are available as both Regular Rare and Holo Rare.

Panferno (sv5a, #017) eng: Infernape jap:	Dragoran (sv2a, #149) eng: Dragonite jap:	Togekiss (sv8, #047) eng: Togekiss jap:

 

Double Rare - RR

Double Rare cards (Japanese ダブルレア, dabururea) are the most common rarity level for ex cards. Terrakristall ex cards also belong to this category. 

Turtok ex (sv2a, #009) eng: Blastoise ex jap:	Mopex ex (sv7a, #051) eng: Cyclizar ex jap:	Milotic ex (sv8, #026) eng: Milotic ex jap:

  

Secret Rares

Secret Rare cards have a number outside the official card count of the set (e.g., 078/064). They are usually reissues of other cards from the same set, but with special artwork, such as an alternative holo pattern, depictions of shiny Pokémon, or gold embellishments.

Art Rare - AR 

Art Rare cards (Japanese アートレア, ātorea) are artfully designed Full-Art cards that emphasize the special features and characteristics of the Pokémon depicted. Typically, 3 Art Rare cards are found in a booster display.

Evoli (sv5a, #078) eng: Evee jap:	Hokumil (sv7, #110) eng: Milcery jap:	Schiggy (sv2a, #170) eng: Squirtle jap:

 

Super Rare - SR 

Super Rare cards (Japanese スーパーレア, sūpārea) are often Pokémon ex or Supporter cards and are characterized by a special texture. They are significantly rarer than ordinary Rare cards. One SR card is usually included in each booster display.

Hydrapfel ex (sv7, #115) eng: Hydrapple ex jap:	Dedenne ex (sv1a, #089) eng: Dedenne ex jap:	Surfer (sv7a, #084) eng: Surfer jap:

 

Special Art Rare - SAR 

Special Art Rare cards (Japanese スペシャルアートレア, supesharuātorea) are a special version of Art Rare cards that feature an additional layer of glitter foil and often show alternative artworks of coveted Pokémon or Supporter cards. With a bit of luck, a booster display will contain an SAR card, which then takes the place of an SR card.

Backel ex (sv7, #129) eng: Dachsbun ex jap:	Jens' Überzeugung (sv5K, #097) eng: Morty's Confidence jap:	Tracys Unterstützung (sv5a, #093) eng: Lana's Assistance jap:

 

Ultra Rare - UR 

Ultra Rare cards (Japanese ウルトラレア, urutorarea) are golden Full Art cards with glittering holo foil. They feature Pokémon, Items, Tools, Stadiums, or Energy cards and stand out due to their special appearance. If drawn in a booster pack, they take the place of the SR card in the box.

Mew ex (sv2a, #208) eng: Mew ex jap:	Strandplatz (sv3, #091) eng:  Beach Court jap:	Glurak ex (sv3, #139) eng:  Charizard ex jap:

 

 

Comparison with International Rarities

Common	C		Common
Uncommon	U		Uncommon
Rare	R		Rare
Double Rare	RR		Double Rare
Super Rare	SR	/	Ultra Rare
Art Rare	AR		Illustration Rare
Special Art Rare	SAR		Special Illustration Rare
Ultra Rare	UR		Hyper Rare
ACE SPEC

 

Conclusion 

The rarity levels of Japanese Pokémon cards from the Scarlet & Violet era offer plenty of collecting fun! From the common Common cards to the highly coveted Ultra Rare and Special Art Rare cards – there's something for everyone!

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