Illustration Rares are dream cards — but their frequency depends heavily on the set. Here are the key benchmarks to know before buying.
In this article
Illustration Rare vs SIR
Illustration Rares (IR) and Special Illustration Rares (SIR) both occupy the rare+ slot in a booster. IRs have a higher probability (~10% of the slot in most sets) while SIRs are rarer (~4.5% in standard sets, up to 34% in Prismatic Evolutions). Both feature full-art extended illustrations.
Best sets for IR/SIR
Scarlet & Purple Elite Trainer Set - Prismatic Evolutions
$219.99
$24.44/pack
Scarlet & Violet Prismatic Evolutions Booster Pack - 10 Cards
$21.88
$21.88/pack
Mega Evolution—Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box
$89.93
$9.99/pack
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- Standard SV sets (sv1–sv7): IR ~10%, SIR ~4.5% of rare+ slot
- Prismatic Evolutions (sv8pt5): SIR ~34% — the highest rate in any set
- Mega Evolution (me1): IR ~10%, SIR ~4.5%, Mega Hyper Rare ~0.5%
Illustration Rare odds by expansion
Illustration Rare odds by expansion
| Expansion | Set code | IR rate (rare+ slot) | Avg IR / 9 packs (ETB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mega Evolution | me1 | ~10% | 0 to 1 (often 1) |
| Shrouded Fable | sv6.5 | ~10% | 0 to 1 |
| Prismatic Evolutions | sv8pt5 | ~10% (IR) · SIR ~34% | 1 to 3 illustration hits |
| Black Bolt | sv9 | ~10% | 0 to 1 |
| Chaos Ascendant | me04 | ~10% | 0 to 1 |
rateTCG community estimates — rare+ slot only.
FAQ
What are the odds of pulling an Illustration Rare per pack?
In a standard set like Mega Evolution (me1) or Shrouded Fable (sv6.5), the IR slot is roughly 10% of the rare+ pool — about 1 IR every 10 packs on average, any IR in the set.
Is an IR easier to pull than a SIR?
Yes, clearly: IR is roughly twice as common as SIR on ME sets (~10% vs ~4.5%). On Prismatic Evolutions (sv8pt5), the SIR slot jumps to ~34%, which changes the usual math entirely.
How many IRs in a 9-pack ETB?
On a standard set: typically 0 to 1 IR, sometimes 2 with luck. It's not guaranteed — variance is real on just 9 packs.
Which set is best for Illustration Rare hunting?
Shrouded Fable and Mega Evolution both offer strong IR pools with distinct artwork. To maximize SIRs instead of IRs, target Prismatic Evolutions. Check rateTCG pull rates before buying.
Calculate your pull rates
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