Special Illustration Rares sit near the top of Ascended Heroes' rarity tiers, landing at roughly 1 in 70 packs. That's a genuinely long shot from any single pack, but it's exactly what makes this tier such a compelling chase for dedicated collectors.
Understanding what makes this tier special helps explain the appeal beyond the raw odds.
Here's a full breakdown.
None of this requires having pulled one yourself to appreciate.
Special Illustration Rares are specifically designed with premium, expanded artwork that goes beyond a standard card's frame, giving them a genuinely different visual presence compared to lower rarities. This dedicated artistic treatment is a big part of why collectors chase them regardless of the underlying card's competitive relevance.
For many collectors, the appeal is purely about owning a piece of standout artwork tied to the set.
A single pack gives well under a 2% chance, a 4-pack tin brings that to roughly 6%, and a full booster box meaningfully improves your odds further through sheer volume. Understanding how these odds scale helps you set realistic expectations before committing to a specific purchase size.
No purchase size guarantees a pull — only improves the probability.
A Special Illustration Rare deserves protection matching its rarity. EVORETRO's One-Touch Magnetic Holder gives it rigid, display-ready protection immediately.
For showing it off, EVORETRO's Transparent Display Stand 5-Pack lets the expanded artwork stand out properly.
Even without landing one, opening packs specifically hoping for this tier is part of the enjoyment for many collectors — the anticipation is genuinely part of the experience, not just a means to an end. Treating the chase itself as worthwhile, separate from the outcome, keeps the hobby fun regardless of results.
Collectors who frame it this way tend to report more consistent satisfaction than those focused purely on landing the card.
Special Illustration Rares from a popular, record-setting set like Ascended Heroes tend to hold stronger secondary-market value than the same tier from a less popular release, given sustained collector demand. Checking current listings on established marketplaces gives the clearest picture of where a specific card currently stands.
Early post-release volatility tends to settle into more predictable pricing after the first few months on the market.
Given the premium artwork and genuine rarity of this tier, many collectors do consider professional grading for a Special Illustration Rare pull, especially one in strong condition. Researching current grading costs and typical turnaround times helps determine whether it makes sense for your specific card and goals.
Not every pull needs grading — but for a true chase-tier card, it's a reasonable option to weigh seriously.
Rather than buying indiscriminately in hopes of a pull, setting a firm budget and treating each purchase as an incremental shot at the odds keeps the chase enjoyable rather than stressful. Combining a modest, planned budget with realistic expectations is the healthiest way to pursue this tier.
Patience paired with a clear budget beats impulsive, unlimited buying every time.
Beyond a single standout pull, collectors often build entire sub-collections specifically around Special Illustration Rares across multiple sets, treating this tier as a dedicated collecting focus separate from set completion. This approach lets you appreciate premium artwork across a whole card pool rather than being tied to one specific release.
Ascended Heroes' entries in this tier are a natural addition to that kind of ongoing collection.
Because Special Illustration Rares span multiple cards within the set rather than being a single fixed card, keeping a checklist of which specific pulls exist in this tier helps you track progress toward a complete set. Community-maintained checklists and card database sites are useful references for this.
Knowing exactly what's out there also helps you recognize a genuine pull immediately when it happens.
Roughly 1 in 70 packs, or about 6% across a 4-pack tin.
No, Mega Attack Rare is rarer at roughly 1 in 300 packs.
Often yes, for a pull in strong condition, given the tier's rarity and demand.
Yes, higher pack volume meaningfully improves cumulative odds over a single tin.
Understanding the real odds makes the chase more enjoyable, not less. Pick up EVORETRO's One-Touch Magnetic Holder for whatever you pull.
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