The Ultimate Guide to Secret Labubu: A Deep Dive into Chase Figures, Rarity, and Value

In the world of blind box collecting, “chase figures”—also known as secrets—are the ultimate prize. For fans of the LABUBU series from Pop Mart, finding a secret Labubu is the holy grail. But what exactly is a chase figure? Why do some sell for hundreds, even thousands, of dollars? And how are the odds calculated? This article will give you everything you need to know about secret Labubu figures from a beginner’s perspective.

Table of Contents

What is a “Chase” or “Secret” Figure?

Within the blind box system, a “chase figure” (or “secret”) is a special, rare design that is released in addition to the standard set.

Rarity: Most chase figures have incredibly low odds of being found, often as low as 1 in 72 or 1 in 144, or even rarer.
Collector’s Value: Because of their limited nature and unique design, the resale value of a chase figure can be several times its original price.
Psychological Appeal: The thrill of discovering a chase figure is a huge part of the blind box experience, making it the core appeal for many collectors.

In the Labubu series, chase figures often feature bolder designs than the regular ones, such as special color schemes, exclusive molds, or collaborative themes.

“For a full list of all Labubu characters and their series variants, check out our Labubu Names — Quick Lookup.”

How Does Case Ratio Work?

So, why are these chase figures so hard to get? It all comes down to the Case Ratio.

Typical Setup: A full case of blind boxes usually contains 12 or 24 individual boxes.
Standard Figures: Most of the boxes will contain the standard 12 figures, distributed with even odds.
Chase Figure Slot: If a case includes a chase figure, it will randomly replace one of the standard figures.

For example:

If the official ratio is 1:168, it means that on average, you’d need to open 168 blind boxes to find one chase figure.
If you buy an entire case of 12 boxes, your theoretical odds are only about 16.6%.

Why are Secret Labubu Figures So Expensive?

The “Mini Labubu” series from 2024 is a perfect case study.

Original Price: The retail price was about $11 (roughly 79 Chinese yuan) per box.
Market Price: The chase figure for this series has been reselling for anywhere from $100 to over $160.
Highest Sale: One single chase figure was reportedly sold on a resale platform for over $165.
Full Case Resale: An entire case of the Mini Labubu series was being resold for over $380, more than double the official retail price.

This market is driven by supply and demand:

Demand: Collectors and scalpers rush to buy, with everyone wanting to get their hands on a chase figure.
Supply: The official supply is limited and the odds are incredibly low.
The Hype Factor: The harder it is to get something, the more valuable and exclusive it feels, which further fuels the hype.

“Identifying a Secret Labubu often requires a keen eye and a solid understanding of the various series. If you need a refresher on all Labubu names and their corresponding series, our quick lookup guide can be a valuable reference.”

The Top 10 Most Coveted Chase Figures

Below is a list of some of the most sought-after secret Labubu figures from past releases. You might recognize one or two of them.

Heart Labubu (Mini Series Chase): Featuring a pink heart theme, this figure’s value has soared to over 10 times its retail price.
Black & Gold Labubu (Limited Chase): With its black base and gold accents, this is a highly prized collector’s item.
Christmas Labubu Secret: A special edition with a Santa hat that is highly sought after every holiday season.
Skeleton Tycoco x Labubu Collaboration: A popular two-figure set that instantly became a hit upon release.
Special Zimomo Colorway: Known as a “chase within a chase” due to the character’s rarity.
Pink Mokoko Secret: A super rare color variant of the character known as the “narcissistic little princess.”
Transparent Labubu: A unique, fully transparent design symbolizing a “spirit,” which commands an extremely high price.
Glow-in-the-Dark Secret: A highly popular figure among collectors that glows in the dark.
Limited Convention Secret Labubu: Exclusively released at special events in places like Shanghai or Hong Kong.
Prototype Secret: An extremely limited number of these original prototypes have made it to the market and are considered the ultimate “holy grail.”

Common Questions from Collectors

Q1: Can you tell a chase figure by weighing the box?

A: Some chase figures do have a different weight from the standard figures due to their accessories or materials. However, manufacturers have taken measures to prevent this, so the accuracy of this method is limited. Plus, most collectors don’t get the chance to weigh the boxes before buying.

Q2: If I buy a whole case, am I guaranteed to get a chase figure?

A: Unfortunately, no. The Case Ratio only indicates probability. Buying a full case does not guarantee a chase figure. This is why the secondary market is so hot, as many collectors who bought a whole case end up disappointed.

Q3: Why are some chase figures worth more than others?

A: Their value is primarily influenced by three factors: the uniqueness of the design, market hype, and scarcity. For example, the Heart Labubu from its series is significantly more valuable than other secrets from the same line.

Final Thoughts

Secret Labubu figures are arguably the most captivating part of the entire Labubu family. They are more than just rare blind box figures; they represent a collector’s passion and the thrill of the hunt. From the cold, hard probabilities of the Case Ratio to the excitement of unboxing and the heated resale market, chase figures are at the very heart of Labubu culture.

If you’re just starting your Labubu collection, remember this: the chase figure isn’t the whole experience, but it’s definitely the soul of the surprise.

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