Funko Pop! Chase Variants: How They Work and How to Find Them

Quick Answer

Funko Pop! chase variants are rare, alternate versions of standard figures, typically packed at a ratio of 1 in 6 (about 16.7%) for common releases and 1 in 9 for exclusive lines. To find them, buy from reputable retailers that sell sealed cases, watch for online restocks, or purchase the chase directly from secondary markets if you prefer certainty over the thrill of the hunt.

Chase variants are some of the most exciting finds in Funko collecting. They are alternate versions of a standard Pop! figure, often with different paint, glow-in-the-dark features, or metallic finishes, and they are randomly packed into cases. For many collectors, the chase is the ultimate prize—a way to own a rarer version of a favorite character without paying resale prices.

But how do chases actually work? How likely are you to pull one? And what's the smartest way to add one to your collection? This guide breaks down the mechanics, gives you concrete hunting strategies, and shows you real examples of chases you can target today.

What Is a Funko Pop! Chase Variant?

A chase variant is a limited, alternate version of a standard Funko Pop! figure. It shares the same mold but features a different finish or detail, such as a metallic paint job, a glow-in-the-dark effect, or a unique accessory. For example, the Funko Pop! Dragon Ball Super Hero Son Gohan (Beast) #1703 comes in both a common and a chase version, giving collectors a reason to hunt for the rarer variant.

Chases are not separate releases; they are packed randomly into the same cases as the common versions. This means you could order a single Pop! online and receive either the common or the chase—there's no way to know which one you'll get until you open the box. That randomness is what makes chases so exciting, but it also makes them harder to find.

• Chase variants are never guaranteed—even if you buy a full case, you might not get one.
• Check the back of the box or the product listing for chase odds; some lines are 1 in 6, others are 1 in 9.

How Do Funko Chase Odds Work?

Funko typically packs chases at a ratio of 1 in 6 for standard releases, meaning one chase per case of six figures. For exclusive lines, the ratio is often 1 in 9. These odds are not published for every figure, but they are widely known in the community and often listed on retailer product pages. Keep in mind that odds apply to cases, not individual purchases—buying one Pop! gives you a 1-in-6 chance if the case is full, but if you buy from a store that has already opened the case, your odds may be lower.

Some retailers sell chases separately at a premium, which is a reliable way to get exactly what you want. For example, the Funko Pop! Dragon Ball Super Hero Son Gohan (Beast) #1703 Common and Chase is listed at $27.50, with a comparison price of $54.99, reflecting the chase's higher market value. If you prefer certainty, buying the chase directly can save you from buying multiple commons in hopes of pulling one.

Where to Find Funko Chase Variants

Your best bet for finding chases at retail is to buy from stores that sell sealed cases or allow you to order a full case. Online retailers sometimes offer case purchases, which guarantee you'll get the chase if the odds are in your favor. However, this is only true if the case is unopened and the retailer doesn't cherry-pick chases. Buying from a trusted store like OR Anime, which states 'BRAND NEW' and 'original (unopened) packaging,' reduces that risk.

Another strategy is to check online restocks. When a popular Pop! gets a restock, chases are often included in the mix. Set up alerts for product pages, and be ready to order quickly. Finally, consider secondary markets like eBay or Mercari, where you can buy a chase outright. Prices vary, but if you compare the cost of buying multiple commons to the chase's market price, you can decide which approach is more economical.

Chase Variants vs. Exclusives: Know the Difference

Chase variants are often confused with exclusives, but they are not the same. Exclusives are limited to a specific retailer or event, like the Funko Pop! Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Satoru Gojo (Red Energy) #2323 Exclusive, which is only available at certain stores. Chases, on the other hand, are random variants within a standard release. A figure can be both an exclusive and a chase, like the Funko Pop! Trains Star Wars Darth Vader on Tie Fighter #20 - D100 - Amazon Exclusive, which is an exclusive but not a chase.

Understanding this distinction helps you set your collecting goals. If you want a specific character, an exclusive might be easier to find since it's tied to a known retailer. If you want a rare variant, a chase requires more effort—either through case purchases, restock alerts, or paying a premium on the secondary market.

Decision Rules for Chase Hunting

• If you want the thrill of the hunt: Buy from retailers that sell sealed cases or allow case purchases. Check the product listing for chase odds (1 in 6 or 1 in 9) and be prepared for the possibility of getting commons. Set a budget for how many commons you're willing to buy before you hit the chase's market price.
• If you want certainty: Buy the chase directly from a secondary market or a retailer that sells chases separately. Compare the premium price to the cost of buying multiple commons. If the chase's market price is less than the cost of 6 commons, buying directly is the smarter financial move.
• If you're on a tight budget: Focus on exclusives rather than chases. Exclusives are easier to find and often have lower resale premiums, like the Funko Pop! Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Satoru Gojo (Red Energy) #2323 at $12.50. Start with exclusives to build your collection while you learn the chase market.

Real Chase Examples to Consider

• Funko Pop! Dragon Ball Super Hero Son Gohan (Beast) #1703 - Common and Chase: This exclusive Funko Shop collectible features Gohan in his iconic beast form, with original (unopened) packaging and both Common and Chase variants. Priced at $27.50 (comparison price $54.99). This is a clear example of a chase variant with a significant value gap. If you're hunting for a chase, this is a prime target because the chase version is highly sought after.
• Funko Pop! Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Satoro Gojo (Red Energy) #2323 Exclusive: An exclusive figure featuring Gojo unleashing his Reversal Red technique, capturing his iconic look with dynamic energy. Priced at $12.50 (comparison price $24.99). While not a chase, this exclusive shows how retailer-specific releases can be just as valuable. If you're new to collecting, exclusives are easier to find than chases.

Who Should Hunt Chases?

Best for

• Collectors who enjoy the thrill of unboxing and the excitement of a rare pull.
• Investors looking to flip chases for profit, given the significant value gap between common and chase.

Not for

• Budget-conscious collectors who prefer guaranteed purchases over gambling on odds.
• Those who want a specific character and are not interested in random variants.

Chase variants add a layer of excitement to Funko collecting, but they require a strategy. Whether you decide to hunt for chases in sealed cases or pay a premium for certainty, understanding the odds and your own collecting goals will help you make the right choice. Start with a clear budget, and remember that the chase is just one part of the fun—your collection is what you make of it.