How Rare is a Mythic MTG?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
In the world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the allure of opening a booster pack and discovering a coveted card is a cornerstone of the experience. Among the various rarities, the mythic rare stands out as particularly desirable, sparking the question: How rare is a mythic MTG card, really? The straightforward answer is that, on average, a mythic rare appears in approximately 1 out of every 8 booster packs that would otherwise contain a rare. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Several factors contribute to the overall rarity and desirability of specific mythic rares. These include print runs, the popularity and power of the card in gameplay, and the overall demand from collectors.
Understanding MTG Rarity
Before diving deeper into the specifics of mythic rares, let’s briefly review the established hierarchy of rarity in Magic: The Gathering:
- Common: The most frequently appearing cards, usually with a black expansion symbol.
- Uncommon: More scarce than commons, identified by a silver expansion symbol.
- Rare: Less common than uncommons, marked with a gold expansion symbol.
- Mythic Rare: The rarest of the traditional rarities, distinguished by an orange-red or bronze expansion symbol.
- Special: These are marked as common but have an “S” instead of a “C” in the information below the text box. Like basic lands, cards with this rarity are always available to you, whether you drafted it or not.
The concept of rarity is a crucial driver in the MTG secondary market. Rarer cards, especially those with powerful abilities or iconic artwork, tend to command higher prices.
The “1 in 8” Rule Explained
The widely accepted “1 in 8” statistic originates from the printing process itself. MTG cards are printed on large sheets, and the distribution of rares and mythic rares on these sheets determines the overall pull rates. Typically, a print sheet will contain fewer mythic rare cards compared to rare cards. For instance, if a sheet has 121 slots, roughly 15 of those slots might be allocated to mythic rares instead of standard rares, resulting in the approximate 1/8 ratio.
Specific Mythic Rare Odds
While you have a roughly 1 in 8 chance of your “rare” slot containing a Mythic Rare, your odds of getting a specific mythic rare are lower. Print sheets typically include only one copy of each mythic rare within a given MTG set. In contrast, rares are often printed with two copies on the sheet. Thus, the probability of opening a particular mythic rare in a booster pack can be calculated as roughly 1 divided by the total number of cards on the sheet (121), equating to approximately 0.83%. Conversely, your odds of pulling a specific rare card from a booster pack are around 2/121, or 1.65%.
Set Boosters vs. Draft Boosters
It’s important to note that the aforementioned odds generally apply to traditional draft boosters. Wizards of the Coast also produces set boosters, which have different pull rates designed to offer an enhanced opening experience. Set boosters can contain multiple rares and/or mythic rares in a single pack, increasing the odds of finding these valuable cards. Recent data suggests that set boosters can increase the odds of pulling a mythic to as high as 1 in 7.4, approximately a 13.51% chance per pack.
Factors Influencing Mythic Rare Value
The rarity is just one part of the valuation equation, and many more factors go into whether it is valuable or not.
- Playability: A mythic rare that sees widespread play in competitive formats (Standard, Modern, Legacy, Commander, etc.) will generally be more valuable than one that is considered “bulk mythic” (i.e., not very useful in gameplay).
- Demand: Demand is driven by collector interest, the card’s artwork, and the character or lore associated with it. A visually stunning mythic rare featuring a popular character may command a premium price.
- Print Run: Cards printed in limited quantities or from older sets tend to be more valuable due to scarcity. This includes cards from the earliest MTG sets like Alpha and Beta.
- Condition: The physical condition of a card significantly impacts its value. Cards in near-mint or mint condition are worth considerably more than those with visible wear and tear.
- Grading: Professional grading services (e.g., PSA, Beckett) assess the condition of cards and assign a grade. A high grade can substantially increase a card’s value, especially for highly sought-after mythic rares.
Mythic Rares Worth the Most
Speaking of high-value mythic rares, some cards from specific sets have the potential to be worth a substantial amount of money.
- Black Lotus: The Black Lotus is the holy grail for many MTG collectors, with the Alpha version being exceptionally rare and valuable. It gives the player three mana of a single color when tapped, costs nothing to put into play, and can be used as an interrupt.
- Dual Lands: These lands from the Alpha and Beta sets that let you tap for two different colors are extremely valuable.
- Mox Cards: Cards like Mox Ruby are from the Alpha set and are therefore extremely rare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the easiest way to tell if a Magic card is mythic rare?
Look for the expansion set symbol on the card. Mythic rares are distinguished by a red-orange or bronze symbol. Rare cards have a gold symbol, uncommons have silver, and commons have a black or white symbol.
2. Are mythic rare cards always expensive?
No. While mythic rares are rarer than other card types, not all mythic rares are expensive. A mythic rare’s price is determined by its playability, demand, condition, and overall scarcity.
3. What are the odds of pulling a specific rare vs. a specific mythic rare?
The odds of pulling a specific rare are higher than pulling a specific mythic rare. A sheet will typically include only one copy of each mythic rare in a set and two copies of each rare, making the odds of pulling a specific rare card 2/121, while the odds of pulling a specific mythic rare card 1/121.
4. Are set boosters better for pulling mythic rares than draft boosters?
Yes, set boosters are designed to have a higher chance of containing mythic rares compared to draft boosters. Set boosters may contain multiple rares and mythic rares, improving your overall odds. With the change in pull rates to 1 in 7.4, players have a 13.51% chance to find a mythic rare in a booster pack. The average mythic rare found in a Standard set booster box increases to 4.86.
5. Can you get mythic rares in preconstructed decks?
Sometimes, preconstructed decks or other specially curated products may include mythic rares. However, this is not always the case, and the contents of such products vary.
6. How does rarity affect gameplay in MTG?
Rarity does not directly affect a card’s power level, but stronger and more complex cards are often printed at higher rarities. Mythic rares frequently feature unique and impactful abilities that can significantly influence a game.
7. Is legendary rarer than mythic?
Legendary is a card type in MTG that refers to a specific supertype of permanents (creatures, artifacts, enchantments, etc.). Mythic is a rarity level, one step above rare. A card can be both legendary and mythic rare.
8. What is the most expensive Magic: The Gathering card ever sold?
The Black Lotus is one of the most expensive Magic: The Gathering cards ever sold. Last year, Malone spent $800,000 on a “Black Lotus,” making it the most expensive Magic card at the time.
9. Are there any uncommon MTG cards worth money?
Yes, there are uncommon MTG cards that are worth money, such as Solve the Equation and Storm-Kiln Artist.
10. What makes a mythic rare card collectible?
Several factors contribute to the collectibility of a mythic rare, including its rarity, playability, artwork, historical significance, and condition. Cards from older sets or those with unique artwork are especially desirable among collectors.
11. How do I protect my valuable mythic rare cards?
To protect your valuable mythic rare cards, it is important to use sleeves and toploaders to prevent scratches and bending. Also, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
12. What is MTG Arena, and how does rarity work in the digital game?
MTG Arena is a digital version of Magic: The Gathering. Rarity levels function similarly to paper Magic, with commons, uncommons, rares, and mythic rares. Players acquire cards through booster packs, wildcards (which can be exchanged for specific cards of a certain rarity), and other in-game rewards.
13. Can the odds of pulling a mythic rare vary between different MTG sets?
Yes, although the overall “1 in 8” rule is generally consistent, there can be minor variations in the distribution of mythic rares between different MTG sets.
14. How is the value of a mythic rare determined?
A mythic rare’s price is determined by its playability, demand, condition, and overall scarcity. Cards from older sets or those with unique artwork are especially desirable among collectors.
15. Where can I learn more about the game mechanics and strategy behind Magic: The Gathering?
There are numerous resources available for learning more about Magic: The Gathering, including official Wizards of the Coast websites, strategy articles, video tutorials, and community forums. You can also check out academic organizations that study games, like the Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, to explore how games enhance learning.
In conclusion, while the average pull rate of 1 in 8 offers a general guideline, understanding the various factors that contribute to a card’s value is crucial for both players and collectors. The world of MTG is complex and ever-changing, making the thrill of discovering a valuable mythic rare all the more exciting.