Funko Pop chase variant sticker on box

What Is a Funko Pop Chase Variant? (And How to Actually Find One)

What Is a Funko Pop Chase Variant? (And How to Actually Find One)

If you've ever opened a Funko Pop and noticed it looks a little different from the picture on the box — different paint, a different pose, maybe even a metallic or glow-in-the-dark finish — you didn't get a defective figure. You found a chase variant, and collectors go out of their way to hunt these down.

Here's everything you need to know about chase Pops: what they are, how rare they actually are, and how to find a real one without overpaying for a common figure marked up as "rare."

 

Funko Pop chase variant sticker on box

What Makes a Pop a "Chase"?

A chase variant is an alternate version of a standard Funko Pop, produced in limited numbers within the same wave as the regular release. The changes can include:

  • A different paint job or color scheme
  • A different pose or expression
  • A metallic, glitter, or glow-in-the-dark finish
  • Flocked (fuzzy) texture instead of standard vinyl

Chase Pops ship in the same box style as the regular figure — there's no special oversized packaging to tip you off. The main visual cue is a small "Chase" sticker on the front of the box, usually in the corner, or as of lately, the bottom right on the box as they have been moving away from the "Chase" sticker, personally i like the chase sticker on the plastic display as it's easier to spot.

How Rare Are Chase Pops, Really?

Most chase variants follow a 1-in-6 case ratio, meaning roughly 1 out of every 6 boxes in a case of that figure will be the chase version. But this isn't universal — some chases are intentionally rarer, showing up at 1-in-12 or even 1-in-36, depending on the series and how Funko wants to handle that particular wave.

That randomness is exactly why chase hunting is part of the fun for collectors — and why full-case buys are popular among people chasing a specific variant.

How to Spot a Chase Pop Before You Buy

If you're buying online rather than pulling from a case yourself, a little verification goes a long way:

  • Check for the chase sticker. Legitimate chase Pops are marked on the box. If a listing calls something a "chase" but shows no sticker or documentation, ask before buying.
  • Compare to official images. Funko and retailers typically show both the standard and chase versions side by side for hot releases — a quick search can confirm you're looking at the real variant.
  • Watch for inflated pricing on common Pops. Occasionally sellers mislabel a standard figure as a chase to justify a higher price. When in doubt, buy from a shop that stands behind authenticity.

Best Ways to Actually Find One

A few approaches collectors use to land a chase variant:

  • Buy full cases. This guarantees you'll pull a chase eventually, though it's a bigger upfront investment.
  • Follow restock and preorder alerts. Chase Pops often surface in restocks or are flagged ahead of time on preorder listings. Our Chase Funko collection and Preorders page are good places to check regularly.
  • Join a shop's email list. Many chase Pops sell out within hours of restock. Subscribing to updates is often the difference between catching one and missing it entirely.

Are Chase Funko Pops Worth More?

Generally, yes — rarity tends to push resale value up, especially for popular franchises. But value also depends on condition (mint box, no shelf wear), overall demand for that character, and how the broader market for that series is trending at the time.

If you're new to collecting, it's worth chasing (pun intended) figures you genuinely want in your collection first, and treating any resale value as a bonus rather than the main goal. Speculative buying on rarity alone can be hit or miss.

Currently Available Chase Pops

Looking to start your search? Here are a few chase and rare variants currently available:

Browse the full lineup in our Chase Funko collection.

Never Miss a Chase Drop

Chase Pops move fast, and the best way to catch one is to know the moment it's back in stock. Subscribe to our email list or check our preorders page regularly so you're first in line for the next restock.

Back to blog