How POP MART Blind Boxes Actually Work

One of the first questions almost every new collector asks is, "How do POP MART blind boxes actually work?"

Is it completely random? Can you figure out what's inside before opening it? Or is there a secret trick that experienced collectors know?

The truth is that blind boxes are designed to be a surprise. Most of the time, opening one comes down to luck. While collectors have come up with a few ways to improve their chances of finding a specific figure, there is never a guarantee.

Here's everything you need to know before buying your first blind box.

What Is a Blind Box?

A blind box is exactly what it sounds like. The figure inside is hidden, so you won't know which one you've received until you open it.

Each POP MART series usually includes several regular figures along with one Secret Edition that is much harder to find.

For example, a collection might include:

• 12 regular figures
• 1 Secret Edition

When you purchase a single blind box, each regular figure has an equal chance of being inside. The Secret Edition is much rarer and usually has odds like 1 in 72, 1 in 108, or even 1 in 144 depending on the collection.

That also means duplicates are completely normal. Buying three blind boxes does not guarantee you'll get three different figures. Sometimes luck is on your side. Sometimes you end up with three of the same character.

Is It Really Random?

For the vast majority of collectors, yes.

POP MART designs blind boxes so nobody knows what's inside before opening them. The surprise is one of the biggest reasons people love collecting them. There is something genuinely exciting about peeling back the packaging and finally seeing which character you got.

Of course, collectors are collectors. Over the years, people have come up with different ways to try and improve their chances of finding a particular figure.

Some methods work better than others, but none of them are guaranteed.

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Can You Weigh Blind Boxes?

One of the most well known methods is weighing unopened blind boxes.

Some figures are slightly heavier or lighter because of their pose, accessories, or sculpt. Using a precise digital scale, collectors sometimes compare the weight of different boxes and try to match them with figures that have already been weighed by the community.

Does it work? Sometimes.

The weight differences can be incredibly small. Packaging materials can affect the results, and manufacturing variations mean that two identical figures may not weigh exactly the same.

It's also worth remembering that many official POP MART stores and retailers do not allow customers to weigh blind boxes. Bringing a scale into the store or weighing products on the shelf may not be permitted, so always respect the store's policies.

Think of weighing as something that might slightly improve your odds, not as a way to guarantee a specific figure.

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Buying Confirmed Figures

If you don't enjoy surprises, there is another option.

Many collectors buy confirmed figures instead of sealed blind boxes.

A confirmed figure is exactly what it sounds like. The seller already knows which figure is inside and lists it accordingly. Depending on the seller, they may identify the figure using official methods or carefully check the contents while keeping the figure in its original packaging.

This means you can buy the exact character you want without leaving it up to chance.

The downside is that confirmed figures usually cost more than sealed blind boxes, especially if the figure is popular or difficult to find.

Still, if there is only one character you really want, buying it directly can often be cheaper than purchasing multiple blind boxes and hoping luck is on your side.

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What About Buying a Full Set?

Another popular option is buying a complete set.

A complete set includes one of every regular figure in a series, so you don't have to worry about duplicates.

This is a great choice if you love the entire collection and plan on displaying every character together.

Just remember that Secret Editions are usually not included unless the seller specifically says they are.

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Trading With Other Collectors

Sometimes the easiest solution is simply trading.

Maybe you pulled two of the same figure while someone else has the one you're missing. Trading is a huge part of the POP MART community and is often the quickest way to complete a collection without buying even more blind boxes.

Collector groups, local meetups, and online marketplaces are all popular places to find people looking to trade.

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What About POP NOW?

POP NOW is POP MART's digital purchasing system that offers a slightly different experience from traditional blind boxes.

Rather than choosing a physical box from a shelf, you select virtual boxes through the POP MART app or website. Depending on the release and available features, POP NOW can provide more information than buying a blind box in person, making it a popular option for collectors looking to reduce the chances of receiving duplicates.

If you're interested in learning more, check out our complete guide to POP NOW.

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So, Is There a Trick?

Not really.

Despite what you might see online, there is no magic method that guarantees you'll pull the figure you want from a sealed POP MART blind box.

At the end of the day, blind boxes are meant to be fun.