Blog Popterror · 2 min
How do blind boxes work? Secret figures, chase figures and odds explained
Blind boxes are everywhere: in concept stores, on social media, hanging from bags. If you have never opened a mystery box, or you finally want to understand words like “secret”, “chase” and “display”, this guide is for you. We use our own series, EQSO The Crew, as an example.
What is a blind box?
A blind box is a sealed box containing one figure picked at random from a series. The box shows all the characters in the series, but you do not know which one is inside until you open it. That is the whole idea: the surprise, then the urge to complete your collection, trade your duplicates and show off what you got.
Collector vocabulary
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Series | All the characters in the same collection |
| Regular | A “normal” character in the series, as common as the others |
| Secret | A hidden character, shown only as a silhouette on the box |
| Chase | A rare figure (secret or variant) to “chase” |
| Ratio | The odds of getting a character, for example 1 in 100 |
| Display (or case) | The carton holding several boxes, often a full series |
| Duplicate | A character you already have |
How do the odds work?
In a series of six regular characters, each one has roughly a one-in-six chance of being in a box. The secret figure is much rarer: in EQSO The Crew, it has a one-in-a-hundred chance. On average, you would need to open around a hundred boxes to find one… or be lucky.
A calculation that often surprises people: if you buy six boxes at random, the probability of getting all six different characters, with no duplicates at all, is only about 1.5%. That is why collectors trade their duplicates… and why the full set exists.
The full set: the series with no duplicates
Many brands sell the series as a display: a carton of several boxes arranged so there are no duplicates. For EQSO The Crew, the six-box set guarantees all six regular characters. The secret figure remains a surprise: it may replace one of the six. And the display also looks great on a shelf.
Our tips for your first blind box
- Start with a series you love, not just the most popular one.
- Check the odds on the box: a serious brand prints them.
- Buy from the brand or official retailers: successful series are often faked.
- Keep the box and card: they matter to collectors.
- Trade your duplicates with other collectors, it is half the fun.
What next?
Once your series is complete, keep the boxes: for many collectors, a figure with its box is worth more than a loose one. And if you are looking for other series to discover, our selection of blind boxes like Labubu is for you.
Featured in this article
The crew
Price range: 18,00 € through 99,00 €
YEAH ! Our first Blind Boxes
Frequently asked questions
What does “blind box” mean?
A blind box is a mystery box whose exact contents you do not know until you open it. You know which series it belongs to, but not which character it contains.
What is a chase figure?
It is a rare figure slipped into a small share of the boxes: a secret character or a variant (colour, finish) of an existing one. Its ratio, printed on the box, tells you how rare it is.
How do I get the whole series with no duplicates?
By buying a full display, when the brand guarantees it duplicate-free. For EQSO The Crew, the six-box set contains all six regular characters; the secret figure may replace one of them.
Are blind boxes suitable for children?
It depends on the series: some are toys, others are collectibles for adults. EQSO The Crew is for collectors aged 15 and over.
How can I tell a real blind box from a fake?
Buy from the brand or its official retailers, be wary of prices that look too good, and check the quality of the box, printing and paint. The most popular series are also the most copied.