If you have spent any time in the Funko Pop community, you have heard the word Chase whispered with a mix of reverence and excitement. Chase variants are the lottery tickets of the collecting world—rare, sought-after versions of standard figures that can transform a $12 purchase into a $200+ treasure. But what exactly makes a Chase a Chase, and why do collectors go absolutely wild hunting them down? Let us break it all down.
What Is a Chase Variant?
A Chase variant is a special edition version of a standard Funko Pop figure that features a meaningful design difference from the common release. We are not talking about minor paint smudges or tiny sculpt tweaks here—true Chases are intentionally distinct creations. They might feature different outfits, alternate poses, unique color schemes, glow-in-the-dark paint, metallic finishes, or even entirely different character expressions.
The telltale sign? A shiny, circular gold “CHASE” sticker placed prominently on the front of the box. That little badge is what every collector scans for when browsing store shelves. Note: glow-in-the-dark indicators on some boxes are NOT the same as a Chase—only the gold circular sticker counts.
The term “Chase” originates from the thrill of the chase itself—the hunt to find these elusive variants. They are randomly inserted into standard shipping cases at ratios that Funko keeps intentionally vague. The collector community widely agrees the rate is approximately one Chase per 6 standard figures, or roughly one per master case. This means for every 6 identical Pops you see lined up on a shelf, statistically only one of them could be that coveted Chase variant.
The History of Chase Variants
Funko introduced the modern Chase concept around 2015, though the broader idea of chase figures has existed in the toy collecting hobby for decades. Early Funko Chases were relatively straightforward—metallic repaints of common figures, or versions with slightly shifted color palettes. Collectors back then were thrilled just to own anything different from the mass-produced standard run.
Over the years, Funko has gotten dramatically more creative with Chase designs. Today’s Chases are often miniature works of art in their own right. A modern Chase might feature a character in a completely different costume referencing a key story moment, holding a signature prop that the common version lacks, or posed in an action stance while the common stands neutrally. This evolution from simple metallic swaps to fully reimagined characters is exactly why the Chase culture has exploded in popularity—and in value.
Why Are Chases So Valuable?
The value equation for a Chase variant comes down to two fundamental forces: scarcity meets demand. With roughly one Chase produced for every six commons, the total supply of any given Chase is a fraction of its common counterpart. When the character happens to be a heavy hitter—think Marvel superheroes, Star Wars icons, beloved anime protagonists, or horror legends—that scarcity creates fierce competition among collectors driving prices upward fast.
But here is the thing—scarcity alone does not create value. The Chase must also deliver genuine visual appeal. If a Chase looks nearly identical to the common version with only a barely noticeable difference, collectors will not pay much of a premium for it. The most valuable Chases—ones that command 10x, 20x, sometimes even 50x retail—are those that offer a visibly different and cooler take on the character. Something that feels special, display-worthy, and makes fellow collectors say “wow” when they see it on your shelf.
The Most Iconic Chase Variants of All Time
Some Chase variants have achieved legendary status in the collecting community. Here are a few that every serious collector knows about:
Eleven with Eggos (Stranger Things)
This Chase features Eleven in her iconic pink dress holding a box of Eggo waffles, while the common version depicts her in her plain hospital gown. That dramatic outfit swap made this one of the most sought-after Chases ever released. Even years after its initial drop, pristine copies consistently trade for $150–$250+ on the secondary market. It captures one of the most memorable character moments from the show perfectly.
Mr. Meeseeks with Gun (Rick and Morty)
The common Mr. Meeseeks shows everyone’s favorite helpful blue creature in its classic cheerful smiling pose. The Chase? A deranged, wide-eyed expression while brandishing a gun—directly referencing that infamous episode where Meeseeks existence goes very, very wrong. That instant recognition among fans made this Chase an instant grail piece for Rick and Morty collectors.
Star-Lord with Helmet Mask (Guardians of the Galaxy)
While the common Star-Lord Pop reveals Chris Pratt’s face, the Chase version gives him his full comic-accurate helmet mask. For many Marvel collectors, the masked version simply feels more authentic to the source material. Consistent demand has kept this one trading steadily in the $80–$120 range depending on condition.
Diamond & Flocked Chases
Beyond pose-and-outfit changes, some of the hottest Chases feature premium finishes. Diamond Collection variants glitter with a sparkly coating that catches light beautifully. Flocked (fuzzy texture) Chases feel velvety to the touch and look incredible for animal-themed characters. These finish-based Chases have become increasingly popular as Funko expands its material palette beyond standard vinyl.
How to Hunt for Chases: Strategies That Work
Finding a Chase in the wild—meaning at a physical retail store—is one of the most adrenaline-fueled experiences in the hobby. Here is how serious hunters actually do it:
Case Buying (The Sure Thing): The mathematically guaranteed method. Buy an entire unopened master case (usually 6 figures) from a retailer or distributor, and since Funko packs roughly one Chase per case, you are virtually assured of getting it. The downside? You are also buying 5 or 6 common figures you may not want or need. This strategy costs more upfront but eliminates uncertainty entirely.
Retailer Relationships (The Insider Edge): Build real relationships with managers at Hot Topic, GameStop, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and Target. Some dedicated collectors have actual arrangements where friendly staff text them the moment new shipments hit the back room. Being there first before the general public rummages through boxes is enormous advantage.
Online Stock Alerts (The Digital Hunter): Major retailers occasionally list individual Chase units or Chase-aware bundles on their e-commerce sites. Setting up instant stock alert tools like Hotstock, or following dedicated Funko restock accounts on X (Twitter) and Instagram, can give you a crucial head start. Speed matters immensely—Chases listed online often sell out within minutes.
The Secondary Market (The Wallet Route): If all else fails, eBay, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace groups, and specialized collectible forums always have Chases available. Prices vary wildly based on character popularity, release age, and current hype cycle. Pro tip: new release Chases often carry inflated “launch premiums” that settle down 30–50% after the first 4–6 weeks. Patience can save you serious money.
Chase Hunting Etiquette
A quick but important word about community standards: opening sealed boxes inside retail stores to root through them searching for Chases is widely frowned upon in the collecting community. It damages product integrity, frustrates other customers, and creates problems for store employees who have to deal with tampered inventory. If you want to hunt Chases ethically, buy the sealed boxes you want to check, take them home unopened, and return any commons you do not want still sealed. Or stick to venues where case purchasing is an available option. Respect the hunt and respect fellow collectors.
Should You Chase the Chase?
For newcomers to Funko collecting, the whole Chase scene can feel overwhelming—exhilarating but also expensive and occasionally frustrating. Our honest advice: start by collecting common versions of characters you genuinely love. Build a collection that brings you joy regardless of rarity tags. If a Chase happens to come your way naturally through normal buying, that is fantastic bonus luck. But if not, your collection is still complete, meaningful, and worth displaying proudly. The Chase should be the cherry on top—not the entire sundae.
That said, for experienced collectors with disposable hobby budget, the thrill of finding a rare Chase in the wild—feeling that gold sticker under your fingertips after scanning twenty boxes—is genuinely unmatched in this hobby. Just remember to set a firm budget and stick to it religiously. The Chase hunt can become a genuinely expensive addiction if you are not disciplined about limits.
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