I remember when the LABUBU "The Monsters Big Into Energy" series first dropped. The buzz in our collector groups wasn't just about the cute designs like "Hiking" or "Gaming", it was all whispers about the secret. It wasn't just another colorway. It was different. It was a plush pendant. And nobody knew what to call it.
Fast forward a few months, and the secret id labubu has become one of the most sought-after modern pieces in the entire Labubu lineup. If you're reading this, you're probably either desperately trying to find one, or you just pulled one and are frantically Googling "how much is my Labubu worth?!"
As someone who runs PopNya and has handled more of these little monsters than I can count, I want to give you the real scoop. This isn't just a summary of what you can find on Reddit. This is a playbook from someone on the inside.
The Reveal: So, What is the Big Into Energy Labubu Secret Name?
Let's get this out of the way first. The official name is "ID".
Simple, right? The name comes from the labubu secret card that accompanies the figure. Unlike the standard character cards, this one is designed to look like a little identification card, complete with a "photo" of the character and some fun, monster-themed details. It's a clever touch from POP MART and Kasing Lung that adds a layer of personality.
The figure itself is a departure from the rest of the series. While the main 12 are vinyl figures depicting Labubu getting into various hobbies, "ID" is a plush keychain pendant. It's a black secret labubu, though in person the color is more of a dark, heathered grey secret labubu. It has the classic vinyl Labubu face, but the body is soft and squishy. This unique format is a huge part of its appeal. It's not just another figure for your shelf; it's something you can clip onto your bag and take with you.
Why This Little Gray Monster Broke the Market
The hype around "ID" wasn't an accident. It was a perfect storm.
First, the design is just cool. In a series full of bright colors, this muted, monochromatic secret gray labubu stands out. It has a minimalist, almost streetwear vibe that appeals to a broader audience beyond the usual designer toy crowd. I've had customers buy it who have never bought a blind box in their life, simply because they saw it on an influencer's bag.
Second, the plush format was a surprise. We're used to vinyl. Getting a high-quality plush pendant as a chase was a novelty that made opening every box of "Big Into Energy" that much more exciting. You could literally feel the difference if you got the secret, though a lot of sellers (myself included) quickly learned to shuffle them to keep the hunt fair.
And finally, timing. This series dropped right as Labubu's popularity was hitting a fever pitch. Everyone was talking about them, drawing them, and trying to get their hands on them. The demand was already sky-high, and a super-desirable secret just threw gasoline on the fire. If you're curious about the artist behind all this, I wrote a bit about my own journey with Kasing Lung, the Labubu creator, which gives some context to the magic of his designs.
Real Talk: What's an Authentic Secret Labubu Actually Worth?
This is where things get wild. A single blind box from this series retails for about $15-$17. That's your cost for a chance at pulling "ID." The pull rate for a secret is typically 1 in 144 boxes. Do the math.
When "ID" first hit the secondary market, I saw prices skyrocket. * Release Week: People were paying $350-$400. Easily. The FOMO was intense. * One Month Later: The price settled a bit, hovering around $250-$300 as more entered circulation. * Today: As of writing this, the market has cooled but stabilized. You can expect to pay between $180 and $220 for an authentic secret labubu with its card and box. I've seen them dip to $160 during sales or go up to $250 if demand spikes again.
Why the fluctuation? It's simple supply and demand. When a new, even more hyped series drops (like the recent Naruto collaboration), some collectors sell off older pieces to fund new purchases. This temporarily increases supply and can lower the price. Conversely, if Labubu has another viral moment on TikTok, the price can jump overnight.
The biggest threat to the value of a real secret labubu, however, is the rise of fakes. And that brings us to the most important part of this guide.
Your Playbook: How to Buy "ID" and Not Get Scammed
The fakes for this particular secret are getting scarily good. I've seen some that could fool a casual collector. But if you know what to look for, you can protect yourself. I've written a more general Fake Labubu Guide, but here are the specifics for "ID".
1. The ID Card is Your First Checkpoint
This is the easiest tell. The counterfeiters almost never get the labubu id card right. * Real Card: The authentic card has a matte, slightly textured finish. The printing is incredibly crisp and sharp, even the tiniest text. The corners are perfectly rounded. The card stock has a specific thickness and rigidity. * Fake Card: Fakes often have a glossy or semi-gloss finish. The text can be slightly blurry or pixelated if you look closely, especially the smaller fonts. The color might be slightly off, either too saturated or too washed out. Sometimes the card feels flimsy or the corners are cut imperfectly.
Do not buy an "ID" Labubu without the card. The card is part of its identity (pun intended) and its value. A missing card is a massive red flag.
2. Analyze the Plush Body
This requires having a good eye, or even better, a real one to compare against. * Real Plush: The material is a high-quality, short-pile plush. It's soft but dense. The heathered gray color has subtle variations in the thread. The stitching is tight, even, and almost invisible, especially around the neck where the vinyl head meets the plush body. The tag sewn into the side is also high quality with clear printing. * Fake Plush: Fakes often use a cheaper, fluffier, or shinier material. The color might be a flat gray instead of the textured, heathered look. The biggest giveaway is often the stitching, look for loose threads, uneven seams, and a messy connection point at the neck. The body might feel under-stuffed or lumpy.
3. Scrutinize the Vinyl Face
The face is the soul of Labubu, and it's a place where fakes often cut corners. * Real Face: The vinyl has a signature matte finish. It's not glossy. The paint application on the eyes and mouth is flawless. The lines are razor-sharp with no bleeding or smudging. The sculpt itself has very defined edges, especially around the ears and teeth. * Fake Face: The vinyl might have a slight sheen or be outright glossy. Look for tiny paint imperfections, a small speck of white on the black of the eye, or a wobbly line on the mouth. The sculpt might appear "softer," with less defined edges, a common issue with recasting from an original mold.
4. The Keychain Hardware
Don't forget the clip! * Real Hardware: The metal clasp is sturdy and has a quality feel. It operates smoothly. The small ring connecting the clasp to the loop on Labubu's head is thick and securely closed. * Fake Hardware: The clasp can feel flimsy, cheap, and lightweight. It might be a slightly different color or finish. I've seen fakes where the small connector ring has a visible gap, which is a dead giveaway of poor quality.
Where to Safely Buy Your Secret ID Labubu
* Your Best Bet (The Gamble): Buying sealed cases or individual boxes from a reputable retailer like us at PopNya or an official POP MART store. You get the thrill of the hunt, and you're guaranteed an authentic product if you pull it. You can always browse our current LABUBU collection to see what's in stock. * The Safe but Expensive Route: Platforms like StockX. They authenticate the product before sending it to you, which provides great peace of mind. However, you'll pay a premium for this service in fees for both buyer and seller. * The Wild West: Facebook groups, Discord servers, and Instagram. You can find the best prices here, often from collectors selling directly to other collectors. But the risk is highest. If you go this route, ALWAYS use PayPal Goods & Services. Never, ever use Friends & Family, Zelle, or Venmo. G&S provides buyer protection if you receive a fake or nothing at all. Ask for detailed photos, videos, and references from other members in the group.
Our Take: Is the Hype Worth the Price Tag?
Okay, honest seller opinion. Is "ID" overhyped? A little. Is it an amazing piece? Absolutely.
It is a specific, explosive moment in Labubu's history. Owning one is like owning a piece of that excitement. The design is genuinely top-tier, and it's one of the few secrets that feels truly special and different from the main set.
However, I always caution new collectors against buying something purely because of hype. If you're looking at that $200 price tag and thinking, "I could buy a whole case of a new series for that," you're not wrong. If you don't absolutely love the design of "ID" itself, that money might bring you more joy invested elsewhere in your collection. There are so many amazing designs, and part of the fun is discovering your own favorites, not just chasing what's popular. The Labubu world is vast, with so many characters and stories, it's more than just one chase figure. The community that loves to draw and share Labubu art is a testament to the love for all the designs, not just the rare ones.
Ultimately, the hunt for the secret id labubu is a perfect example of what makes this hobby so addictive. It's a mix of luck, knowledge, community, and the thrill of finally getting your hands on that one piece you've been dreaming of. Just make sure you're hunting smart.
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