How to know Labubu without opening?

 

I. Basic Preparation: Understand the Blind Box Series

1. Clarify the series and styles
   First, confirm which series the blind box belongs to (e.g., "Elf Squad," "Zimomo Dajiu Bao," etc.). Each series usually has 12-14 regular styles + 1-2 hidden styles, with differences in shape, size, and weight. Check all style images of the series on the brand’s official website, mini-program, or community to learn each character’s features (e.g., whether it has wings, a hat, or special accessories).

II. Core Judgment Methods: The Four-Step Approach of "Look, Weigh, Shake, Touch"

1. Look: Observe Details on the Box

• Check the box number
  The bottom or side of some blind box series may have a number (e.g., "NO.XXX"), and different styles might correspond to specific number ranges (though the brand may adjust numbering rules, so this is for reference only). For example, in some series, smaller numbers may indicate a specific style, but this requires summarizing rules from many players’ experiences (search for number correspondence tables of the series in blind box communities or forums).
• Observe indentations and bulges
  Due to Labubu’s accessories (e.g., horns, ears, tails), the inner wall of the box may have slight bulges or indentations. For example:
  • A visible bulge at the top may indicate a style with a tall hat (e.g., "Wizard Labubu");
  • Symmetrical bulges on the side may indicate wings or large ears (e.g., "Bat Labubu");
  • Indentations at the bottom corners may mean special foot designs (e.g., shoes or a base).

2. Weigh: Estimate Weight Differences

• Use a digital scale (0.1g precision)
  Different styles vary in weight due to materials and accessories. For instance, styles with metal accessories or large bases are heavier, while regular standing dolls are lighter. Take the "Elf Squad" series as an example: the hidden style ("Big Hidden") may weigh 5-10g more than regular styles due to extra accessories.
• Record weight ranges
  Collect weight data of each style in the series in advance (via players’ shared measurement tables), weigh your blind box, and narrow down possibilities by comparison. For example, if a style typically weighs 85-88g and your blind box is 86g, it may belong to that style.

3. Shake: Listen to Sounds and Feel Movement Space

• Listen for accessory collisions
  Gently shake the box. A clear "click" may indicate detachable accessories (e.g., a small axe or staff), while a dull sound may mean a compact-style doll (e.g., a sitting doll).
• Feel the movement space
  • If the doll moves freely, it may be a smaller style (e.g., "Mini Labubu");
  • If it hardly moves, it may be a larger style or one with fixed accessories (e.g., "Big Hidden" may fill the box due to a large base).

4. Touch: Judge the Outline by Box Wall Texture

• Wear gloves (to avoid fingerprints)
  Press the box walls gently with fingers to feel the doll’s outline:
  • Pointed horns at the top may indicate "Demon Labubu";
  • Round bulges on the side may be ears or hat decorations on the head;
  • A flat base at the bottom may mean a style with a base (e.g., "Stage Labubu").

III. Advanced Tips: Reference Player Experiences and Probability Analysis

1. Join blind box communities or forums
   Search for "hand feel analysis posts" of the series—players often share typical features of a style. For example: "A certain style has an obvious indentation in the upper-left corner, weighs 90g, and has 晃动 space at the top when shaken."
2. Narrow down options via elimination
   If a series has 12 regular styles, rule out 5-6 styles that clearly don’t match through "look, weigh, shake, touch," then judge the remaining styles based on probability (hidden styles have a probability of ~1/144, regular styles ~1/12), prioritizing regular styles.
3. Note brand anti-cheating designs
   Some blind box brands adjust packaging (e.g., adding cushioning cotton or placing dolls randomly) to reduce the accuracy of hand feel judgment, so the above methods aren’t 100% reliable—use them as references.

IV. Notes: Treat Blind Box Collection Rationally

• Avoid excessive investment：The "uncertainty" of blind boxes is part of their charm, but chasing specific styles obsessively may waste time and money. Collect for fun rather than fixating on hidden styles.
• Respect rules：Some blind box sales channels (e.g., official gashapon machines) offer "hint cards" (consume points for style hints)—use official tools reasonably to reduce guessing costs.

 

V. Netizen-Shared Methods: CT Scanning and Flashlight Projection

1. CT Scanning the Blind Box to Identify Hidden Styles

• Operation Principle：
  Using a medical CT scanner or industrial CT device to scan the blind box, which can generate cross-sectional images of the internal structure. This allows direct observation of the Labubu doll’s shape, accessories, and even hidden style features (e.g., unique poses or rare accessories).
• Practical Considerations：
  • Feasibility：Medical CT equipment is not publicly accessible, and industrial CT scanning requires professional facilities, making this method costly and impractical for ordinary users.
  • Ethical & Legal Issues：Using CT for non-medical purposes may violate equipment usage regulations, and blind box brands typically do not support such "cheating" behaviors.
  • Alternative：Some netizens have tried 3D scanning with portable devices, but the accuracy is limited and dependent on professional equipment.

2. Using a Flashlight in a Dark Room to Identify Styles via Card Color

• Operation Steps：
  1. Enter a completely dark room and close all light sources.
  2. Shine a high-brightness flashlight against the blind box, focusing on the area where the style card is placed (usually near the inner wall of the box).
  3. Observe the color 透射 (transmittance) on the box surface: different styles may come with cards of distinct colors or patterns, which can be faintly identified through light projection.
• Practical Examples：
  • In some series, hidden styles may be paired with gold or silver cards, while regular styles use white or colored cards. If a golden glow is detected through the box, it may indicate a hidden style.
  • For boxes with transparent windows or thin paper packaging, the card’s color pattern (e.g., text or logo) may be more visible under light.
• Limitations：
  • The method relies heavily on the box material—thick cardboard or opaque packaging may block light, reducing accuracy.
  • Card color rules vary by series, requiring pre-collected data on "card color vs. style" for the specific series (e.g., through community discussions).

 More: Who is Mokoko?

VI. Important Reminders for Unconventional Methods

1. Practicality & Cost：Methods like CT scanning are expensive and not feasible for casual collectors, while flashlight projection works only for specific series and packaging types.
2. Preserving the Blind Box Experience：Blind boxes are designed to offer surprise, and excessive reliance on "cheating" methods may diminish the fun of unboxing.
3. Brand Regulations：Some brands explicitly prohibit damage or scanning of blind boxes, and using such methods may void after-sales services or violate purchase agreements.

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