Disney Lorcana Guide: Magic is in the Cards

Ravensburger launched Disney Lorcana, their trading card game, in late 2023. Fast forward to early 2026, and the game is thriving. If you’re just hopping aboard the Disney Lorcana hype train, we’ve got you covered with a guide to the game’s basics, plus overviews of earlier sets and links to even more Lorcana news and reviews. Let’s get started!

Updated on January 21, 2026, with links to recent Disney Lorcana articles.

What is Disney Lorcana?

Disney Lorcana is a trading card game where you don the persona of an “Illumineer” who has the ability to summon Disney characters in forms we are familiar with, as well as others more out-of-the-ordinary, using magic ink. The rules are designed to be easy to learn, but still have plenty of room to develop strategies.

Disney Lorcana: The Story Thus Far

Ravensburger and Disney Lorcana just completed a milestone by successfully finishing Continental Championships in both Europe and North America for the collectible trading card game.  These two competitive tournaments were the culmination of ten Disney Lorcana Challenge tournaments with up to 2,000 players at each.  But competitive play is only one part of the Lorcana world.  Casual and cooperative play is also a main focus, and the story of Lorcana continues as well. Thus we are sharing with you the newest details on the next chapters of this story.

We have seen our Lorcana characters, familiar Disney characters, and variants of these Disney characters (in Lorcana known as “Glimmers”) explore the world of Lorcana and encounter obstacles and celebrations along their way.  Most recently, the villain Ursula challenged the world of Lorcana in the fourth set of cards released in May of 2024, titled “Ursula’s Return,” and the concurrent co-operative game “Illumineer’s Quest: Deep Trouble,” where up to 4 Illumineers (players) can challenge Ursula to defend Lorcana and the Illuminary from her coup.

After the defeat of Ursula, all of Lorcana celebrated, as we can see in “Shimmering Skies,” the fifth set of cards released in August of 2024. All of the characters from this set are seen in dazzling artistic renderings celebrating the freedom of Lorcana.  In rebuilding part of their world, the characters discover maps and new objects called Chromicons, and the quest for these artifacts is the setting for the sixth Lorcana set, “Azurite Sea.”

The story’s details are found on numerous cards in each set, adding even more reason to seek them out, along with the added strategy options additional cards provide. In “Azurite Sea,” the most recent set, the characters set sail across the vast ocean, and we now have the details on their destination in the seventh set and what will happen next on their journey on “Archazia’s Island.”

To Be Continued: Disney Lorcana News & Reviews Beyond This Guide

So much has happened that the fun has expanded beyond the barriers of this guide! Find all of MiceChat’s other Disney Lorcana coverage here:

• Reign of Jafar
• Fabled (reveal and review)
• Whispers in the Well (reveal and review)
• WinterSpell (reveal)
• Wilds Unknown (reveal)
• Attack of the Vine (reveal)

How to Play Disney Lorcana

Ravensburger has kindly crafted a series of tutorial videos explaining various game aspects.

In Disney Lorcana, two players take on the role of an “Illumineer” and compete against each other using “Glimmers” in a race to acquire 20 “Lore” first. Lore is typically acquired by sending the characters you have in play on quests (there are also other methods), but we are getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s set up your playing area first!

Next, let’s get familiar with some of the terminology used while playing. You’ll see the phrases “exerted” and “ready.” An “exerted” card has already been used in your turn. A “ready” card is facing upright and has not yet been used or played. At the start of each turn, all of your cards will be placed in the “ready” position.

Illumineers rely on “magical ink” to put cards into play, with different cards requiring different amounts. If a card has a gold swirl in the corner, it can be used as magical ink. If a card is converted into magical ink, it is removed from your hand and placed in your “ink well,” and you will not get it back for the remainder of the game. You can perform this action once per turn. Regardless of the card’s original contents, one card yields one ink.

At the start of every turn, players place all cards back in the “ready” position, set any played characters (which are moved to a different row) back with the items and other characters, and then draw the top card from the deck to add to your hand (the player going first does not do this part on the first turn).

Once you begin your turn, you can play cards from your hand, transfer cards to your inkwell, go on quests for lore, challenge your opponent, and use card abilities. You are not limited to only one action.

As we mentioned previously, questing with characters is the main way to acquire Lore. On their second turn (characters can’t be used on the turn they are played, remember?), placing the character in the “exerted” position indicates that they are questing, and you are then immediately rewarded with Lore equivalent to the number of Lore symbols on their card. This can be repeated every turn if you so choose.

But, you’ll also want to challenge your opponent, or rather your opponent’s characters, to impede their progress. To challenge an opposing character, place your chosen character in the “exerted position” and select one of your opponent’s characters that are also in the “exerted” position to battle. Damage is dealt to both cards, which is decided by their strength stats (which you can find on the handy-dandy diagram in the previous section). If a character’s damage (which can accumulate over multiple challenges) reaches the number of their willpower stat, the card is discarded.

 

Using a card’s abilities helps players bend to the game’s rules to turn the tides of battle in their favor. Abilities are found on Character and Item Glimmers. The requirement to activate these abilities varies.

Understanding Disney Lorcana Cards

Cards, or “Glimmers” as they are known in Disney Lorcana, are divided into three categories: character, item, and action.

Using Character Glimmers is the main method for Illumineers to obtain “Lore,” which you need to win (more on that in the next section). These cards cannot be used on the turn they are played, and you must instead wait until the next turn.

Character glimmers can include traditional characters (like Mickey Mouse), princesses (like Cinderella), villains (like Yzma), sidekicks (like Heihei and Sven), and really any of the Disney friends we know and love.

And characters have more than one form! Here, we see “Storyborn” and “Floodborn” versions of Dr. Facilier.

There are two types of Action Glimmers: standard and “song.” They can only be used once and then must be moved to your discard pile. Song-type Action Glimmers need a Character Glimmer to “sing” them in order to activate their effects. Each song has different requirements to be sung, and some characters, like Cinderella (shown earlier), that aid in singing.

And then, there are Item Glimmers, like this Dinglehopper.

Item Glimmers remain on the table after being played, providing the Illumineer with different bonuses or advantages for the remainder of the game. Items can be used immediately after being played, unlike Characters.

There’s a whole lot to each card than just their type, though. Here’s a breakdown of the different parts of a Lorcana card:

And those are the basics for playing Disney Lorcana!

Venturing into Archazia’s Island 

After sailing across the Azurite Sea, our Illumineers have hit landfall at a mysterious island…

Early teases for this 7th Set of Lorcana cards touted that we would “Learn New Tricks” and these cards have met that promise and then some.

New game mechanics, character classifications, and dual ink cards have the whole Lorcana community excited about the release of Archazia’s Island in just a few weeks!  These all allow for more powerful effects and showcase new and stronger synergy between card types and ink colors.

Disney fans will love the new inclusion of much-beloved Disney franchises into Lorcana Trading Card Game; The Aristocats, Lady and the Tramp, and Bolt!

The Aristocats have entered the C-h-AT!

This is the night…for Lady and the Tramp…

The Hollywood Hero Bolt to the rescue!

While the teaser “Learn New Tricks’ hinted at the introduction of plenty of cuddly critters and friendly pets, the single-player deck we will look at today is focused more on characters from the Disney Renaissance onward with franchises like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Atlantis.

Like previous sets, two single-player decks are part of the new release; one Ruby/Sapphire deck and one Amethyst/Steel deck.

The Ruby Sapphire deck is heralded by some incredible Dual Ink cards from Beauty and the Beast! Dual Ink is new to Disney Lorcana this set; until now, every card was only one ink, and a player could create a deck combined of cards from any two inks of their choice. But dual ink cards are required to be played only in a deck using those two specific colors.  In this example, Belle – Mechanic Extraordinaire may only be played in a deck composed of the two inks Ruby and Sapphire since she is a dual ink Ruby-Sapphire card.  It’s fitting that this Disney classic should also have more Ruby-Sapphire Glimmers as well: Beast – Frustrated Designer and Maurice’s Machine.

But the love for this Tale as Old as Time isn’t limited to dual inks.  These cards are only one ink and can still be played in the Ruby/Sapphire deck with Belle and Beast: 

• Maurice – Unconventional Inventor – Ruby – “When you play this character, you may banish chosen item of yours to draw a card.  If the banished item is Maurice’s Machine, you may also banish chosen character with Strength 2 or less.”
• Maurice’s Machine – Item – Dual Ink Ruby/Sapphire – “When this card is banished, you may return an item card with cost 2 or less from your discard to your hand.”
• Cogsworth – Climbing Clock – Ruby – “When you have an item card in your discard, this character gets +2 Strength.”
• Monsieur D-Arque – Despicable Proprietor – Sapphire – “Whenever this character quests, you may banish chosen item of yours to draw a card.”
• Belle – Apprentice Inventor – Sapphire – “During your turn, you may banish chosen item of yours to play this character for free.”

With these cards, especially Belle, Beast, and Maurice, items are now able to be used to gain Lore, draw cards, deal damage, or even banish characters.

Here are all the cards included in the Ruby/Sapphire deck:

• Belle – Mechanic Extraordinaire – Super Rare (Foil) 1x
• Beast – Frustrated Designer – Rare (Foil) 1x
• Maurice – Unconventional Inventor – Rare 1x
• All Is Found – Song Rare 1x
• Lyle Tiberius Rourke – Crystallized Mercenary – Rare 1x
• Kida – Creative Thinker – Rare 1x
• Ruby Coil – Item – Uncommon 2x
• Moana – Island Explorer – Uncommon 2x
• (Set 6) Longboat – Item – Uncommon 2x
• Sir Kay – Unruly Knight – Uncommon 2x
• Maurice’s Machine – Item – Uncommon 3x
• Beagle Boys – Small-Time Crooks – Uncommon 2x
• Gaetan Moliere – The Mole – Uncommon 2x
• Marie – Favored Kitten – Uncommon 2x
• Jebidiah Farnsworth – Expedition Cook – Uncommon 3x
• Cogsworth – Climbing Clock – Common 3x
• Stabbington Brother – Without a Patch – Common 3x
• Cy-Bug – Invasive Enemy – Common 2x
• Toby – Dogged Companion – Common 3x
• Edgar Balthazar – Ambitious Butler – Common 2x
• Unconventional Tool – Item – Common 2x
• Monsieur D’Arque – Despicable Proprietor – Common 2x
• (Set 6) Gold Coin – Item – Common – 2x
• (Set 5) Chaca – Impressive Daughter – Common 2x
• (Set 5) Donald Duck – Focused Flatfoot – Common 2x
• Belle – Apprentice Inventor – Common 3x
• Robin Hood – Eye for Detail – Common 2x
• (Set 6) Helping Hand – Action – Common 2x
• (Set 5) Medal of Heroes – Item – Common 2x
• (Set 5) Ever As Before – Song – Common 2x

As we turn to our other single-player deck, the Amethyst Steel combination, we turn to dark sorcery!

Jafar has come to Archazia’s Island looking to rule over it.  His quest has brought him the restored Hexwell Crown that Ursula used to try to rule over Lorcana.  And Jafar and his new crown simply must be reign in Dual Ink Amethyst-Steel fashion!

And Jafar brings new magic and character types to the card game.  This deck introduces ‘Illusion’ characters. No doubt these Illusion Glimmers will be connected to the story of Jafar’s attempt to rule over Archazia’s Island and all of Lorcana in Set 8: Reign of Jafar.  But for now, we can look at them as cards, and they are statistically stronger than non-Illusion cards.  But there is a catch!  Any Illusion character also has the ability ‘Vanish,’ which means they can easily be banished if any action card targets them.

Not many Illusion characters have been revealed in Set 7 so we probably won’t see them often in gameplay very much, which actually could mean they’ll be effective since most players won’t ‘tech for them’ (Card Game jargon meaning ‘specifically prepare their deck to play against them.’)

But if more of these Illusion characters are revealed in later sets, we could see them affect ‘the meta’ (the current deck trends in a Trading Card Game).

Here are all the cards in the Amethyst/Steel deck:

• Jafar – Newly Crowned Super Rare (Foil) 1x
• Iago – Giant Spectral Parrot – Rare (Foil) 1x
• Madam Mim – Cheating Spellcaster – Rare 1x
• Restoring The Crown – Action – Rare 1x
• Fa Zhou – War Hero – Rare 1x
• Raya – Guidance Seeker – Rare 1x
• Kashekim – Ancient Ruler – Uncommon 2x
• Amethyst Coil – Item – Uncommon 2x
• Magical Maneuvers – Action – Uncommon 2x
• Giant Cobra – Ghostly Serpent – Uncommon 3x
• Mufasa – Respected King – Uncommon 3x
• Arthur – Wart – Uncommon – 2x
• Helga Sinclair – Tough as Nails – Uncommon 2x
• Double Trouble – Action – Uncommon 2x
• (Set 6) Training Dummy – Item – Uncommon 2x
• (Set 6) The Carpenter – Dinner Companion – Common 2x
• Tanana – Tribal Elder – Common 2x
• Treasure Guardian – Foreboding Sentinel – Common 2x
• Te Kā – Lava Monster – Common 2x
• Pain – Impudent Imp – Common 2x
• Razoul – Menacing Guard – Common 3x
• Panic – High-Strung Imp – Common 2x
• Rajah – Ghostly Tiger – Common 3x
• (Set 6) A Very Merry Unbirthday – Song – Common – 2x
• (Set 5) Retrosphere – Item – Common – 2x
• (Set 5) Royal Guard – Bovine Protector – Common – 2x
• (Set 6) King Hubert – Phillip’s Father – Common – 2x
• Akela – Wolf Pack Elder – Common – 2x
• Heihei – Rambling Rooster – Common 3x
• Jafar – Aspiring Ruler – Common 3x

The Story Continues…

There is a new contribution to Lorcana’s ongoing story.  The art puzzle/marketing card that is included in each booster pack now has a puzzle piece image on one side and a piece of the story lore on the back.  There are 20 different Lore cards, and when they are all collected, you can read the whole story and assemble two incredible art pieces.

How to Purchase Disney Lorcana: Arcazia’s Island

Disney Lorcana: Archazia’s Island launches at Disney Parks and local game stores on March 7th and at mass retailers on March 21st. The single-player decks are $16.99 each, with additional booster packs priced at $5.99 each. The set’s Illumineer’s Trove costs $49.99.

Additional products for this set include a Lilo Gift Box ($29.99), which can hold 250 cards and includes an alternative art Lilo – Escape Artist – promo Foil card, 5 assorted booster packs from Sets 2-6, and three themed punch-out card dividers …

… as well as new Card Sleeves, Deck Boxes, and Playmats.

The Next Lorcana Sets are Revealed!

Archazia’s Island

Small sneak peeks of “Archazia’s Island” have already been released, showing that this set of cards will have many of our favorite Disney animals, with the set focused around friendly pets, cuddly critters, and beyond…an ancient secret waiting to be discovered.  This includes Disney characters and properties new to Disney Lorcana, such as Bolt and Lady & the Tramp. Ravensburger also announced that this would be the first set to include an original character created specifically for Disney Lorcana, Archazia. Could they be related to the little winged creatures found on the set’s booster boxes, Illumineer’s Trove, and logo?

The booster packs feature Mirabel Madrigal, the Mad Hatter, and Bolt. Meanwhile, the two starter deck packages are an Amethyst Steel Deck featuring a menacing Jafar and Iago, and a Ruby Sapphire deck with intriguing glimmers of Belle and Beast. 

The two playmats are the card artwork from two “Azurite Sea” cards: “Tigger – In The Crow’s Nest” and the “Song – We Could Be Immortals.”  Also available with this set will be card sleeves and deck boxes with the art of two highly admired Enchanted cards: “Cinderella – Ballroom Sensation” and “Ursula – Deceiver of All.”

The “Archazia’s Island” set releases at local game stores, Disney stores, and Disney Parks on March 7, 2025, and at mass market retailers on March 21, 2025. 

But all is not safe on Archazia’s Island… He is coming…

The Reign of Jafar

The “Reign of Jafar,” the eighth set of Disney Lorcana, is set to begin on June 6, 2025, with pre-release events and product release at local game stores on May 30, 2025.  The artwork and creative direction by Ravensburger with Disney Lorcana has been truly inspired and has even awed lifelong Disney fans. This Glimmer of Jafar is yet another example of that imagination. Jafar will have the Hexwell Crown and its ‘His Crown, His Realm’ as he strives to dominate Archazia’s Island, and his reign may be the greatest threat that Lorcana has ever faced. But that’s not all…

Fabled

The name of the following Disney Lorcana set has also been revealed. In the third quarter of this year, Disney Lorcana becomes… Fabled!

This is the first peek we have seen into this ninth set of Lorcana, and it seems to be a fantasy-filled renaissance of stories filled with wonder. The cornerstone Disney characters Mickey and Minnie are headlining this set, and what seems to be an interpretation of King Arthur’s Carousel is quite exciting for Disney Parks fans! Ravensburger seems to be stepping back into the Silver Age of Disney animation for “Fabled.” Look forward to “Fabled” coming in the Autumn of 2025.

Charting the Course for the Azurite Sea

Like previous Disney Lorcana releases, “Azurite Sea” includes a portion of an overarching story involving Illumineers and their glimmers. In this one, we find ourselves on the treacherous high seas, following the guidance of an ancient treasure map.

But perhaps the real treasure is the friends we make along the way. For the first time, the heroes of Big Hero 6 and the tiny but mighty Rescue Rangers join the ranks of the game’s glimmers. Big Hero 6 has a heavy presence in the Emerald/Sapphire single-player deck but is completely absent from the Amber/Ruby single-player deck.

However, the Rescue Rangers are not featured prominently in either deck. The Amber/Ruby deck includes one action card, “Rescue Rangers Away!”

Meanwhile, the Emerald/Sapphire deck features two, “Gadget Hackwrench – Perceptive Mouse” and “Gadget Hackwrench – Brilliant Bosun.” The latter, which we will see again shortly, is a Floodborn glimmer, so it requires the former Gadget glimmer (or any other one named Gadget) to be played first before it can be used.

Unlike the “Rise of the Floodborn” and “Into the Inklands,” no new game mechanics were introduced with this latest Disney Lorcana release. But that isn’t what I would consider a bad thing. “Azurite Sea”’ gives Illumineers a chance to update and refine their strategy with its 200+ cards, which can be played in conjunction with all previously released sets.

Speaking of cards, let’s take a closer look at what is included with each of the single-player decks. As with earlier releases, both Emerald/Sapphire and Amber/Ruby decks come packaged with their respective card deck of 60 cards (2 of which are foil cards), a paper playmat, a paper tracker token, 11 damage counters, a game rule book, and a booster pack of 12 randomized cards (this part was omitted from our review copy).

Amber/Ruby Single-Player Deck

We’ll examine the Amber/Ruby deck first. This deck seems to be pirate-themed, with many of the characters bearing the classification of “Pirate.” Character glimmers, “Jim Hawkins – Honorable Pirate” and “Winnie the Pooh – Hunny Pirate,” have abilities that get as many pirates into play as quickly as you can.

And you will want a handful of pirates because other cards like “Wendy Darling – Courageous Captain,” “Kakamora – Pirate Pitcher,” and “Skull Rock- Isolated Fortress” gain or grant bonuses when the pirate cards are in play.

Other pirate characters like “Tigger – In the Crow’s Nest” and “Owl – Pirate Lookout” have abilities that can help turn the inky tide of battle.

And with the “Pooh Pirate Ship,” you don’t need to fear losing your crew for long.

Also, playing into the seafaring theme, some cards have the “Captain” classification, such as “Moana – Kakamora Leader” and “John Silver – Ferocious Friend.” 

However, that only seems to be relevant to one of this deck’s cards’ abilities or effects; “Moana – Self-Taught Sailor” can’t challenge unless a Captain character is in play.

Here are all the cards included in the Amber/Ruby single-player deck:

• Fix-It Felix Jr. – Delighted Sightseer (from a previous set) x2
• Fix-It Felix Jr. – Niceland Steward (from a previous set) x2
• Gopher – Ship’s Carpenter x2
• Jim Hawkins – Honorable Pirate x1
• Owl – Pirate Lookout x2
• Rabbit – Indignant Pirate x3
• Roo – Littlest Pirate x3
• Rutt – Northern Moose (from a previous set) x2
• Tuke – Northern Moose (from a previous set) x2
• Winnie the Pooh – Hunny Pirate x1
• I Won’t Give In x2
• Rescue Rangers Away! x2
• Amber Chromicon (from a previous set) x2
• Pooh Pirate Ship x1
• Hundred Acre Island – Pooh’s Home x2
• Jasmine – Rebellious Princess x2
• John Darling – Sophisticated Swordsman x3
• John Silver – Ferocious Friend x1
• Kakamora – Boarding Party x2
• Kakamora – Pirate Pitcher x3
• Michael Darling – Playful Swordsman x3
• Mickey Mouse – Courageous Sailor x3
• Moana – Kakamora Leader x1
• Moana – Self-Taught Sailor x2
• Rattigan – Raging Rat (from a previous set) x3
• Tigger – In the Crow’s Nest x1
• Wendy Darling – Courageous Captain x1
• Lead the Way x2
• The Islands I Pulled from the Sea x1
• Rattigan’s Party – Seedy Back Room (from a previous set) x1
• Skull Rock – Isolated Fortress x2

Emerald/Sapphire Single-Player Deck

Now, let’s move on to Azurite Sea’s Emerald/Sapphire single-player deck. Like the Amber/Ruby deck, there is an easily identified theme that runs through Emerald/Sapphire’s cards. But instead of being packed with pirates, it is influenced by inventors!

Similar to what we saw from the Amber/Ruby deck, cards like “Gadget Hackwrench – Brilliant Bosun” and “Baymax – Personal Healthcare Companion” have abilities that are affected by having a certain classification of the card in play.

As you would expect, Inventors have an affinity for inventions, and that affinity extends to item cards in general. The deck includes three of them, including two brand-new ones: “MegaBot” and “Baymax’s Healthcare Chip.” You’ll notice that Robot characters get extra benefits from the latter.

If you are having trouble pulling your deck’s Robot characters or Item cards, “Hiro Hamada – Robotics Prodigy” can lend a hand.

Many other character glimmers in the Emerald Sapphire Deck have “Ward” or “Evasive” abilities (“Support” is present but in the minority). “Goofy Expert Shipwright” even has the ability to temporarily grant “Ward” to another character.

Here are all the cards included in the Emerald/Sapphire single-player deck:

• Alistair Krei – Ambitious Entrepreneur x3
• Basil – Hypnotized Mouse x2
• Clarabelle – Contented Wallflower (from a previous set) x2
• Dawson – Basil’s Assistant x2
• Fred – Mascot by Day x3
• Go Go Tomago – Darting Dynamo x1
• Goofy – Expert Shipwright x1
• Heathcliff – Stoic Butler x2
• Honey Lemon – Chemical Genius x2
• Merryweather – Good Fairy (from a previous set) x2
• Prince Phillip – Royal Explorer x2
• Stitch – Little Trickster x2
• Heffalumps and Woozles x2
• You Came Back x1
• Emerald Chromicon (from a previous set) x2
• MegaBot x2
• Aunt Cass – Biggest Fan x3
• B.E.N. – Eccentric Robot x3
• Baymax – Personal Healthcare Companion x1
• Gadget Hackwrench – Brilliant Bosun x1
• Gadget Hackwrench – Perceptive Mouse x1
• HeiHei – Not-So-Tricky Chicken x2
• Hiro Hamada – Robotics Prodigy x2
• Hiro Hamada – Team Leader x1
• Ludwig von Drake – Self-Proclaimed Genius (from a previous set) x2
• Pleakley – Scientific Expert x2
• Wasabi – Methodical Engineer x2
• Yokai – Professor Callaghan x3
• Baymax’s Healthcare Chip x2
• Institute of Technology – Prestigious University x2

“Disney Lorcana: Azurite Seas” will launch first at local game stores and select locations at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disneyland Paris on November 15, 2024. It will be available from mass market retailers on November 25, 2024. It includes the two starter decks detailed in this guide, Amber/Ruby and Emerald/Sapphire ($16.99 each), 12-card booster packs ($5.99 each), an Illumineer’s Trove ($49.99), a Stitch Collector’s Gift Set ($49.99), and new card sleeves, deck boxes, and playmats. The Stitch gift set includes an exclusive “Stitch – Alien Buccaneer” promo card with water-style foil treatment, a card portfolio with themed art, and four booster packs.

Lorcana Ventures “Into the Inklands”

[Samples of the starter decks were supplied by Ravensburger. All opinions are my own.]

Now that the Disney Lorcana has garnered an impressive fanbase, Ravensburger expands the game’s world by including mini-stories told through the flavor text on a series of cards, starting with the upcoming “Into the Inklands” expansion. Just as “Rise of the Floodborn” brought with it the “Resist” gameplay mechanic, “Into the Inklands, introduces another element: locations. This set emphasizes the spirit of adventure and exploration.

Ravensburger provided MiceChat with copies of the two Disney Lorcana: “Into the Inklands” starter decks. Amber/Emerald and Sapphire/Ruby. Both contain a deck of 60 pre-determined cards (2 of which are foil cards), 11 damage counters, a paper playmat, a paper tracker token, a copy of the game’s rules, and a booster pack of 12 randomized cards.

Before we review each starter deck, let’s talk about how locations function. Similar to items, locations stay in play after they are played. At the start of your turn, you will gain lore equal to the lore value of each location you currently have in play.

Additionally, depending on their abilities, moving characters to a location may offer benefits, and some locations have abilities of their own. These location glimmers (AKA cards) can be challenged, damaged, and banished just like a character glimmer. However, should a location glimmer be banished, any characters that were previously inhabiting that location won’t sustain any damage but are simply removed from the location after the card is moved to the discard pile.

And now, onto the starter decks!

We’ll begin with the Amber/Emerald starter one.

The two location cards included in this deck are “Neverland – Mermaid Lagoon” and “De Vil Manor – Cruella’s Estate.” In terms of stats, they are identical, with the exception of their ink type (the former being Amber and the latter being Emerald).

Peter Pan and several other Never Land residents make an appearance in this starter deck. Among them, both “Peter Pan – Lost Boy Leader” and “Cubby – Mighty Lost Boy” include abilities that make use of the new location glimmers.

With the De Vil Manor featured as one of the two location cards in this Starter Deck, it makes sense that plenty of the pups from 101 Dalmatians are also included. “Pongo – Determined Father” and “Lucky – The 15th Puppy” help you stack your hand with allies (more on that next), while “Patch – Intimidating Pup” and “Rolly – Hungry Pup” reduce enemy stats or increase your own.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this deck, aside from the new locations, is the “Dalmatian Puppy – Tail Wagger” glimmer’s ability, which allows you to hold 99 copies of this card (note that there are five designs, but they have the same title and stats) in your deck. Normally, your deck can’t contain more than 4 copies of a single card.

Another point of the debut of characters, like Don Karnage, from the Disney Afternoon series TaleSpin. And while Kida has been on other Lorcana cards in the past, I wanted to share my appreciation for this card’s flavor text. Can anyone translate Atlantean?

Here are all of the cards included in the Amber/Emerald starter deck:

• Dalmatian Puppy – Tail Wagger x5
• Kida – Atlantean x3
• Lucky – The 15th Puppy x1
• Nani – Protective Sister x2
• Patch – Intimidating Pup x3
• Pluto – Determined Defender x1
• Pluto – Friendly Pooch x3
• Pongo – Determined Father x1
• Rolly – Hungry Pup x3
• Tinker Bell – Generous Fairy x2
• Wendy Darling – Talented Sailor x3
• Neverland – Mermaid Lagoon x2
• Cubby – Mighty Lost Boy x3
• Don Karnage – Prince of Pirates x2
• Flotsam – Riffraff x2
• Helga Sinclair – Vengeful Partner x1
• Horace – No-Good Scoundrel x2 (from previous expansion)
• Jasper – Common Crook x2 (from previous expansion)
• Jestsam – Riffraff x2
• Kit Cloudkicker – Tough Guy x2
• Peter Pan – Lost Boy Leader x1
• Robin Hood – Daydreamer x1
• Starkey – Devious Pirate x1
• Wildcat – Mechanic x2
• Hypnotize x2 (from previous expansion)
• Improvise x3 (from previous expansion)
• Strike a Good Match
• De Vil Manor – Cruella’s Estate x3

Next up, we’ll explore the Ruby/Sapphire starter deck.

This deck includes the two locations, “Agrabah – Marketplace” and “Motunui – Island Paradise.” The former is similar to the location glimmers found in the Amber/Emerald starter deck, just stats and flavor text.

However, the “Motunui – Island Paradise” card also adds an ability to the mix. The trade-off is that this location offers less lore than other locations we have seen thus far.

As you would expect of the master wayfinder, there are several cards inspired by Moana that are related to locations. Both “Moana – Born Leader” and “Heihei – Accidental Explorer”  grant you different advantage when placed at a location (or in Moana’s case, questing at a location). The “Voyage” action card conveniently allows you to move two characters to the same location for free.

Additional characters and an item (“Maui’s Fish Hook”) from Moana are also included.

Scrooge McDuck is joined by his fine-feathered family featured in DuckTales (the rebooted version) in the Ruby/Deck. Both of the cards featuring the miserly duck, “Scrooge McDuck – Richest Duck in the World” and “Scrooge McDuck – Uncle Moneybags,” include abilities that allow you to use an item for free or at a lower cost.

“Huey – Savvy Nephew,” “Dewey – Showy Nephew,” and “Louie – Chill Nephew” work well in tandem, especially Huey, whose ability relies on having one of his brothers in play.

The other Ducktales characters in this deck have stats and abilities that match their personalities on the show. Although, it is interesting that “Webby Vanderquack – Enthusiastic Duck” is the only one of the bunch without an ability.

And here are all of the cards included in the Ruby/Starter starter deck:

• Della Duck – Unstoppable Mom x3
• Hei Hei – Accidental Explorer x3
• Kakamora – Menacing Sailor x3
• Maui – Soaring Demigod x3
• Minnie Mouse – Always Classy x 2 (from previous expansion)
• Moana – Born Leader x1
• Moana – Undeterred Voyage x3
• Simba – Scrappy Cub x1
• Webby Vanderquack – Enthusiastic Duck x3
• Dragon Fire x2 (from previous expansion)
• Voyage x2
• Maui’s Fish Hook x1
• Sumerian Talisman x2
• Agrabah – Marketplace x3
• Cogsworth – Talking Clock x2 (from previous expansion)
• Dewey – Showy Nephew x2
• Duke Weaselton – Small-time Crook x2 (from previous expansion)
• Flinkheart Glomgold – Lone Cheater x2
• Flounder – Voice of Reason x3 (from previous expansion)
• Gramma Tala – Keeper of Ancient Stories x3
• Gyro Gearloose – Gadget Whiz x1
• Huey – Savvy Nephew x1
• Louie – Chill Nephew x3
• Maid Marian – Delightful Dreamer x2
• Scrooge McDuck – Richest Duck in the World x1
• Scrooge McDuck – Uncle Moneybags x2
• Vault Door x2
• Motunui – Island Paradise x2

“Into the Inklands” was first released at local game stores and Downtown Disney on February 23, 2024, and will later be at mass retailers, including DisneyStore.com, on March 8, 2024. The expansion includes two starter decks, Amber/Emerald and Sapphire/Ruby ($16.99 each), booster packs ($5.99 each), a new Illumineer’s Trove ($49.99), deck boxes ($5.99 each), card portfolios ($19.99 each), and playmats ($19.99 each).

“Disney Lorcana TCG Gateway” offers Lorcana Player 101

To help entry-level players get a better feel for the gameplay dynamics of Disney Lorcana and trading card games in general, Ravensburger created Disney Lorcana TCG Gateway. This set has everything needed to introduce two players into Lorcana’s world:

• two 30-card basic Disney Lorcana TCG decks
• a two-player gameboard with character standees
• rule book
• player’s guide
• and additional cards that are added to the players’ deck as they learn about different card types and strategies.

After completing Gateway’s “course” in Lorcana 101, players will have created two standard card decks that can used when playing with friends. Intended for players ages 8 and up, Disney Lorcana TCG Gateway was released on August 9, 2024, for $24.99.

All About “Disney Lorcana: Rise of the Floodborn”

[Samples of the starter decks, Illumineer’s Trove, and Disney100 Collector’s Edition were provided by Ravensburger. All opinions are my own.]

The “Rise of the Floodborn” Expansion was released at local game stores and Disney Parks on November 17 and then at mass retailers and shopDisney on December 1. It focuses on the “floodborn” cards, where the character’s or item’s original form was transformed by a flood of magic ink (it will also include other categories of cards). In addition to introducing another 200+ cards to collect, this expansion introduced the “Resist” ability, a damage-reduction stat.

Disney Lorcana: Rise of the Floodborn includes two starter decks, Amethyst/Steel and Amber/Sapphire, as well as an Illumineer’s Trove and a Disney100 Collector’s Edition. Let’s go over each item one by one.

First, let’s look at the two starter decks from this expansion.

First up is the Amethyst and Steel starter deck. If I had to assign a traditional role-playing game character type to this deck, it would be a paladin or other tank-style role that focuses more on taking a lot of hits while dealing damage to their opponents.

Examples of characters with the new damage-reducing “Resist” ability from this deck include “Kronk – Junior Chipmunk,” “Tiana – Celebrating Princess,” and “Prince – Never Gives Up.” The new item, “Mouse Armor,” can also provide any character with this ability.

And cards like “HeiHei – Persistent Presence,” “Madam Mim – Snake,” and “Dr. Facilier – Savvy Opportunist” offer additional defensive strategies without utilizing “Resist.”

Here’s the rundown on all the cards included in the Amethyst and Steel starter deck:

• Chip the Teacup – Gentle Soul x3
• Dr. Facilier – Savvy Opportunist x2
• Heihei – Persistent Presence x3
• Kuzco – Wanted Llama x3
• Madam Mim – Fox x1
• Madam Mim – Snake x3
• Merlin – Crab x2
• Merlin – Goat x3
• Merlin – Rabbit x1
• Merlin – Shapeshifter x1
• Merlin – Squirrel x2
• Freeze x2
• I’m Stuck x2
• Beast – Forbidding Recluse x2
• Benja – Guardian of the Dragon Gem x2
• Cinderella – Knight in Training x2
• Eli La Bouff – Big Daddy x2
• Hercules – Hero in Training x2
• Kronk – Junior Chipmunk x1
• Lawrence – Jealous Manservant x2
• Lilo – Galactic Hero x3
• Prince Eric – Dashing and Brave x2
• Prince Naveen – Penniless Royal x3
• The Huntsman – Reluctant Enforcer x1
• The Prince – Never Gives Up x2
• Tiana – Celebrating Princess x1
• Tiana – Diligent Waitress x3
• Last Cannon x2
• Mouse Armor x2

If the Amethyst and Steel deck is a paladin, then the Amber and Sapphire deck is a bard whose abilities center around buffing their compatriots and weakening their opponents. And while both “Rise of the Floodborn” starter decks make use of the new “Resist” skill, it seemed to me that the Amber and Sapphire deck put less emphasis on surviving attacks and more on dealing an increased amount of damage (which doesn’t actually involve “Resist”).

For example, this deck’s “Grand Duke – Advisor to the King” is able to increase the attack power of any character classified as a princess, prince, king, or queen. Pair that with “The Queen – Commanding Presence,” whose base attack stat is already high, and you have a combo that packs a real punch. Alternatively, you could also give a boost to the naturally weaker “Snow White – Lost in the Forest,” which is also able to heal other characters and maybe a better option depending on the situation.

Speaking of Snow White, all seven of her dwarf friends are also included in this deck (you may recall we had the exclusive reveal for Doc). One of the particularly intriguing things about these cards is that they form a single image when lined up.

And here’s the full list of the cards you will find in the Amber and Sapphire deck:

• Bashful – Hopeless Romantic x2
• Christopher Robin – Adventurer x1
• Doc – Leader of the Seven Dwarfs x1
• Dopey – Always Playful x2
• Gaston – Baritone Bully x3
• Grand Duke – Advisor to the King x1
• Grumpy – Bad-Tempered x3
• Happy – Good-Natured x2
• LeFou – Bumbler x2
• Sleepy – Nodding Off x3
• Sneezy – Very Allergic x3
• Snow White – Lost in the Forest x2
• The Queen – Commanding Presence x1
• The Queen – Regal Monarch x3
• Painting the Roses Red x2
• Belle – Inventive Engineer x1
• Cruella de Vil – Fashionable Cruiser x3
• Gaston – Intellectual Powerhouse x1
• Hiram Flaversham – Toymaker x1
• Judy Hopps – Optimistic Officer x2
• Owl – Logical Lecturer x3
• Philoctetes – Trainer of Heroes x2
• The Nokk – Water Spirit x3
• Winnie the Pooh – Having a Think x1
• Four Dozen Eggs x2
• Fang Crossbow x2
• Gumbo Pot x2
• Pawpsicle x3

Finally, here are two other sample cards from the upcoming “Rise of the Floodborn” expansion.

Now, let’s move on to the Illumineer’s Trove.

The contents of this bundle are the same as its  “The First Chapter” counterpart:

• a storage box
• 2 deck boxes
• 8 booster packs (12 cards in each pack)
• a player’s guide
• a cardboard sheet with punch-out damage counters

And finally, this is the Disney100 Collector’s Edition, which was created in celebration of the Walt Disney Studios’ 100th anniversary, also referred to as Disney100.

This collector’s edition includes:

• 6 foil collector cards featuring unique art
• 4 booster packs (12 cards in each pack)

The set’s six exclusive cards are truly gorgeous. Each one is drawn and signed by a Disney animator.

You may get lucky with one of the booster packs and find a rare card. I was fortunate to uncover these three among the booster packs included with the Illumineer’s Trove and Disney100 Collector’s Edition.

Hands-on with “The First Chapter” Starter Decks

There are three Starter Decks for Disney Lorcana: The First Chapter: Amber/Amethyst, Sapphire/Steel, and Emerald/Ruby.

Each one includes everything needed for one player to get started:

• A pre-made deck of 60 cards, including 2 foils
• A booster pack (more on those at the end of this section)
• 11 damage counters (you punch these out of the inside packaging)
• A paper tracker token (you punch this one out, too)
• A paper playmat
• A pamphlet describing the game’s rules

The Amber/Amethyst Starter Deck contains the following cards:

• Ariel – On Human Legs x2
• Cinderella – Gentle and Kind x2
• Hades – Lord of the Underworld x1
• Heihei – Boat Snack x2
• Maximus – Relentless Persuer x2
• Mickey Mouse – True Friend x3
• Minnie Mouse – Beloved Princess x3
• Moana – Of Motunui x1
• Stitch – New Dog x3
• Dinglehopper x3
• Dr. Facilier – Agent Provocateur x1
• Dr. Facilier – Charlatan x2
• Flotsam – Ursula’s Spy x1
• Jafar – Wicked Sorcerer x2
• Jetsam – Ursula’s Spy x2
• Magic Broom – Bucket Brigade x3
• Maleficent – Sorceress x2
• Mickey Mouse – Wayward Sorcerer x1
• Olaf – Friendly Snowman x3
• Pascal – Rapunzel’s Companion x2
• Rafiki – Mysterious Sage x3
• Sven – Official Ice Deliverer x1
• Wardrobe – Belle’s Confidant x3
• Yzma – Alchemist x2
• Friends on the Other Side x3

The Sapphire/Steel Starter Deck contains the following cards:

• Aurora – Briar Rose x3
• Aurora – Dreaming Guardian x1
• Aurora – Regal Princess x3
• Flounder – Voice of Reason x2
• Gramma Tala – Storyteller x2
• Jasmine – Disguised x2
• Maleficent – Sinister Visitor x3
• Maleficent – Uninvited x1
• Mickey Mouse – Detective x3
• Mufasa – King of the Pride Lands x2
• Scar – Mastermind x1
• Develop Your Brain x3
• One Jump Ahead x2
• Coconut Basket x3
• Magic Golden Flower x2
• Beast – Hardheaded x2
• Captain Hook – Forceful Duelist x3
• Goons – Maleficent’s Underlings x2
• Hercules – True Hero x 2
• Kristoff – Official Ice Master x2
• Maui – Demigod x1
• Prince Eric – Dashing and Brave x2
• Simba – Returned King x1
• Simba – Rightful Heir x2
• Fire the Cannons! x3
• Ransack x2
• Smash x2
• Frying Pan x2

The Emerald/Ruby Starter Deck contains the following cards:

• Aladdin – Prince Ali x2
• Cruella De Vil – Miserable as Usual x1
• Duke of Weselton – Opportunistic Official x2
• Horace – No-Good Scoundrel x3
• Iago – Loud-Mouthed Parrot x1
• Jasper – Common Crook x2
• Mad Hatter – Gracious Host x3
• Megara – Pulling the Strings x3
• Mickey Mouse – Steamboat Pilot x3
• Peter Pan – Never Landing x2
• Mother Knows Best x3
• Stampede x2
• Steal from the Rich x1
• Vicious Betrayal x2
• Stolen Scimitar x2
• Aladdin – Heroic Outlaw x1
• Aladdin – Street Rat x3
• Captain – Colonel’s Lieutenant x2
• Donald Duck – Boisterous Fowl x2
• LeFou – Instigator x1
• Pongo – Ol’ Rascal x3
• Rapunzel – Letting Down Her Hair x3
• Scar – Fiery Usurper x 2
• Sergeant Tibbs – Courageous Cat x3
• Stitch – Abomination x1
• Dragon Fire x3
• He’s Got a Sword! x2
• Shield of Virtue x2

More from “The First Chapter”

In addition to the starter decks, there are two other bundles available, the Illumineer’s Trove and the Gift Set.

But the majority of the 200+ cards to collect from “The First Chapter” can only be found in the booster packs. Each pack includes 12 cards: 1 foil (any rarity), 2 rares or higher rarity, 3 uncommon, and 6 common.

[Samples of the starter decks were provided by Ravensburger. All opinions are my own.]

The Disney Lorcana TCG Companion App

Ravensburger has also released a free companion app on iOS and Android Devices to help aspiring Illumineers on their journey to be the very best like no one ever was. It includes a card catalog (great for keeping track of your collection and for making a wish list of desired cards), a deck builder, how-to-play videos and tutorials, and a Lore counter to help keep score more easily while playing.

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Let’s Hear from You

Have you been playing Disney Lorcana? What do you think of the changes made in “Archazia’s Island?” Let us know in the comments below!

The above guide includes content provided by Scott Solo and MiceChat’s Merchandise Editor, Natalie Kipper.

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• Originally published on September 8, 2022.
• Updated on December 20, 2022, with information on the “Dragon Fire” card.
• Updated on April 16, 2023, with release dates, purchase locations, new card reveals, and gameplay overview.
• Updated on September 1, 2023, with information on how to purchase and the companion app.
• Updated on October 23, 2023, with hands-on coverage of “The First Chapter” starter decks and information on the upcoming “Rise of the Floodborn” expansion.
• Updated on November 13, 2023, at 12:01pm Eastern Time, with a closer look at the “Rise of the Floodborn” starter decks.
• Updated on December 18, 2023, with information on the upcoming “Into the Inklands” expansion and a closer look at the “Rise of the Floodborn” Illumineer’s Trove and Disney100 Collector’s Edition.
• Updated on January 26, 2024, with the new trailer for and additional details on the upcoming “Into the Inklands” expansion and the calendar of future Lorcana releases.
• Updated on March 2, 2024, with a hands-on look at the starter decks from “Into the Inklands.”
• Updated on January 21, 2025, with the announcement of “Archazia’s Island, “Reign of Jafar,” and “Fabled.”

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