Disney Lorcana

Disney Lorcana is a trading card game from Ravensburger that launched in August 2023. Players become Illumineers, using magical ink to summon characters from Disney animated films as Glimmers. The goal is to collect 20 Lore points by sending characters on Quests, while using Challenges to disrupt opponents. The game uses six ink colors, Amber, Amethyst, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, and Steel, each with unique strategies. Decks must contain exactly 60 cards, and players can turn cards into ink to play more powerful ones.

The setting is the Great Illuminary, a library containing every Disney story. A mysterious Flood has mixed up the tales, causing characters to appear in unexpected forms. Each set advances this narrative: The First Chapter introduced the basics, Rise of the Floodborn deepened the conflict, and Into the Inklands explored new locations. Ravensburger, known for puzzles and board games, entered the TCG market with this title, co-designed by Magic: The Gathering veterans Ryan Miller and Steve Warner.

Lorcana became the best-selling TCG of 2023 in the US and Ravensburger's fastest-selling game ever. Initial supply shortages drove prices high on the secondary market. The game won the 2024 Origins Award for Best Trading Card Game and was nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres. A large community has formed, with tournaments at local stores and conventions. The game supports 2 players officially, with rules for 4-player free-for-all. Four sets release per year, keeping the meta fresh.[edit]

Each turn, you can play a card by paying its ink cost, or ink a card from your hand to gain a resource. Characters can Quest to gain Lore (you need 20 to win), Challenge to banish an opponent's character, or exert to use special abilities. Items provide ongoing effects. The game is easy to learn but offers depth through card synergies and timing. The six ink colors each have a theme: Amber focuses on healing and support, Amethyst on card draw and control, Emerald on speed and evasion, Ruby on direct damage and aggression, Sapphire on ramp and big plays, and Steel on defense and disruption. Building a two-color deck is standard, but three-color is possible with careful resource management.

Cards come in four rarities: Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Super Rare, plus Enchanted cards with alternate art and foil treatment. Starter decks are pre-built 60-card decks, while booster packs include 12 random cards. Organized play includes weekly local tournaments and larger events like the Lorcana Challenge series. The game also has a casual multiplayer variant for 4 players.[edit]

The Great Illuminary is a vast library where every Disney story is stored. A magical Flood has caused these stories to spill into each other, creating new, unexpected combinations. As an Illumineer, you use magical ink to summon Glimmers, versions of characters like Mickey Mouse, Elsa, or Stitch, to quest for Lore and restore order. Each set introduces new locations and character interactions. In Rise of the Floodborn, the Flood grows stronger, and characters begin to take on new roles. Into the Inklands adds locations as playable cards, allowing players to explore the Illuminary itself. The narrative is told through card flavor text, promotional materials, and organized play storylines, but there is no single-player campaign.[edit]