Evaluating the top cards in a new expansion is a daunting task. Different sources point towards different cards as all-stars in the set. For our Top 5 cards article, we look at a variety of factors which make a card a standout. Playability, price, viability in limited play and fan preference all factor in to determining what makes this list.
Playability
The card which is best for competitive play makes this list. Lorcana constructed tournaments are happening daily all over the world and one card from the new set will definitely make the highlight reels. In this set, Mushu – Majestic Dragon and Mickey Mouse – Inspirational Warrior stand out for different reasons. However, Mickey Mouse gets the nod as the most playable card in the set due to its flexibility. It’s highly impactful early on to challenge your opponent’s early drops and get higher-costed characters into play. Being able to cheat a powerful character into play with the Stirring Spirit ability can snowball into a massive advantage.
Price
There is a subtle art to TCG finance and Lorcana is no exception as a card game. Some cards are inevitably worth more than others. The card that makes collectors and competitive players most excited should make our list. The enchanted version of Tamatoa – Happy as a Clam is the Legendary that commands the highest price tag. With a market value of $400 and copies flying off the shelves at singles stores for at least $300, it’s definitely a pull to look forward to. The art is exquisite and the foil treatment accentuates it perfectly, and is also one of the strongest cards when played. If you’re looking to make a buck off of opening Archazia’s Island packs, this card is definitely the one to try and pull.
Limited Play
The top playable common or uncommon in the set is definitely worth mentioning. Limited formats are gateways for new players to enter the hobby simply because they are not required to bring decks of their own. Adding the top common and uncommon to this list adds value to this article for newer players seeking to try to play for the first time. In the latest set, Fidget – Sneaky Bat takes the cake. With a highly relevant ability that it can share with another character through its ability, it’s definitely a card worth picking up. Moreover, Fidget is a dual ink card which enables it to synergize with more archetypes.
The Best Sleeper
TCG finance always involves some risk. Speculating on a card that may or may not spike in value is an art form. Featuring a card that is somewhat likely to increase in price over the next few months or slot into a popular archetype adds value to this article. Perdita – Playful Mother is one to speculate on a key building block of the Budget Puppies deck now taking over the Meta with the release of Archazia’s Island. Perdita’s ability as a cost reducer for the Puppy deck’s multiple bodyguards helps push the deck’s synergy over the top. Where Perdita truly shines is in its role as a ward lord for the rest of the deck. Protecting key puppies from removal while ushering challenges towards the deck’s many bodyguards boosts Perdita’s value. If the budget Puppy list takes off, it’s reasonable to see a spike in this card’s value. Look forward to this in a future article for beginners looking to get into Lorcana without breaking the bank.
The Fan Favorite
Card games are not always about playing the game. They are also about catering to the fanbase. Aurora – Waking Beauty is the consensus fan favorite in the set. Players are always excited to open a copy in their packs. Aurora has Singer 5, which enables her to sing the ever popular “A Whole New World”, commonly found in Amber Steelsong decks. This goes to show that apart from being loved by Disney fans, this card has some serious playability to it and can easily slot into an existing archetype. Aurora does not come without drawbacks though. Her Sweet Dreams ability can put her out of action during a key turn. Play with caution.
There are other cards that are honorable mentions for the categories mentioned above apart from Mushu. For instance, Pascal – Garden Chameleon can practically fill in for Fidget – Sneaky Bat as a similarly costed character with better stats. This illustrates how difficult it is to create a unanimous Top 5. Hopefully our list brings some insight into the new set and which cards to look forward to regardless of the way you choose to play Lorcana.
