The Past Lorcana Cards that Stand to Gain the Most from the Release of Ursula’s Return

Introduction

One of my favorite things to do when a new set drops in a trading card game is to go back and assess how the new set affects the playability of already existing cards. A whole new set is bound to create new archetypes, but that does not mean that old cards will not be key ways to use the newest cards to their fullest extent. Today I want to look at some of the cards from the previous Disney Lorcana sets that by early indications seem to point to increased play during the Ursula's Return metagame.

You can use this non-exhaustive list as a guide for either cards to go purchase early on from other sets before they see a spike in playability, or simply as a way to understand how a new set changes the perception of already existing cards in a new light. Some of these cards have already seen an increase in prices, some of which I mentioned in previous weekly Finance reports, some that are new.

Disney Lorcana Market Watch: Week of May 6

Also keep in mind that I have no insider knowledge of any previous set reprints, like what happened during last seasons' Set Championships. It is certainly possible they "release" more of all three sets when that occurs, it is just too early to get any word on that.

One thing I do know is the allocations of the main set and especially the Illumineer's Quest have been cut. The Quest was cut SIGNIFICANTLY, so any big market swings as a result of the cards in that set being relevant is probably not going to happen.

For most of this list, it is the rich get richer type scenario: good cards remain good, and oftentimes get better when they get new tools to work with.

Some of these cards are not even Super Rare or Legendary, so prices may not skyrocket, but this is more of just an overview of older cards you can expect to see increased play based on shiny new objects!

Note: this list is mostly in order by set, not by "how much I think they will rise in this order."

Ariel - Spectacular Singer

Ariel is already a staple in the metagame, but the amount of Amber-x decks should increase with the new set, and Ariel is likely to be the centerpiece. What about Mufasa - Betrayed Leader based Amber strategies? Sure, but Ariel helps you find and use some of the most important cards in the set: the Sing Together songs! Each of them gains you tremendous card advantage, and Ariel's Singer 5 ability will help you sing them effectively. I expect her play stock to rise beyond what it already is!

Fishbone Quill

A rare I can never keep in stock, no matter how popular it is! Seeing play in both Ruby-Sapphire and Sapphire-Steel, the key cards that make the Quill even better are Scuttle - Expert on Humans and a ton of new cheap items highlighted by Fortisphere. In each of the decks the Quill is often your premier turn three play, so every player needs a playset!

Elsa - Spirit of Winter

Can the queen finally return to her glory?! The main reason I think this Elsa can return to prominence is that she finally has an acceptable Shift target in Elsa - Storm Chaser. This means you can realistically play the Spirit of Winter much earlier, usually on turn 6, and Quest or Sing right away. Maybe it is too many uninkables, but it will be Elsa - Spirit of Winter's best chance of seeing play again!

Lady Tremaine - Wicked Stepmother

Another card really helped out by Sing Together. The Emerald Sing Together Under The Sea is begging to be played twice, but so is A Pirate's Life if you branch into Ruby. This version of Lady Tremaine has only ever really been a meme in Mill decks, but maybe if you can maintain a board around her, she can allow you to replay those big songs!

Rapunzel - Gifted with Healing

There are two new characters that come into play with damage on them: Mulan - Injured Soldier and Beast - Wounded, both of which pair really well with Rapunzel. Amber-Ruby needs the guaranteed card draw to get to its late game bombs, and Rapunzel will continue to be the key cog in that wheel.

Stitch - Carefree Surfer

Here is one of those Amber payoffs! I cannot wait for Surfer Stitch to be "back on the menu" for late game threats, and his ability to draw and represent a threat are unparalleled even to this day!

Blue Fairy - Rewarding Good Deeds and Bucky - Squirrel Squeak Tutor

Uncommons need love too! I think these two pair really well with all the alternative Shift characters, who are all Floodborn of course! Even playing some of them for full cost gives you powerful on curve options that were lacking before in Floodborn-matters decks using one or both of these enablers.

Cinderella - Ballroom Sensation

Want to Sing Together faster? Use this powerful Singer 3 you can play for one, and the next few turns will go much smoother to sing those powerful, expensive songs. If Amber-x is a deck that relies on those Songs, this Cinderella will be a key piece.

Hiram Flaversham - Toymaker

Look, good cards are good for a reason and Ursula's Return is full of item synergy. Who will be at the center of that synergy? Hiram (like he always is). Sapphire players rarely leave home without him, and I do not expect that to change!

Mulan - Reflecting

More Sing Together Synergy! I am not sure if you can run her efficiently in Amber-Ruby, where now her best Shift targets lie, but if you could run her in Amber-Amethyst, her "free singing" would really help Jafar - Striking Illusionist find that 004-061. You would not even need to worry about A Whole New World and can play a more reliable strategy, full of ways to manipulate the top of your deck (003-063 being the stand out). Is she too slow? Can she only be used with Ruby? Time will tell, but I see her having increased play regardless.

Scar - Vicious Cheater

There are multiple locations and strategies that emphasize "Challenging Matters" and whenever that ability is prevalent, this Scar is in the lead!

The Queen - Commanding Presence

Her "when she quests" ability takes center stage over her just being a five cost Shift character for 2 (for once!). Adding Strength to cards like Mulan - Elite Archer or Goofy - Super Goof is huge if you can quest with The Queen first. While the strength reduction works great with Under The Sea, Brawl, Sisu - Daring Visitor, and Sisu - Responsible Sister.

Jim Hawkins - Space Traveler

In general, Ruby just has solid overall cards that do not need help. Jim Hawkins - Space Traveler is a key exception! With so many new Locations to play with, maybe Jim will see more play than he did last metagame (which was basically "some play"). I think 004-102 is the best pairing for Jim, but there are likely others.

Kida - Protector of Atlantis

This Legendary Kida is similar to The Queen mentioned above, already a key cog for the strength reducing to shine. She is very key with Under The Sea as she adds a five cost body to the board to be able to sing AND reduce strength to enable this card to be better at the same time!

Morph - Space Goo

All of the new alternate Shifts have a friend in Morph! All of them get over one of his key weaknesses: the one Willpower (by Shifting on him immediately on the same turn). If your opponent is playing Steel or Ruby, this gives you more flexibility in running the Space Goo out there right away.

Ursula - Deceiver of All

Has her price already spiked? She is back up a bit (about 15% to just over $40) off her recent low (after the buyouts) so I expect her price to rise another 10-15% if she proves to be as insane as thought with the Sing Together mechanic. I am sure most of my loyal readers already bought her before the last buyouts, but if you did not, there may be another one coming..

Conclusion

Honestly, I think I could have listed another ten cards. I did not even mention staples like Madame Medusa - The Boss, Lucky Dime, Ursula - Deceiver, Rafiki - Mystical Fighter, etc.

New sets bring a lot of excitement, and a lot of new players will be joining Disney Lorcana the rest of this year. A new set is just the cake, with Organized Play events being the icing on that cake. Act fast, before these old cards jump in big value!