Table of Contents
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 Shimmering Skies 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.
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 four sets when that occurs, it is just too early to get any word on that. One thing I do know is the allocations of Shimmering Skies were not cut. In fact, I was able to personally fill a very large pre-order of boxes and was not cut down in any significant chunks.
For most of this list, it is a "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 will see increased play based on shiny new objects!
Note: this list is not really in any particular order, just how my brain was logically working at the time (if at all, lol).
Ariel - Spectacular Singer
If you are a long time reader of these articles I do each set, you will probably notice that Ariel makes the list every set. This time, however, it is not really due to Songs in the set (as there are seven unique ones and I am not sure any more than two will even see that much play, any more than that would need a very specific deck to work). The reason she is on here (along with many cards on this list..) is the power of Prince Naveen - Ukulele Player.
The ability of Naveen to play a Song the same turn he is played is very powerful and a huge shift in tempo (pun intended?). That being said, since he is uninkable you need to make sure you are getting max value out of him when you play him, which means you MUST have a song in hand that greatly impacts the board.
This is where Ariel comes into play. Now when you play her on turn three, whether she survives or not, the Song she finds has a much higher chance of being played on turn four. This turns your singing game from a "I must have Ariel live" to now "if she is banished, Naveen will still save the day!"
Fishbone Quill
Another constant on this list is the Quill; a card I have never had in stock for more than a day to be honest. Sapphire got a lot of new toys this set, and the Quill will work to power out end game threats like Sheriff of Nottingham - Old Money Bags, Kuzco - Selfish Emperor, and Mufasa - Ruler of Pride Rock.
The card that combos best with the Quill is Chicha - Dedicated Mother, who allows you to start making up for its only disadvantage right away. I have already seen decks eschew other forms of ramp to only run Fishbone Quill and if things stay that way, the pattern of Chicha into Quill will become meta defining!
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 - The Fifth Spirit. This means you can realistically play the Spirit of Winter much earlier, usually on turn 6, and Quest or Sing right away. The best part of The Fifth Spirt is that she is inkable, so you do not have to run a series of blanks on your way to this late game threat.
Let it Go/A Pirate's Life
Outside of the obvious Steel pairings, I think the Songs that benefit the most from Prince Naveen are Let It Go and A Pirate's Life. These Songs are typically played (if played at all) in a very fair manner: you use a character to save you the ink and then play something else. Naveen allows you to do that above the curve, and I think you will see each of these see increased play in their respective decks (including in new decks!).
Blue Fairy - Rewarding Good Deeds
Uncommons need love too! There are a good number of playable on-color cheap Floodborns that curve directly after Blue Fairy. On color you have Archimedes - Electrified Owl and Anna - Mystical Majesty, which if you can add "draw a card" when played will make for a powerful combo. It will come down to how much targeted removal players are still playing, but if they are ignoring it for aggro, then Blue Fairy may be able to make a comeback (I have a soft spot, I played a Blue Fairy based deck to a top 64 in DLC Atlanta after all!)
Mulan - Reflecting
I tried to make her work for numerous sets, but the synergy with Hypnotic Deduction cannot be denied. The issue is that that locks you into Amber-Emerald, where you do not find the best Mulan Shift targets, but maybe can find some good Song synergy potential?
Jafar - Striking Illusionist
What if you could insure Jafar would live through a turn cycle after you play him? What if you had basically a free turn to just end the game? Enter Pete - Games Referee who is right in the color most often paired with Jafar and his A Whole New World...
Maleficent - Biding Her Time/Lilo - Making a Wish
Aggressive decks centered around Daisy Duck - Donald's Date are about to be the new hotness. Most combos I have seen with her revolve around Amethyst, but functionally either of these two Lore one-drops will complement Daisy. They are great backup draws to the 1/4 and I expect each of them to see increased play.
Conclusion
Shimmering Skies seems to be a very powerful set, but a lot of the set may be very insular or just "good cards." I am sure I missed a lot of combos that may rise to the top, but overall I see cards in this set doing more to replace or supplement old cards than potentially breathe new life into certain strategies. Also, it takes a lot for older cards to break through their current pricing structure and actually go "to the moon" based on a new set, after all!
