Disney Lorcana has recently introduced Dual-Ink cards, but how exactly do they work? Lorcana is Disney's attempt to break into the trading card game world and has found worldwide success. Given the number of beloved franchises that have and can this product, some level of success seemed guaranteed upon release. However, the genuine fun of the gameplay has been a semi-surprising twist that has helped it succeed even more.

Lorcana revolves around six Ink types that can be used to make decks. Each type has its strengths, and these strengths can be combined with other Ink types, though each deck can only have two types. These types are Amber, Amethyst, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, and Steel. For example, Amber is meant to be a Ink type, whereas Amethyst is meant to be more fragile ability s.

What Are Dual-Ink Cards In Disney Lorcana?

Cards That Are The Best Of Both Worlds

Dual-Ink cards are a feature that TCG players will be used to, with the most obvious parallel being Multi-Color cards in Magic: The Gathering. For Lorcana, these are cards that combine two different Ink-Types and their abilities.

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If done properly, this could be a massive shakeup to the TCG and a whole new power level. Those looking to get some of these powerful cards for their decks should look at some of the coolest cards in Disney Lorcana's Archazia's Island set.

Every Dual-Ink Card Restrictions You Should Know

Some Cards Have Balanced Limitations

Bolt and Lady from the Disney Lorcana Archazia's Island set.
Custom Image by: Tom Wilson

Dual-Ink cards come with one major restriction: they have to be in a deck with both of their types. So, an Amethyst/Steel card cannot go into an Amethyst/Amber deck; only an Amethyst/Steel card can be used. This is the only confirmed restriction, but others may come down the line. This is also essentially what every other TCG does with its multi-type cards, so it will be familiar to experienced s but easy to follow for new players.

Why Dual-Ink Cards Can Be Good For Your Deck

How Dual-Ink Cards Can Improve DecksArchazia from Disney Lorcana Archazia's Island looking at two enchanted Hiro Hamada cards

Dual-Ink cards will help improve decks in Lorcana for two main reasons. The first is that decks that were already strong are now going to get reinforcements. The weaker cards of these "meta" decks can be replaced with strong new Dual-Inks and further strengthen an already formidable force. Now, some cards may not feel like a fit due to the nature of their abilities, but as more come out, more will be able to slot into preexisting decks.

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The other way Dual-Ink cards will help is by improving lower-tier decks and strategies. So far, it would seem the first batch of Dual-Ink cards are tuned to specific playstyles or Ink combos that are lacking. Thus, Disney Lorcana is trying to bridge the gap between the good cards of these two and form a strong deck. The one caveat to this is that they may feel a bit weaker than the "meta" at first, but the true test of the mechanic will be if it can overcome this with future additions.

While the Disney name can be a powerful factor in keeping things running, eventually, cards may feel repetitive, and without "meta" changes, the gameplay will, too

If Dual-Ink cards can do this, it will be a massive boost to the fun factor and longevity of Lorcana. While the Disney name can be a powerful factor in keeping things running, eventually, cards may feel repetitive, and without "meta" changes, the gameplay will, too. Dual-Inks solve both of these issues without straying too far from what TCGs are known to do. It also opens the door to introducing other characters from the franchise that may have been too tricky to limit to a single Ink type before.

Overall, Dual-Ink cards are an exciting new addition to a TCG that, while not desperately needing an upgrade, couldn't hurt to have a refresh. By serving as a gameplay innovation that can also make it closer to other popular trading card games, they are a massive boon. Dual-Ink cards may feel clunky or underwhelming at first, but as more cards come out and more players can use them, much of this will likely fall to the side. Thus, this is how Dual-Ink cards work in Disney Lorcana and how they have the potential to significantly increase the game's standing.

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Franchise
Disney
Original Release Date
August 18, 2023
Publisher
Ravensburger
Designer
Ryan Miller, Steve Warner
Player Count
2-6
Length per Game
20-30 Minutes