Shimmering Skies
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| Shimmering Skies | |
|---|---|
| File:Shimmering Skies logo.png | |
| Set symbol | File:Shimmering Skies symbol.png |
| Set code | SSK |
| Release date | August 9, 2024 (LGS/Prerelease) August 23, 2024 (retail) |
| Total cards | 204 |
| New mechanics | None (builds on existing mechanics) |
| Previous set | Ursula's Return |
| Next set | Azurite Sea |
Shimmering Skies is the fifth set of the Disney Lorcana trading card game. It was released by Ravensburger for prerelease in local game stores on August 9, 2024, with a full global release on August 23, 2024.[1][2] The set follows the defeat of Ursula and focuses on a celebration that takes a mysterious turn.
Unlike previous sets, Shimmering Skies introduces no major new mechanics. Instead, it builds on existing deck archetypes, adds new disruptive cards, and sets up future storylines.[3] The set consists of 204 main set cards, including a Prince John – Gold Lover promotional foil card available exclusively with the Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil board game.[2][4]
Story
Following the defeat of the powerful Ink‑powered Ursula glimmer in Ursula's Return, the inhabitants of Lorcana hold a grand festival filled with games, dancing, and fireworks near the Great Illuminary.[1][3][5] While most of the realm participates in the celebration, a new mystery begins when a portion of the Great Illuminary collapses, sending Illumineers on a search for the cause of the damage.[3][5]
The set also introduces two new villains who will drive future storylines: Magica de Spell, who claims Triton's Trident, and Jafar, who seeks a powerful artifact known as the Hexwell Crown.[3]
Mechanics
Unlike the first four sets, Shimmering Skies does not introduce any major new keywords or mechanics. Instead, it focuses on enhancing existing deck archetypes, adding options for popular strategies such as Steelsong (Amber/Steel), Ruby/Amethyst control, and bounce decks.[3] The set includes the first purely disruptive card in Lorcana's metagame: Pete – Game Referee, a low‑cost Steel character that blocks opponents from playing Action cards on their turn.[3]
Other notable effects include:[6]
- Playing a character from your discard for free
- Returning characters from your discard to your hand
- Revealing cards from the top of your deck
New franchises and featured characters
Shimmering Skies introduces the following Disney franchises to Lorcana for the first time:[1][2][5]
- Wreck-It Ralph – The arcade‑themed franchise makes its Lorcana debut with characters including Vanellope Von Schweetz, Wreck-It Ralph, Fix‑It Felix Jr., and King Candy.
- Frozen 2 – Elemental spirits such as Bruni (the fire salamander) and Gale (the wind spirit) appear alongside new versions of Elsa, Anna, and Olaf.
- The Emperor's New Groove – Yzma and Kronk join the game.
- Brother Bear – The 2003 film is represented by characters including Kenai, Koda, and Rutt & Tuke.
- Robin Hood – Prince John, Little John, and Maid Marian appear.
- Encanto – Mirabel Madrigal and Camilo Madrigal are featured.
- Snow White – Snow White – Fair‑Hearted appears.
- The Sword in the Stone – Madam Mim and Archimedes appear.
Products
Shimmering Skies was available in the following product formats:[1][5][6][7]
- Booster packs – 12 random cards per pack (6 common, 3 uncommon, 2 rare/super rare/legendary, 1 foil of any rarity). MSRP $5.99. Booster boxes contain 24 packs.[6]
- Booster boxes – 24 booster packs.
- Illumineer's Trove – Includes 8 booster packs, 6 damage‑counter dice, a lore counter, 6 card dividers, and a storage box. MSRP $49.99.[1][6]
- Starter decks – Two preconstructed 60‑card decks (MSRP $16.99 each).[1]
- Portfolios – A new nine‑pocket portfolio featuring artwork from Disney Lorcana artist Nicholas Kole, plus a portfolio featuring the Lorcana card back design.[5]
- Card sleeves and deck boxes – Featuring Tiana and Aladdin artwork.[1][5]
- Playmats – Two new playmats featuring Mirabel from Encanto and the Accomplished Mystic glimmer of Belle from Beauty and the Beast.[5]
Promotional card
A special‑edition foil version of the card Prince John – Gold Lover was available exclusively in new, stickered copies of the Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil board game, which launched in early July 2024.[2][5][4] This promotional card features unique artwork in the classic Villainous style and a distinct rarity symbol, and is not available in standard Shimmering Skies booster packs.[4]
Starter decks
Two starter decks were released for Shimmering Skies:[1][5][6]
- Amethyst & Ruby (featuring Elsa and Wreck-It Ralph) – Focuses on control and spell synergy, building on the already powerful Ruby/Amethyst control archetype. Notable cards include Elsa – The Fifth Spirit and Madam Mim – Elephant.[3]
- Emerald & Steel (featuring Scar and Kronk) – Focuses on disruption and resilient characters. Notable cards include Pete – Game Referee, one of the first purely disruptive cards in the game, which blocks opponents from playing Action cards on their turn.[3]
Each starter deck contains a 60‑card preconstructed deck (including 2 foil cards), 11 game tokens, a quick‑start rulebook, and a booster pack.[6]
Notable cards
| Card name | Ink color | Rarity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pete – Game Referee | Steel | Blocks opponents from playing Action cards on their turn; one of the first purely disruptive cards in Lorcana.[3] | |
| Elsa – The Fifth Spirit | Amethyst | A powerful control card that builds on the Ruby/Amethyst archetype.[3] | |
| Madam Mim – Elephant | Ruby | Adds to popular bounce decks.[3] | |
| Prince Naveen – Ukulele Player | Amber | Supports Steelsong (Amber/Steel) decks.[3] | |
| Mirabel Madrigal – Family Gatherer | – | Can only be played if you have 5 or more characters in play.[8] | |
| Camilo Madrigal – Family Copycat | – | Gains abilities when questing.[8] | |
| Blast From Your Past | – | Returns all character cards with a chosen name from discard to hand.[8] | |
| Prince John – Gold Lover | – | Exclusive foil promotional card available only with the Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil board game.[2][4] |
Reception
Shimmering Skies received generally positive reviews. Critics praised the decision to focus on enhancing existing deck archetypes rather than introducing new mechanics, noting that it gave designers the chance to build on the game's established strengths.[3]
The set was described as providing "several much‑needed cards that boost the viability of several decks other than the dominant Ruby/Amethyst control deck," and as setting Disney Lorcana up for "a rewarding sophomore year."[3] However, some reviewers noted that the set did not introduce any viable new deck builds, with most additions serving to improve existing archetypes.[3]
The Prince John – Gold Lover promotional card was well received by collectors, with its unique artwork and limited availability making it a sought‑after item.[4]
Trivia
- Shimmering Skies is the first Lorcana set to introduce no major new mechanics.[3]
- The set marks the first appearance of Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen 2, The Emperor's New Groove, Brother Bear, and Encanto characters in Lorcana.[1][2]
- The promotional Prince John – Gold Lover card features artwork in the style of the Disney Villainous board game, with a unique rarity symbol distinct from the standard Lorcana rarities.[4]
- The set includes the first purely disruptive card in Lorcana's history: Pete – Game Referee.[3]
- The D23 Collector Set was launched exclusively through Disney Parks and select Disney Store locations on August 9, 2024.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Ravensburger Announces Fifth 'Disney Lorcana' Set. ICv2 (June 12, 2024).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Shimmering Skies revealed as the fifth Disney Lorcana set. GamesHub (June 14, 2024).
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 Disney Lorcana Shimmering Skies doesn't add new mechanics, but I think that's for the best. Yahoo Entertainment (September 19, 2024).
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Disney Villainous Introduction to Evil (2024). Athena Games.
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 The latest Disney Lorcana TCG set will have the skies shimmering. Toy World Magazine (June 13, 2024).
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Every Card From Disney Lorcana Shimmering Skies. StarCityGames.
- ↑ Disney Lorcana Set 5: Shimmering Skies – Spoilers, Release Date, Products, and More. Lorcana.gg.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Every Card Revealed For Disney Lorcana's Shimmering Skies. TheGamer (July 26, 2024).