If your family loves Disney and enjoys a bit of friendly competition, then Disney’s Lorcana might just be your next favourite game night discovery. Combining the charm of classic Disney storytelling with the excitement of trading card strategy, Lorcana has something for everyone. Kids love to collect their favourite characters and parents are looking for screen-free ways to connect as a family. It’s a match made in heaven!
But first a quick intro…
What Is Disney’s Lorcana?
Disney’s Lorcana is a trading card game (TCG) which is a mix between storytelling, collecting, and strategy. Players take on the role of “Illumineers” and summon Disney characters to their side using special cards. Each character has powers and abilities, which you use to beat your opponents. The cards also have unique artwork which adds to the enjoyment.
The beauty of Lorcana is that it’s both easy to learn and rewardingly deep once you start mastering it, unlike Pokemon – which only appeals to a younger age group – or Magic: The Gathering – which is highly complex. With Lorcana, younger players can enjoy the art and stories, while older teens and adults can delve into the tactical side so it’s a perfect cross-generational activity.
Why It’s Great for Family Game Nights
Unlike much modern entertainment that relies on screens, Lorcana brings everyone around an actual table for face-to-face interaction. And playing Lorcana isn’t just about winning; it’s also about sharing laughter and being creative. It’s a refreshing way – in our tech-heavy world – to spend an evening together that kids and parents both enjoy – no consoles, no phones, just cards and some imagination thrown in.
Getting Started: How to Buy and Build Your Collection
One of the best things about Lorcana is how simple it is to get started. There are a few different ways to begin your adventure:
Starter Decks
If you’re new to the game, the best place to start is with (you guessed it!) a Starter Deck. These are ready-to-play packs that include everything you need:
- A complete deck of cards (usually themed around a few Disney characters or colours – known as “ink”)
- A rulebook
- Game tokens
Starter decks are specifically designed for beginners, so that you can learn the basics right away. You can usually find them at toy shops, gaming stores, or specialist online retailers such as Axion Now.
Booster Packs
Once you’ve become familiar with playing, you can expand your deck with booster packs. These contain 12 random cards so opening a booster pack is half the fun; you never quite know which characters or powerful new cards you’ll find! Many families enjoy swapping cards among themselves or with friends in a fun, low-pressure way of trading.
Single Cards and Collectibles
If you’ve fallen in love with a particular card or are looking for something specific to complete a deck, you can also buy individual cards. Specialist stores (both online and physical) sell single Lorcana cards ranging from affordable favourites to highly sought-after collector’s items.
Buying singles is ideal if you want to fine-tune your deck or build a collection around your favourite Disney film or character. They’re also a great way to spend pocket money as many are inexpensive.
Finding Lorcana Events in the UK
You can, of course, stick to playing at home but if you want to meet other players of all ages and abilities, you can attend a local community event (often at local game stores) or a national event like LorcanaFest, which is held several times a year. These are open to all players.
Attending a Lorcana event is a great way to:
- Meet other players and families
- Learn new strategies and deck-building tips
- Trade cards in a safe, welcoming environment
- Enjoy a bit of friendly competition
Even if you’re not a competitive player, the social side of these events makes them a brilliant outing for families who enjoy games together.
A Few Tips for Parents
- Start small: A single starter deck per person or team is enough to begin.
- Play cooperatively: Try team matches (adults vs kids, or parents helping younger players) to make learning easier.
- Store safely: Keep your cards in a box or binder – not only to protect them but to teach kids about caring for collectibles.
- Encourage creativity: Let children design their own “dream decks” or come up with stories about their favourite cards.
Next time you’re all spending a family evening together, get around the table, switch off the TV and let the magic begin! You won’t be disappointed.
*This is a collaborative post
*Image provided by Life in a Breakdown