In a surprising twist that has sent ripples through the gaming community, Disney Lorcana, the enchanting trading card game that has captivated fans since its launch in 2022, has officially enacted its first-ever bans on competitive cards. Sapphire decks just got a bit less formidable with the removal of Hiram Flaversham, Toymaker, and the powerful item Fortisphere, which are no longer permitted in core constructed formats. However, these cards will still be legal for casual play and other formats, offering players alternative ways to enjoy the game.

The announcement, revealed in a post on Disney Lorcana’s official website this Tuesday, marks a significant step in the game’s evolution. In a recent interview, game design manager and lead designer Steve Warner emphasized that such bans indicate the game’s growth and development. With approximately 1,400 cards introduced over the last year, certain overpowered interactions were inevitable.

Hiram Flaversham, in particular, enabled players to draw an excessive number of cards, leading to an unsustainable win rate for decks utilizing this strategy—especially in combination with Fortisphere. Warner described the balancing act necessary to keep the game exciting, admitting, “It’s far better than ‘everything is way too safe and unfun.’”

This proactive approach to balancing the game, according to Warner, has been a key concern for both him and his team at Ravensburger. Despite Hiram’s long-standing presence in the meta, it was only after the release of the recent set, Arcazia’s Island, that the balance began to shift unfavorably. Warner likened their monitoring approach to that of Roz from Monsters, Inc., portraying the team as vigilant observers who make deliberate choices rather than reactive decisions.

“We analyze tournament reports, data from various events, and feedback from players and stores,” Warner explained. “This holistic approach gives us valuable insights into what players find challenging or frustrating. We want to maintain a healthy game environment.”

As players digest the news, some may wonder why Pawpsicle, another key card in many powerful Sapphire decks, wasn’t included in this round of bans. Warner clarified that the team believes the removal of Hiram and Fortisphere will significantly diminish the dominance of those decks while allowing Pawpsicle to remain a vital component in Sapphire strategies and other color combinations.

“Particularly in Arcazia’s Island, it’s the Sapphire-Ruby combinations that really want those item cards,” Warner noted. “Keeping Pawpsicle available will let players explore diverse gameplay strategies a bit more naturally.”

In exciting news for fans, Disney Lorcana’s next set, titled Reign of Jafar, is set to launch on June 6. As the game continues to evolve, players can look forward to exploring new strategies and card combinations, all while being mindful of the latest developments in the competitive landscape. The future of Disney Lorcana looks bright, so gear up for more thrilling gameplay!