Disney Lorcana Bans Two Cards From Competitive Play, Marking a New Chapter in the Game’s Evolution

Disney Lorcana Bans Two Cards From Competitive Play, Marking a New Chapter in the Game’s Evolution

Disney Lorcana, the enchanting trading card game from Ravensburger, has made a significant move by issuing its first official card bans from competitive play. The game’s developers announced that two cards — Hiram Flaversham, Toymaker and the item Fortisphere — will no longer be permitted in core constructed formats. However, both cards will still be playable in casual and alternative game modes.

The announcement came via a post on Lorcana’s official website this past Tuesday. In an interview with Polygon, game design manager and lead game designer Steve Warner provided further insight into the decision. According to Warner, the bans are not just a reaction to balance concerns, but also a natural step in Lorcana’s ongoing development as a competitive card game.

“As with any trading card game that grows over time, certain card combinations may eventually create unintended gameplay issues,” Warner told Polygon. Since its debut in 2022, Lorcana has amassed a library of around 1,400 cards — and with that growth, some problematic synergies have emerged.

The issues centered primarily around Hiram Flaversham, a card that allowed players to rapidly draw cards and cycle through their deck, creating a substantial advantage. When paired with Fortisphere, the strategy became overly dominant. Decks using this combo posted win rates significantly above average, prompting concerns about game balance and fairness in competitive settings.

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Warner emphasized that decisions like this reflect Lorcana’s maturation as a serious competitive platform. “Bans are a tool that allow us to preserve the health of the meta,” he explained, underscoring the importance of maintaining a diverse and enjoyable environment for all players.

With this first round of bans, Lorcana enters a new phase — one where balancing the evolving metagame becomes a key part of the design team’s responsibility. For dedicated players, it’s a reminder that the world of Lorcana will continue to grow, adapt, and surprise.

Warner emphasized, “We look at the tournament reports; we look at the data from events; from players; we talk to stores; we have competitive players [that we work with]; we have social players that all have friends and are part of the community. That gives us a lot of insight as to what’s going on, what’s really bothering players, and what’s causing some strife. […] We watch and we talk and we consider and we want to be very deliberate about our choices.”

Ravensburger announced these major changes on their website, inviting players to an Ask Me Anything with Steve Warner on April 8th at 3PM PST. Hiram and Fortisphere are the first cards to be banned in Disney Lorcana. With the banning of these cards, gameplay will certainly shift in the coming days and months as players make adjustments to the new competitive environment.

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