Ursula’s Return by Ravensburger is a thrilling addition to the Lorcana TCG’s expanding universe, drawing players into darker waters with a villain-centric set that deepens both strategy and theme. Released in May 2024, this set brings fresh mechanics, iconic characters, and a touch of theatrical drama that makes it one of the most engaging releases yet. The sea witch has surfaced—and she’s not alone.
At its core, Ursula’s Return is a celebration of Disney’s greatest antagonists. Ursula herself takes center stage in multiple forms—each more menacing than the last—while classic villains like Scar and Dr. Facilier join the roster with stylish, powerful cards. The set leans heavily into storytelling, and it shows: the artwork is bold, expressive, and filled with moody palettes and dramatic expression.
New Mechanics: Sing Together and a Deeper Use of Resist
Two major mechanics define the set:
- Sing Together allows multiple characters to sing a single song, making high-cost songs more playable earlier in the game. It introduces a flavorful layer of coordination—timing singers just right feels immensely satisfying, especially when pulling off a swing-turn with cards like Sudden Chill.
- Resist (X) is a defensive keyword that reduces damage from challenges and effects. While Ursula’s Return gives Resist a greater presence in the meta, it was actually introduced in the previous set, Rise of the Floodborn. Here, it’s used more prominently to support control-focused decks and stall strategies—reshaping how players build their curves and approach trades.
While these mechanics are thematic and strategically rich, there’s subtle tension: overuse of Sing Together in casual settings can occasionally stall tempo, and Resist may over-tilt the balance toward stall if future sets don’t bring efficient counterplay. Still, together, they push the game in thoughtful directions and reward players who think a turn ahead.
Competitive Meta Impact
Early impressions suggest Ursula’s Return is shifting the competitive landscape in subtle but meaningful ways. Control decks—particularly those built around Resist, value items, and song recursion—are thriving. Tempo and midrange archetypes must now tread carefully, making tighter curve decisions and planning more reactive lines.
For example, early control builds using Amber/Steel Villain Midrange or Amethyst/Steel Control lean into low-cost singers, Resist allies, and disruptive cards like Ursula to slowly take over the board. Aggro isn’t gone, but players leaning on early damage must now adapt with higher efficiency or stronger tech against Resist-heavy boards.
Accessibility & Collectibility
From a collector and buyer perspective, Ursula’s Return hits a satisfying sweet spot. Pull rates are fair—chase cards feel within reach without being overprinted. The Illumineer’s Trove remains the go-to product for casual and semi-competitive players, offering deck boxes, counters, and boosters in a themed, collectible package. New players might find a slight learning curve with the new mechanics, but the set offers enough standalone value cards to make onboarding forgiving and enjoyable.
Ravensburger continues to refine Lorcana’s visual identity. Alternate arts and foil treatments in this set strike a polished balance between elegance and clarity. Card quality is consistent, with no print issues and solid foil durability. The visual tone feels more mature than previous sets, and collectors will appreciate the stylized villain-themed designs and tasteful packaging. Even outside of gameplay, the cards themselves tell their own stories—a mark of great TCG design.
Pull Rates (Community Estimates)
A booster box contains 24 packs. Based on aggregated data:
- Enchanted: Approximately 1 in every 96 packs, equating to about 1 Enchanted card every 4 booster boxes.
- Legendary (non-foil): Approximately 1 in every 5.6 packs, or about 4 to 5 per box.
- Legendary (foil): Approximately 1 in every 96 packs.
These rates indicate that while obtaining Legendary cards is feasible with regular box openings, Enchanted cards are significantly rarer.
Lorcana: Ursula’s Return is an ambitious, flavorful set that pushes the game forward with confidence. Its bold mechanics, deep strategic potential, and stunning art direction make it a standout chapter in Lorcana’s evolution. Whether you’re a villain main, a deck builder chasing new synergies, or a collector enchanted by Disney’s darker side, this set delivers on all fronts.
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