It's Time for a Celebration!

A year has flown by since Disney Lorcana first graced our gaming tables, and what better way to mark this milestone than with Shimmering Skies, the latest expansion set? New cards, fresh strategies, a whole new meta to explore - it's an exciting time for all Lorcana fans! Let's delve into the treasure trove that Shimmering Skies offers, particularly for those who favor Emerald ink for their decks.

Review Criteria

Just like in my previous article reviewing Amethyst, we're going to focus on both Limited and Constructed formats. We'll rate each format with a simple 1-5 range, where 1 is unplayable and 5 is a must-include. All right, let's jump in the deep end!

It's clear Robin Hood is a huge favorite from the designers. For the first one we're reviewing, he fits the high-cost with reduction mechanic that each ink color got this set. In this case, his reduction effect is extremely flavorful and synergetic with Steel. I could easily see Robin Hood tribal decks in casual and even possibly competitive play. However, for Limited, he lacks the support from other cards to apply damage as easily as a Constructed deck would. While it would take some strategic challenges, I could see playing him for 6-7 ink in Limited, which is a decent bomb.

Constructed: 4

Limited: 3

Shenzi is one of the Hyenas introduced in this set. Being a 3-cost inkable character that can potentially turn into 4 Strength when attacking damaged characters and has the Evasive keyword is pretty solid. If hyenas do take off, I do see this being a staple in the deck. Otherwise, I don't see it making the cut for the current competitive decks.

Constructed: 2

Limited: 3

Little John is interesting. 4 Willpower is huge for a 1-drop. This card can get a decent amount of lore before being dealt with. If the opponent decides to focus on Little John, this gives you time to build your board or develop other strategies.

Constructed: 2

Limited: 3

Zazu provides great value in the Limited format thanks to being Evasive. With decent stats for a 5-cost inkable character, this would be a high pick for me in Limited. Otherwise, I don't see him making much movement in Constructed.

Constructed: 2

Limited: 4

I love the flavor of this card. The stats are solid for the 4-cost slot as well in Limited. I'm just not seeing this card to be playable in Constructed at this time.

Constructed: 2

Limited: 3

Ed brings a really good ability at the 3-cost character slot which makes sense why he's non-inkable. He synergizes well with other hyena effects and even the Robin Hood we mentioned earlier.

Constructed: 2

Limited: 3

Our first Fairy from the new set seems okay for a 3-cost inkable character. I don't see much opportunity to play her outside of Limited since the 3-cost slot is already jam-packed full of other options.

Constructed: 1

Limited: 3

Merryweather is a bit better than Flora. At 1-cost, she's flexible to where you can play her for her on-play effect to grant a chosen character +2 Strength this turn. This can help when trying to make favorable trades when challenging.

Constructed: 2

Limited: 3

Robin Hood has a solid on-play ability that seems like it will hit almost every time in the right Emerald/Steel deck. This is a great option for both Constructed and Limited formats.

Constructed: 3

Limited: 3

Our 3rd and last fairy, Fauna, has some solid staying power thanks to its high Willpower of 7. This would be considered a decent bomb in Limited. Outside of that, I don't expect much play in Constructed.

Constructed: 2

Limited: 4

On paper, Iago looks great in the right action-based deck. With Evasive, he seems like he may stick around a lot longer than other characters, allowing you to take advantage of his action discount ability. I'm curious if there's a deck for him out there during this set's meta.

Constructed: 3

Limited: 2

A non-inkable 2 cost character with slightly higher than average stats for this slot, Banzai seems like a welcome character in a few types of decks. I expect to see much of him in both Limited and Constructed formats.

Constructed: 4

Limited: 4

Quite possibly my favorite non-enchanted artwork for the set, Ed brings a solid threat to the board when played on 4 ink. Decks that have no issues dealing damage, like Steel, can take advantage of his effect, allowing him to quest for huge swings. I expect to see Ed around for both Constructed and Limited formats.

Constructed: 4

Limited: 4

Scroop also fits well with damage-based decks and for an additional 3 ink when played, you can outright banish a damaged character. With Evasive, he'll stick around to quest for a bit too, proving to be a valuable character in the mid-to-late game.

Constructed: 3

Limited: 4

Emerald is really leaning hard on damage-based decks, and Prince Phillip is no exception. A late-game bomb that could easily do a 2 or 3 for 1 trade when challenging opposing characters. His other on-play effect seems less likely, unless you're local meta is flooded with Dragon-type characters.

Constructed: 3

Limited: 3

Clarabelle was my first enchanted pulled this set, and I am personally looking for a deck to leverage her end of turn ability. Something where I can continue to empty my hand and re-draw up to my opponent's hand side seems highly advantageous.

Constructed: 4

Limited: 3

Anna is a great card with a ton of options to choose from, regardless what situation you're in. Even though she has solid stats for a 3-cost non-inkable character, you really want to play her at 5 or more ink to leverage one of the three options to choose from when playing her. I look forward to seeing more of her in this coming set.

Constructed: 3

Limited: 3

Clarabelle stands to benefit more from playing her at 3 ink over 1 for her banish item on play effect. This could help early or late game depending on the opponent. You're playing. Otherwise, she's a great shift target for the previously mentioned Clarabelle - Light on Her Hooves.

Constructed: 3

Limited: 3

Banzai has a neat ability when wanting to deal with a pesky character that just won't exert. I don't see this being played on curve much, just so you can leverage its on-play ability more when you need to challenge something.

Constructed: 2

Limited: 2

This is a really great Floodborn Robin Hood that can easily steal a game when played at the right time, thanks to Shift. Thanks to Steel Robin Hoods, you should have no issue benefiting from both targeted damage and shift targets as well.

Constructed: 4

Limited: 3

Mother Gothel's ability to bounce back a character when played at 5-ink is pretty solid, plus it sets up a shift target for a follow up Unwavering Schemer for additional bounce effects.

Constructed: 3

Limited: 2

This Clarabelle seems to follow more flavor for her Floodborn version over her 1-cost version. There's a place for her, but I don't think it's in much competitive decks at this time.

Constructed: 2

Limited: 3

Shenzi seems to be one of the best Hyenas when trying to focus on a hyena tribal deck. With her Attack scaling for each hyena you have in play, she can become a pretty hard threat to deal with. Her lore gain ability also fits quite well with a flood of hyenas in play.

Constructed: 3

Limited: 3

Mother Gothel debuts with her first Floodborn version, and I must say, the artwork is great. She continues to have an on-play ability that allows you to bounce an opposing character back to their owner's hand and can quest for 2. Her stats are pretty great and she is inkable. I expect to see her around more as the meta develops.

Constructed: 4

Limited: 3

Scar fits in well with the Hyenas, and it totally makes sense. This will give you the additional draw you need to find more hyenas to rinse, wash, and repeat. Ward makes him sticky, and I don't expect for him to quest much since he only has one lore.

Constructed: 3

Limited: 2

I love this card as it can set up really amazing top decks when needed. I expect there to be a lot of synergies with A Whole New World, Bruno Madrigal - Undetected Uncle, Jafar - Striking Illusionist, and so much more. This is pretty much an auto-include in any Emerald-based deck and Limited format.

Constructed: 5

Limited: 5

Night Howler Rage seems to do well in Emerald-based decks that punish your opponent for challenging your characters. With it's additional cantrip to draw, I can see this in decks playing Cursed Merfolk - Ursula's Handiwork, Flynn Rider - Charming Rogue, and Lyle Tiberius Rourke - Cunning Mercenary.

Constructed: 2

Limited: 2

Maui's best song comes to Emerald, and it's amazing. Now that we have Yzma - Scary Beyond All Reason's effect in a song that can also target items and locations, Emerald player are certainly eating in this set.

Constructed: 5

Limited: 5

A pretty decent action when played at the right time. With Emerald tempo-style decks, your hand usually consists of a lot of cheaper characters, actions, and items to play. Using this to match your opponent's hand size can help give you more options to flood the board and potentially do it again.

Constructed: 3

Limited: 3

Okay, I know we're all suffering from discard PTSD from Bucky - Squirrel Squeak Tutor, so the initial reaction to this item was met with a lot of grumbling. Discard, while not as powerful as it was previously, is here to stay. Let's just hope it's not as prohibitive as it was last set.

Constructed: 3

Limited: 3

There's situations where this item makes sense. If you're anticipating some type of targeted effect during your opponent's turn, this can help stifle those plans. Probably a tech option at best.

Constructed: 2

Limited: 2

This Chromicon oozes with Emerald flavor, and can be really frustrating to deal with. I expect to see this in a few tempo decks.

Constructed: 3

Limited: 2

As if Robin Hood didn't get enough love, he got his own location too. The additional activated ability granted by this location on characters allows you to use targeted damage to deal with finishing off the last bit of Willpower left on characters or characters that won't exert. Also granting Ward is a nice kicker as well.

Constructed: 3

Limited: 2

This is a great tempo disruption when played in a damage-based deck. However, this ultimately ends up forcing the opponent to either target your exerted characters or this location. I need to do more testing with this card before giving my final thoughts on it.

Constructed: 2

Limited: 2

What Are Your Thoughts?

There you have it! All of the Emerald cards reviewed and rated. What are your thoughts? What Emerald cards are you considering for your deck? Let me know on Twitter @_EmeraldWeapon_, and let's continue the conversation!

And remember, CoolStuffInc is your one-stop shop for all your Lorcana needs. Whether you're looking for singles, sealed product, or the latest accessories, they have you covered. Be sure to check out their website and stock up on everything you need to dominate the Lorcana scene!

Be sure to check out the other Ink Colors here:

• Sapphire by Dan Eckstein
• Steel by Dan Eckstein
• Ruby by Garrett Farrington
• Amber by Garrett Farrington
• Amethyst by Stefen Delgado