Ravensburger has revealed its plans for the upcomingPAX Unpluggedconvention, and it includes, among other things, the debut of a brand new format forDisney Lorcana.
Formats are effectively rulesets on how to play a trading card game, and define things like how many players are involved, deckbuilding restrictions, and the introduction of entirely new mechanics. Other games, likeMagic, have dozens of formats to try out, but Lorcana only has two: constructed and sealed.
The new format, Willpower League, is intended to be played at large-scale events like PAX Unplugged, which runs from December 1-3 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but also probably can be scaled down to fit local game stores if needed. We don’t know much about the Willpower League yet, but it is described as a King of the Hill-style endurance test, where you need to win games to “hold [your] seat during the event to win prizes”.
Though the specifics on how the format plays still aren’t revealed, it evokes similarities to Grand Melees at Magic events, which is effectively a battle royale where players are knocked out until one one remains. Alternatively, it could be more of a duel-type scenario, where you keep facing off against opponents with the same resources until you’re eventually taken out.
More information about the Willpower League, as well as tracking wins during PAX Unplugged, will be available via the recently opened official Lorcana Discord. While most Lorcana events at Pax Unplugged are sold out, you may still take part in the both the Willpower League and the Casual Play, which is first-come, first-served and available at the following times:
It isn’t only Willpower League that is going to be available at PAX Unplugged, though. Ravensburger has confirmed it will be selling Rise of the Floodborn products and accessories, including booster packs, starter decks, and booster boxes. Disney100 and The First Chapter won’t be available.
Spending at least $25, or taking place in any of the Lorcana events, will earn you one of three promo cards each day: Four Dozen Eggs; Rapunzel, Gifted Artist; or Pinocchio, Talkative Puppet. That means, to get all three, you must play in both days of the Casual Play, and then also take part in the Willpower League.
If you’re attending PAX Unplugged, keep in mind you’ll only be able to shop at booth 2414 once during the event. Your ticket will be clipped, meaning you’ll need to play in the events to get all three. You’ll also be limited to one Booster display, one of each starter deck, and one playmat, sleeves, and deckbox design.
Finally, at both booth 2414 and the Hall C event space, Ravensburger will be selling a load of other games, including Disney Villainous (and its Card Game spinoff), Horrified, and the Lord of the Rings Adventure Book Game. There will be exclusive deals on offer, including buying any Villainous game to get the Card Game for free, buying Horrified: Greek Monsters and getting a Medusa pin and a beanie.
Lorcana can only be bought at booth 2414.
Other Ravensburger Products
All other Ravensburger products will be in both the Hall C event space and at booth 2414.
To better control the flow of people than at previous events, those wanting to buy product will be able to queue at specifically-marked stanchion lines going into the show, with a different line available for those with disabilities who need it. These are part of the regular PAX Unplugged lines, and there won’t be any queues around either the booth or the Hall C event space.
The Lorcana promos don’t have a specific PAX Unplugged stamp, followingbacklash to event promosbeing harder and harder to get as they popped up at different events around the world. Instead, they use the two overlapping triangles of the regular Play promos, which improves odds of them being available elsewhere if you miss out at PAX Unplugged.
Even if this is an exclusive event for a convention most people won’t go to, it’s exciting to see Lorcana experimenting with its formats. Having a variety of ways to play is great for the health of a game, and while obvious favourites will emerge, like Constructed, it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing things like Willpower and Poorcana (the common-only Pauper-inspired format) pick up more traction too.
