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What is the Inkwell?How to Add Cards to the Inkwell
How to Use and Regain Ink
How Often Should Cards Be Added to the Inkwell?
Disney Lorcana shares many similarities with other trading card games, but it also has several distinguishing features. Unlike games like Magic: The Gathering or Pokemon, Lorcana sets itself apart through its unique card cost system, known as the Inkwell. While initially confusing, understanding how the Inkwell functions is crucial to playing the game correctly, and mastering its manipulation is key to achieving victory.
In Disney Lorcana, Ink serves a similar purpose as mana or energy in other games, as it is used to pay the cost of playing cards or activating specific abilities. However, Ink alone does not lead to victory (that requires Lore), but rather acts as a means to reach an end. To remain competitive throughout the game, players must continuously add cards to the Inkwell and exert them in order to play cards.
What is the Inkwell?
The Inkwell signifies the amount of Ink that players have available each turn for playing cards and activating abilities and effects. Each card in the Inkwell holds a value of one Ink, and players can tilt (exert) as many cards in the Inkwell as needed to cover Ink costs. At the beginning of the game, both players start with an empty Inkwell and must add cards to it in order to make any plays.
How to Add Cards to the Inkwell
During a player's Main Phase in Lorcana, they have the opportunity to add a card to their Inkwell. The chosen card must have the golden circle around its Ink Cost. To build an effective Lorcana deck, it is crucial to include a significant number of Ink Cards. After showing the card to their opponent, the player places it face-down in the Ready position within the Inkwell, allowing it to be immediately used as Ink. Additionally, there are other abilities, such as Belle's "Read a Book" ability or Mickey Mouse's "Get a Clue" effect, which enable players to add extra cards to their Inkwell.
How to Use and Regain Ink
During a turn, Lorcana players are able to Exert any number of cards in the Inkwell by rotating them sideways. Each sideways-turned card represents one unit of Ink that the player can utilize for playing a card or activating abilities and effects. At the onset of each turn, all Exerted cards (including those present in the Inkwell) are turned Readied (rotated upright) to make them accessible for use once again.
How Often Should Cards Be Added to the Inkwell?
In order to enhance Lorcana decks, it is advised to consistently augment the Inkwell by adding one card per turn. Falling behind on this aspect will limit players' options when their adversaries begin playing high-cost cards with formidable stats and abilities. While it may not always be feasible, it is a commendable objective to strive for.
Disney Lorcana releases on August 18th.