Lorcana 101: Best Starter Decks for Beginners & How to Spot Fake Cards

This guide covers the basics every new player should know: how to spot fake Lorcana cards and which starter decks are best for beginners.

Disney Lorcana continues to explode in popularity, bringing collectors, TCG veterans, and Disney fans together in one magical trading card game. But with the hype comes a rise in counterfeit cards and confusion about where beginners should start. Whether you’re collecting, trading, or preparing for your first game, knowing how to protect yourself and how to build a strong foundation is essential.

How to Spot Fake Lorcana Cards (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Fake Lorcana cards are becoming more convincing, but real cards follow strict printing standards. If you ever feel unsure, here’s what to check:

1. The Card Texture & Finish

Real Lorcana cards have:

• A smooth, premium, semi-matte finish

• High-quality cardstock similar to Pokémon or MTG

• No overly shiny gloss or slippery feel

If it feels cheap, flimsy, or too glossy, it’s likely fake.

2. The Color & Print Quality

Authentic cards have:

• Clean borders

• Crisp character artwork

• Accurate color tones

Counterfeits often have slightly blurry text, washed-out colors, or cropping errors around the edges.

3. The Light Test

Hold the card up to a strong light.
Real Lorcana cards:

• Do NOT let full light shine through

• Have a visible black or blue ink layer in the center

If light passes through too easily or you don't see the middle layer, it’s fake.

4. QR Codes & Set Symbols

Official cards feature:

• Correct QR code alignment

• Accurate set symbols

• No spelling mistakes (super common on counterfeit cards!)

Anything misaligned or misspelled = unsafe to trade.

5. Compare with a Verified Real Card

Your safest method ever:
Place the suspected card next to a confirmed authentic Lorcana card.
Differences in:

• Font

• Weight

• Holographic finish
  will stand out immediately.

Best Lorcana Starter Decks for Beginners (2025 Guide)

If you're new to Lorcana, the best way to start playing is with an official Starter Deck. These decks are crafted to teach the game’s mechanics while giving you a strong, balanced lineup.

Here are the top starter decks recommended for beginners:

1. Amber & Amethyst – Control & Utility

Perfect for players who like:

• Smart plays

• Card draw

• Character abilities

This deck teaches long-game strategy and board control.

2. Ruby & Sapphire – Aggro Meets Tech

Great for fast-paced players.
Expect:

• Strong attackers

• Quick pressure

• Tools to outplay opponents

Ideal for learning tempo-based gameplay.

3. Emerald & Steel – Defense & Outsmarting Opponents

This deck gives beginners:

• Survivability

• Disruption

• Reliable board presence

Good for players who enjoy countering enemy strategies.

Why Starter Decks Matter

Starter decks help new players:

• Learn turn order

• Understand ink colors

• See how synergy works

• Build a foundation for future deck upgrades

Once you’re comfortable, you can enhance your deck with boosters or customize a full build just like in Pokémon or MTG.

Final Tip: Always Buy from Trusted Sources

To avoid counterfeit products, purchase Lorcana cards directly from:

• Official retailers

• Local game stores

• The Cooledtured marketplace

• Certified TCG distributors

If a price seems too good to be true…it usually is.

Level Up Your Lorcana Journey

Whether you're collecting for the magic of Disney or gearing up to compete, knowing how to identify real cards and choosing the right starter deck will set you on the right path.

Stay tuned for more Cooledtured guides and share this post with new Lorcana players joining the community! ✨