Hearthstone is a well-established digital TCG with a large player base and a free-to-play model, making it accessible to many. Disney Lorcana, on the other hand, is a physical TCG that offers a unique Disney-themed experience with a focus on collectibility and a growing community. The choice depends on whether you prefer a digital or physical experience, and which theme appeals more to you.
| Attribute | Hearthstone | Disney Lorcana |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost of entry | Free-to-play | Starter decks cost around $16.99 - $29.99, Starter Deck League initial entry cost is $29.99 (includes starter deck, deck box, and booster pack). |
| Number of cards available | As of February 8, 2025, there are 5,306 unique collectible cards. Including copies in different sets, the total is 5,676. There are also 1,991 uncollectible cards. | Each new set introduces around 200 new cards. The debut set, "The First Chapter," has 204 cards, plus enchanted and promo cards. |
| Frequency of new card releases | Blizzard typically releases three expansions a year, with smaller mini-sets in between. | New sets are released approximately every three months, resulting in four sets per year. |
| Complexity of gameplay | Designed to be simple for new players, with depth growing as you play. The rules are straightforward initially, but complexity arises from card interactions and strategic deck-building. | Lorcana is considered simpler than games like Magic: The Gathering, making it an easier entry point for new TCG players, while still offering strategic depth. |
| Digital vs. Physical format | Digital-only game | Currently, Disney Lorcana is exclusively a physical card game. There's a desire for an official digital version. |
| Community size and activity | As of November 2018, Hearthstone had over 100 million players. Has a large online community. | Lorcana has a passionate community with active online discussions, podcasts, and local events. |
| Competitive scene and tournaments | Developed esports scene with official tournaments like the World Championship and Masters Tours. There are also third-party tournaments. | Lorcana has a growing competitive scene with local Set Championships, regional Disney Lorcana Challenges, and a World Championship. |
| Single-player content availability | Offers single-player adventures, solo content with each expansion, and modes like Dungeon Run. | Single-player starter decks are available, Illumineer's Quest sets also provide standalone gameplay. |
| Art style and theme | Set in the Warcraft universe, using its lore, characters, and relics. The artwork and card design are high quality. | The art style is described as "modern storybook," blending nostalgic elements with original and exciting interpretations of Disney characters. It incorporates "magepunk," blending mystical and scientific themes. |
| Accessibility for new players | Includes pre-made decks, deck-building assistance, and visual cues to guide new players. There's also a tutorial. | Lorcana is designed to be an accessible TCG, with streamlined mechanics and a focus on Disney characters and stories. |
| Card rarity and collectibility | Cards have different rarities: Common, Rare, Epic, and Legendary. | Card rarities include Common, Uncommon, Rare, Super Rare, Legendary, and Enchanted. "Fabled" set will introduce Epic and Iconic rarities. Enchanted cards are the rarest and feature unique artwork. |
| Trading and resale value of cards | Hearthstone cards cannot be traded or resold. However, cards can be disenchanted into Arcane Dust, which is used to craft other cards. | The resale value of Lorcana cards can vary widely based on rarity, condition, and demand. Rare and sought-after cards, especially Enchanted cards, can command high prices in the secondary market. |