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Are you diving into Disney Lorcana and curious about which decks are leading the pack in 2025? With Archazia’s Island shaking up the format, we’re breaking down the top-performing archetypes and what they mean for players in today’s competitive meta.
How Has the Archazia’s Island Set Changed the Meta?
Set 7, Archazia’s Island, arrived in early 2025 with a clear focus: Items. And it delivered in a big way, shaking up the format and turbocharging any deck that could cheat powerful cards into play.
Key cards like Tamatoa – Happy as a Clam (007-162) and Sapphire Coil instantly slotted into the classic Ruby/Sapphire “Pawpsicle” ramp deck, bolstering its already strong late-game power. But the biggest splash came from item-synergy bombs like Belle – Apprentice Inventor and Scrooge – Resourceful Miser, which are effectively free plays in heavy-item Sapphire/Steel builds.
These upgrades pushed Sapphire/Steel decks into the spotlight—so much so that Hiram Flaversham (Toymaker) and the item Fortisphere were both banned on April 8, 2025. According to the official statement, Hiram allowed players to “draw too many cards,” especially in combination with Fortisphere, creating problematic blowouts.
Despite the shakeup, the format has stabilized. By mid-April, most analysts described the field as “nicely balanced”, with no deck running away with the top spot. Instead, we’re seeing a healthy variety of strategies at the highest levels.
Which Decks Dominate the April 2025 Meta?
1. Amethyst/Ruby Bounce Control (~18%)
A fixture of the meta since Set 2, this bounce-heavy control deck continues to evolve with each new release. The latest builds focus more on evasive threats like Shark Maui and Peter Pan, letting it apply pressure while avoiding key removal. Its blend of Amethyst disruption and Ruby finishers remains effective, giving it solid matchups across much of the field. Even as the meta shifts, Amethyst/Ruby adapts—recently taking first at the North American Championship and reaffirming its place at the top.
2. Ruby/Sapphire “Pawpsicle” Ramp (~17%)
The ever-popular ramp deck is back in Tier 1, powered up with new tools from Archazia like Tamatoa and Sapphire Coil. It was the most-played archetype at the NA Championship and remains a top choice for players who love building massive ink pools and unleashing late-game threats. Despite the Hiram ban, Ruby/Sapphire hasn’t lost steam—it's diversified into item-heavy and control-oriented variants, with top players like DK showcasing its continued depth and adaptability.
3. Amber/Steel Steelsong (~16%)
A midrange deck built around locations and the synergy between Amber’s control tools and Steel’s raw strength, Steelsong has long been a steady performer in Lorcana’s competitive scene. While it’s never been the flashiest archetype, its consistency and adaptability have made it a reliable choice across multiple metas. Following the recent ban of high-speed item engines like Hiram Flaversham and Fortisphere, Steelsong is seeing renewed interest as a stable, tempo-driven option that can thrive in a slower, more balanced field.
Which Archetypes Are Falling Off?
One word: Aggro.
The hyper-fast Sapphire/Steel item-aggro decks have seen a sharp decline. Where once they were feared, recent data shows their meta share has “dropped drastically.” Similarly, simple rush lists like Amber/Steel Aggro (4%) and Amber/Amethyst Aggro (~2%) are nearly extinct.
Most older hybrid builds—think Amber/Sapphire or fringe Emerald splashes—are now fringe, showing up in single-digit percentages or less. Today’s competitive landscape favors decks with layered strategies, not all-in rushes.
Are There Any New or Surprising Decks?
Absolutely. While the big three rule the top tier, a few off-meta decks are turning heads:
Sapphire/Steel “Items” – A post-ban evolution of the old aggro list, this deck focuses on maximizing item synergies with a higher ink curve. It won the Spring League 2025 tournament (434 players), proving it still packs a punch.
Amber/Emerald (Trampbog) – Once considered a fringe rogue deck, Trampbog has gained serious traction thanks to its token pressure and location-based strategy. Following the Hiram ban, and with Ruby/Sapphire decks shifting into item and control builds, Trampbog has carved out a real spot in the meta—cracking Top 8s and emerging as a creative but competitive answer to slower lists.
Ruby/Steel (Mushu Hybrid) – This one borrows elements from Ruby/Sapphire while adding Mushu-style finishers. It’s a spicy tech option for players trying to catch the meta off guard.
Other fringe lists—like Amber/Emerald Songs or “jade” decks—still linger below 1% share but show the format’s depth and openness to innovation.
What’s the Controversy Around Sapphire/Steel Item Aggro?
This archetype is at the center of one of Lorcana’s biggest debates. At its peak, Sapphire/Steel item-aggro was accused of being too fast and too consistent, powered by combos that could overwhelm slower decks.
The April 8 bans of Hiram Flaversham and Fortisphere were a direct response. According to Ravensburger, the combo was letting players “draw too many cards,” leading to unbalanced win rates.
Since then, the item decks have taken a step back—but not out. The Sapphire/Steel “Items” variant (more midrange than aggro) continues to win major tournaments, including Spring League 2025. This duality—declining overall usage but major tournament success—fuels ongoing discussion.
Today, most pros agree: Sapphire/Steel is still strong, but it’s not unbeatable. Decks now tech in counterplay, and the format has diversified. The consensus? The game is healthier, and the meta is more balanced than ever.
Final Thoughts: A Balanced Meta with Familiar Faces
If you’re prepping for your next Lorcana tournament, you can’t go wrong by focusing on:
Amethyst/Ruby control
Ruby/Sapphire ramp
Amber/Steel Steelsong
...and yes, a healthy respect for Sapphire/Steel Items.
We’re in a moment of rare balance—a format where multiple archetypes are viable, innovation is rewarded, and no single deck rules them all. Keep an eye on the ban list and tier data, but enjoy the game’s current diversity. The best decks right now are familiar ones—just sharpened by a few powerful new tools from Archazia’s Island.
Looking to get in on the action? Browse Rare Candy’s latest Lorcana singles and sealed product to upgrade your list today.
Looking to pick up a Lorcana deck of your own? See what's available on the Rare Candy's Marketplace—and don’t forget to download the Rare Candy app to scan, track, and manage your Lorcana collection on the go!
