In this episode of Quest Like a Pro, the PSG crew dive into the evolving Set 7 meta—with a spotlight on the return of Amber/Steel 🟡⚪️.

Once a reliable ladder climber, this deck is showing signs of resurgence thanks to a few strategic updates, some new tools from Set 7, and clever adaptations in the aggro space.

📌 What we explore in this episode:

• The current Set 7 meta and what’s actually winning
• Why Amber/Steel is making a comeback—and how it’s being rebuilt
• How cards like Troubadour and Gantu are shifting list design
• The rise of Rapunzel’s Tower as a tech choice vs. Steel• Why Penny might be the real MVP in aggro builds
• How the DDH aggro version is evolving to survive against top-tier control
• The importance of smart mulligans and playing to tempo• Tournament takeaways, win rate trends, and matchup dynamics

Whether you’re looking to pilot Amber/Steel, counter it, or understand where it fits in the current landscape—this episode breaks down what’s working and why.

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This show is just one part of our mission at ⁠⁠⁠Purple Shadow Gaming⁠⁠⁠: to build a community where players like you can grow, connect, and master the game together. We’re here to help you quest like a pro, and that includes offering the best gear for your journey.

Right now, we’re featuring some incredible Lorcana sleeves, praised by top players. If you want to check them out and get 15% off your order, head to purpleshadowgaming.com or use the code ‘QUESTLIKEAPRO’ at checkout.

In this episode of Quest Like a Pro, we dive deep into the current state of Ruby/Sapphire in Set 7.

Once the deck of Set 6, Ruby/Sapphire 🔴🔵 has taken a back seat in early Set 7 to Sapphire/Steel 🔵⚪️ — but that shifted post-CCS.

We explore what’s behind the resurgence, how recent tournaments are shaping deck choices, and whether Ruby/Sapphire still has what it takes to compete at the top tables.

Topics we cover:

• The rise, fall, and return of Ruby/Sapphire in the current meta
• How new Set 7 cards have opened up fresh build paths
• Evaluating high skill-cap lists vs. item-heavy builds
• Is there still a place for Ice Block—especially alongside Coil?
• Live tweaks to a winning deck list and what we’d change
• Matchup thoughts, play patterns, and in-game strategy tips

This episode is packed with practical insights for players looking to build, refine, or counter Ruby/Sapphire decks in today’s meta.

---This show is just one part of our mission at ⁠⁠⁠Purple Shadow Gaming⁠⁠⁠: to build a community where players like you can grow, connect, and master the game together. We’re here to help you quest like a pro, and that includes offering the best gear for your journey. Right now, we’re featuring some incredible Lorcana sleeves, praised by top players. If you want to check them out and get 15% off your order, head to ⁠⁠⁠https://purpleshadowgaming.com/promo/... or use the code ‘QUESTLIKEAPRO’ at checkout.

Sapphire may be everywhere right now—but what if the answer to the current meta isn’t to race it... but to ruin its hand?

In this episode of Quest Like a Pro, we dig into Emerald/Steel Discard—a deck once feared for its Diablo-fueled disruption, now potentially poised for a comeback in Set 7. With new tech, old favorites, and a shifting meta, we’re asking:

🔹 Is Discard Back? – Why discard mechanics are extra spicy in today’s meta.
🔹 Key Cards to Watch – Diablo, Ursula, Pete Space Pirate, and the underrated all-stars.
🔹 Builds We’re Testing – From the consistent vVonderland list to Kurt Spice’s spice.
🔹 Sapphire Matchups – How discard can punish greedy draw engines and force misplays.
🔹 The Final Verdict – Is Emerald/Steel a true meta counter, or just a niche pick for control players?

If you love strategic disruption, patient gameplay, and outthinking your opponent, this episode is for you.

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This show is just one part of our mission at ⁠⁠Purple Shadow Gaming⁠⁠: to build a community where players like you can grow, connect, and master the game together. We’re here to help you quest like a pro, and that includes offering the best gear for your journey. Right now, we’re featuring some incredible Lorcana sleeves, praised by top players. If you want to check them out and get 15% off your order, head to ⁠⁠⁠https://purpleshadowgaming.com⁠⁠⁠ and use the code ‘QUESTLIKEAPRO’.

In this episode of Quest Like a Pro, hosts Noah and Andy sit down with competitive TCG player TheDave, from team Ink Thieves, to explore what it really takes to grow as a Lorcana player.

From the fundamentals of deck building and limited play to the evolving meta and the importance of community, Dave shares battle-tested strategies and honest reflections on the highs and lows of competitive play. Whether you’re new to Lorcana or chasing your next top cut, this episode is packed with insights on preparation, mindset, and why losing might be the most important part of learning.

Guest links:

• Team Ink Thieves ~ https://inkthieves.com/
• Ink Thieves Discord ~ https://discord.gg/Sx5C3Vr2FB
• Ink Thieves x PSG Partnership ~ https://purpleshadowgaming.com/pages/ink-thieves-partnership

Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Losing is part of the process. Every match—especially the ones you lose—can teach you something valuable.

2️⃣ Know your role. Understanding your deck’s function in each matchup is crucial to making smart decisions.

3️⃣ Community accelerates growth. Surrounding yourself with engaged players sharpens your strategy and makes the grind more fun.

4️⃣ Limited play builds strong fundamentals. It teaches you how to evaluate cards, adapt, and play cleaner.

5️⃣ Preparation beats luck. Theory crafting, playtesting, and reviewing games are what separate top players from the rest.

Promotional offer:

This show is just one part of our mission at ⁠⁠Purple Shadow Gaming⁠⁠: to build a community where players like you can grow, connect, and master the game together. We’re here to help you quest like a pro, and that includes offering the best gear for your journey. Right now, we’re featuring some incredible Lorcana sleeves, praised by top players. If you want to check them out and get 15% off your order, head to ⁠⁠⁠https://purpleshadowgaming.com⁠⁠⁠ and use the code ‘QUESTLIKEAPRO’.

With Archazia’s Island shaking up the meta, Amethyst/Steel 🟣⚪️ is emerging as a serious contender—but is it ready to break into top-tier in a sea of Sapphire 🔵 (over 50% of the Meta, right now!!).

In this episode, the crew is back, and we take a deep dive into how this deck stacks up against the competition and explore the strategies that could give it an edge.

🔹 Deck Performance & Meta Fit – How does Amethyst/Steel compare to top-performing decks like Sapphire/Steel and Ruby/Sapphire?

🔹 Key Cards & Draw Engine – Why Doc is the backbone of this deck and how free characters change the game.

🔹 Aggro vs. Control – Does Amethyst/Steel thrive as an aggressive deck, or does it struggle against control builds?

🔹 Matchups & Adaptation – How to navigate item-heavy builds and why immediate value from cards is crucial.

🔹 The Verdict – Is Amethyst/Steel a meta sleeper, or does it need more time to shine?

Whether you're refining your decklist or just keeping up with the evolving Lorcana meta, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

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This show is just one part of our mission at ⁠Purple Shadow Gaming⁠: to build a community where players like you can grow, connect, and master the game together. We’re here to help you quest like a pro, and that includes offering the best gear for your journey. Right now, we’re featuring some incredible Lorcana sleeves, praised by top players. If you want to check them out and get 15% off your order, head to ⁠⁠⁠https://purpleshadowgaming.com⁠⁠⁠ and use the code ‘QUESTLIKEAPRO’.

In this episode of Quest Like a Pro, we sit down with Shawn "Pando" Leung, a top Lorcana competitor who secured his Worlds invite with Amber Steel. Shawn shares his journey from casual TCG player to high-level competitor, breaking down the key moments that shaped his approach to the game.

We dive into his playtesting philosophy, in-game decision-making, and how he navigates high-pressure tournament moments. From card counting and strategic playtesting to mental resilience and the importance of community, this episode is packed with insights to help you level up your game.

Guest links:

• Pando's Metafy -⁠ https://metafy.gg/@pandomega⁠
• Pando on Insta - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sl_pando/
• Pando on Discord - @Pandomega

Key takeaways:

1️⃣ Card counting isn’t just for math nerds—it’s a core skill for top players. Tracking key cards helps make better in-game decisions.

2️⃣ Intentional playtesting beats mindless reps. Instead of grinding games, structured discussions and focused practice accelerate improvement.

3️⃣ Mental stamina is part of the game. Long tournament days require preparation beyond just deck choice—hydration and energy management matter.

4️⃣ Losing isn’t failure—it’s a tool for growth. Reflecting on mistakes and identifying patterns is how great players evolve.

5️⃣ Community is everything. Surrounding yourself with strong players and fostering dialogue leads to better play and a more rewarding competitive experience.

Promotional offer:

This show is just one part of our mission at Purple Shadow Gaming: to build a community where players like you can grow, connect, and master the game together. We’re here to help you quest like a pro, and that includes offering the best gear for your journey.

Right now, we’re featuring some incredible TCG sleeves, praised by top players.If you want to check them out and get 15% off your order, head to ⁠⁠https://purpleshadowgaming.com/⁠⁠ and use the code ‘QUESTLIKEAPRO’.

With Archazia’s Island introducing powerful new cards, the meta is shifting—and one of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is whether Sapphire/Steel can finally break into S-tier. In this bonus chat, we take a deep dive into this evolving deck and how the latest set impacts its competitive standing.

🔹 What’s New for Sapphire/Steel? – We analyze key additions from Archazia’s Island and how they fit into existing strategies.
🔹 Core Builds & Packages – Wheel? Doc? Oswald? We break down the different approaches and their pros and cons in the evolving meta.
🔹 The Workshop Factor – Could Workshop be the superior engine for Sapphire/Steel, or is it a trap?
🔹 The Final Verdict – Is this the moment Sapphire/Steel makes the leap to S-tier, or is the hype unwarranted?

Whether you're fine-tuning your deck for high-level play or just love analyzing the competitive scene, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay ahead of the meta.

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This show is just one part of our mission at Purple Shadow Gaming: to build a community where players like you can grow, connect, and master the game together. We’re here to help you quest like a pro, and that includes offering the best gear for your journey. Right now, we’re featuring some incredible Lorcana sleeves, praised by top players.

If you want to check them out and get 15% off your order, head to ⁠⁠purpleshadowgaming.com⁠⁠ and use the code ‘QUESTLIKEAPRO’.

In this episode of Quest Like a Pro, we sit down with s4iler, a top competitor and coach in Disney Lorcana, to break down what it really takes to improve in trading card games.

Hosts Noah Barnett and Andy Rodriguez dive into s4iler’s journey through competitive TCGs, his coaching philosophy, and how teamwork plays a critical role in high-level play. From deck consistency to tournament prep, we explore the mechanics, mindset, and strategies that separate good players from great ones.

If you’re looking to level up your Lorcana game, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Guest links:

• s4iler's Metafy - https://metafy.gg/@s4iler
• s4iler on X - https://x.com/lorcana_s4iler
• Team Maelstrom - https://discord.gg/wNu3bURFFp

Takeaways:

• Mastering game mechanics is the foundation of competitive success.
• Teamwork matters. Surrounding yourself with the right people can elevate your game.
• Tournament prep goes beyond the cards—mental and physical readiness both play a role.
• A good coach accelerates improvement. Learning from others speeds up progress.
• Deck consistency wins games. A strong, reliable list will carry you further than flashy plays.
• Enjoy the grind. The best players focus on improving while keeping the game fun.
• Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re lessons. Every loss is a step toward getting better.
• Community makes the difference. A strong support system helps you grow as a player.
• Know your opponent’s plan. Understanding their strategy helps you make better decisions.
• Adapt or lose. Reading the game state and adjusting on the fly is a key skill.

Promotional offer:

This show is just one part of our mission at Purple Shadow Gaming: to build a community where players like you can grow, connect, and master the game together. We’re here to help you quest like a pro, and that includes offering the best gear for your journey. Right now, we’re featuring some incredible Lorcana sleeves, praised by top players.

If you want to check them out and get 15% off your order, head to ⁠https://purpleshadowgaming.com/⁠ and use the code ‘QUESTLIKEAPRO’.

Disney Lorcana’s newest set, Archazia’s Island, drops on March 7, and we’re diving deep into how it will impact the competitive scene.

In this episode of Quest Like a Pro, we break down:

• ✅ Key Card Reviews – Which new cards are must-haves for competitive play?
• ✅ Market Impact – How will prices shift, and what should you pick up early?
• ✅ Meta Shifts – How will Tier S and Tier 1 decks evolve with Archazia’s Island?

Whether you’re prepping for your next tournament or just love theorycrafting, this episode has everything you need to stay ahead of the game!

Promotional offer:

This show is just one part of our mission at Purple Shadow Gaming: to build a community where players like you can grow, connect, and master the game together. We’re here to help you quest like a pro, and that includes offering the best gear for your journey. Right now, we’re featuring some incredible Lorcana sleeves, praised by top players.

If you want to check them out and get 15% off your order, head to ⁠purpleshadowgaming.com⁠ and use the code ‘QUESTLIKEAPRO’.

In this episode of Quest Like a Pro, hosts Noah Barnett and Andy Rodriguez dive into the world of Disney Lorcana with competitive player Jonathan 'LamChopss' Lam. They explore his journey into competitive trading card games, the strategies behind his success with the Blue Steel deck, and the mindset required to thrive in high-pressure tournament environments.

The conversation also touches on the importance of resilience, learning from losses, and the value of watching and analyzing gameplay from other players. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions and advice for new players looking to improve their skills in the game.

Guest links:

• https://x.com/lamchopsstcg
• https://metafy.gg/@lamchopss/about

Takeaways:

• Preparation is key to success in competitive gaming.
• Having a strong mindset helps in high-stress environments.
• Learning from losses is crucial for improvement.
• Documenting mistakes can help identify areas for growth.
• Watching professional players can provide valuable insights.
• Choosing a deck that resonates with you can enhance your gameplay experience.
• Resilience is important to overcome challenges in tournaments.
• Understanding the meta can inform deck adjustments.
• Engaging with the community can provide support and resources.
• Enjoying the game and its stories keeps the passion alive.

Promotional offer:

This show is just one part of our mission at Purple Shadow Gaming: to build a community where players like you can grow, connect, and master the game together. We’re here to help you quest like a pro, and that includes offering the best gear for your journey. Right now, we’re featuring some incredible Lorcana sleeves, praised by top players.

If you want to check them out and get 15% off your order, head to purpleshadowgaming.com and use the code ‘QUESTLIKEAPRO’.