While most hardcore Skylanders fans already understand the true compatibility of LightCore figures, this is still something I get questions about every week. So today I hope to clear up all the mysteries.

The issue is that, according to the packaging, no LightCore figures are compatible with previous games. This is only partially true, but Activision would rather be safe than sorry. So it was a nice little surprise when we found out they were partially compatible.

LightCore Figures

The rule is actually quite simple.

If the base character existed in a previous game, you will be able to use their LightCore figure in the previous game. (However, the LightCore ability of a figure will not work in previous games.)

If you're still confused, take a look at the charts below. Spyro's Adventure offers very limited use of LightCore figures, but there is still some compatibility.

Skylanders Spyro's Adventure
Name Playable? LightCore Ability?
Bumble Blast No No
Chill No No
Countdown No No
Drobot Yes No
Eruptor Yes No
Flashwing No No
Grim Creeper No No
Hex Yes No
Jet-Vac No No
Pop Fizz No No
Prism Break Yes No
Shroomboom No No
Smolderdash No No
Star Strike No No
Warnado Yes No
Wham-Shell Yes No

Skylanders Giants will naturally allow the 8 LightCore figures released with the game full functionality. In addition, a few of the LightCores released with SWAP Force have limited compatibility.

Skylanders Giants
Name Playable? LightCore Ability?
Bumble Blast No No
Chill Yes Yes
Countdown No No
Drobot Yes Yes
Eruptor Yes Yes
Flashwing Yes No
Grim Creeper No No
Hex Yes Yes
Jet-Vac Yes Yes
Pop Fizz Yes Yes
Prism Break Yes Yes
Shroomboom Yes Yes
Smolderdash No No
Star Strike No No
Warnado Yes No
Wham-Shell Yes No

Finally, as I have stated before, all figures created at this point are compatible with SWAP Force. There should be no questions here.

Skylanders SWAP Force
Name Playable? LightCore Ability?
Bumble Blast Yes Yes
Chill Yes Yes
Countdown Yes Yes
Drobot Yes Yes
Eruptor Yes Yes
Flashwing Yes Yes
Grim Creeper Yes Yes
Hex Yes Yes
Jet-Vac Yes Yes
Pop Fizz Yes Yes
Prism Break Yes Yes
Shroomboom Yes Yes
Smolderdash Yes Yes
Star Strike Yes Yes
Warnado Yes Yes
Wham-Shell Yes Yes

I hope this helps you gain some clarity. Please share this with anyone new to Skylanders or anyone you meet who has questions about the LightCore Skylanders.

What are your thoughts on the LightCore characters?