Magic: The Gathering continues the place it left off in 2025, rolling out a whopping 4 crossover units in 2026 below the Universe Past model: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel Tremendous Heroes, The Hobbit, and Star Trek.
That is fairly a mixture, however at a time when followers are demanding consistency and continuity, Wizards of the Coast is about to make the identical mistake they made in final 12 months’s advertising cycle.
Briefly, it seems like we have forgotten why so many individuals play Magic within the first place and might’t wait to get Secrets and techniques of Strixhaven out of the way in which.
The world of Magic past units should not come on the expense of its identification
There is a widespread joke that Magic crossovers are the worst factor for gaming till they develop into a beloved franchise, however as a longtime fan of Peter Parker’s adventures, I will admit that I too received caught up within the Spider-Man hype final 12 months.
It was simple to do as a result of Wizards began rolling out playing cards and merchandise very early, trampling the perimeters of set eternity within the course of. The remainder, as they are saying, is historical past. Spider-Man was arguably Magic’s most disappointing set of at the least the final 12 months (perhaps even longer), and Fringe of Eternity was much more well-received, but it surely did not all the time get an opportunity to be within the highlight.
I hoped Wizards would take a lesson from that, however they’re now on the roadmap for 2026 with seven full units deliberate. Lorwyn Eclipsed is nice and simply got here out, but it surely’s a January set. Pre-orders are actually open for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Secret of Strixheaven, and even Marvel Tremendous Heroes.
By the way in which, the final set was launched about 5 months in the past. I perceive that an organization wants a line on a graph to point out its success in attracting new gamers, but it surely’s beginning to really feel like Wizards of the Coast is trampling on Magic’s personal legacy in its desperation to speak about crossover units.
Lorwyn Eclipse is meant to be a celebration and a chance to return to a beloved aircraft filled with basic creature sorts, however as an alternative we’re getting nearer to the Turtles hitting retailer cabinets. Wanting previous Strix Heaven to Marvel crossovers this early (and with the flavour of the Spider-Man set nonetheless lingering), it is only a unhealthy look.
Wizards, do not make Secret of Strixheaven undergo the identical manner you probably did Fringe of Eternity. That is nearly inevitable with such a packed launch calendar, however if you cannot dedicate sufficient time to the distinctive universe that has captivated gamers for over 30 years, then why change?
To be trustworthy, all of that is moot anyway. I am additionally a part of the issue. I’ve pre-ordered a number of Marvel superhero merchandise, however Bilbo Baggins will certainly put me on the entrance of the Hobbit line.
For extra info on Magic’s present set, Lorwyn Eclipse, you’ll want to take a look at our listing of one of the best chase playing cards within the set up to now, in addition to all eight creature sorts within the new set.
Lloyd Coombes is an skilled expertise, gaming and health freelancer who has labored for Polygon, Eurogamer, Macworld, TechRadar and extra. He’s a giant fan of Magic: The Gathering and different collectible card video games, a lot to the chagrin of his spouse.
