Here’s everything we know so far about Magic: The Gathering | Marvel's Spider-Man.
Thwip! The Marvel multiverse is swinging into Magic: The Gathering with the latest Universes Beyond set release. None other than the Amazing Spider-Man is diving into the action, offering new ways of slinging cards and webbing up villains. Here’s everything we know so far about Magic: The Gathering | Marvel’s Spider-Man.
Alex Kivitz
Caught in the Web: Spider-Man Set Mechanics That Stick
Fighting crime on the streets of New York is one thing, but how does Web-slinging translate into combat on the battlefield? As it turns out, it translates very well. We see a host of thematic mechanics make a comeback to really bring the set to life. Magic: The Gathering | Marvel’s Spider-Man doesn’t just look the part, it dons the visage of our favourite web-head and makes us feel like we’re stepping right into a comic panel itself. Let’s dive into the mechanics that tie in Magic: The Gathering and the thrill of being Spider-Man.
Web-Slinging
What’s a more iconic image of Spider-Man than of him zipping through skyscrapers, pulling innocent bystanders out of harm’s way? Spider-Man and his many allies effortlessly pull creatures out of danger and propel themselves directly into the thick of it! Let’s take a look at Pavitr Prabhakar, better known as Spider-Man India.
Web-slinging is an alternative casting cost. If you choose to cast a card for its Web-slinging cost, you pay the listed cost next to the ability as well as return a tapped creature you control to its owner’s hand. This is an excellent way to get more value from enter the battlefield and cast effects, while also getting larger units out earlier than normal. Some cards will have bonuses when cast with Web-slinging as well.
The most important factor is that you must still respect timing restrictions when casting a card for its Web-slinging cost, however, we have heard that there is an instance of Web-slinging on an instant. And of course, if you can give your spell Flash, you might just be able to live your last second heroism dreams.
Mayhem
What better way to embody the widespread destruction caused by Spider-Man’s rogues gallery than with Mayhem. And who better to sow Mayhem than the Green Goblin!
Mayhem is a new ability that allows you to cast a card for its Mayhem cost if it was discarded this turn. While it does seem similar to an older Magic: The Gathering mechanic, Madness, there are a couple key differences. The first part is that when a card with Madness was discarded, you had to cast the card immediately, else you would lose your chance to cast the card later on in the turn. With regards to Mayhem, once the card is discarded, you can cast it at any point during your turn.
The second difference is that with Madness, because you had to cast it immediately, you could discard creatures on your opponent’s turn and cast them for their madness cost. With Mayhem, you must respect timing restrictions. If you discarded Ultimate Green Goblin on your opponent’s turn, you would normally not be able to cast it during their turn.
Connive
Originating from the devious gangs from New Capena, Connive returns to embody the more subtle and careful of the villains. If a creature you control connives, you draw a card, then discard a card. If you discarded a nonland card this way, put a +1/+1 counter on the creature that connived. If you discard a land card, you don’t get the buff for the trade-off of likely sculpting a better hand. This is great for the more cunning of villains who bide their time, waiting for the perfect time to strike.
Modal Double-Faced Cards
Secret identities are a dime a dozen for heroes and villains alike. Leading two lives, one as a civilian and the other as a superhero or supervillain, these Modal Double-Faced Cards (MDFCs) represent the two sides of every character. For most of the MDFCs in this set it’s as simple as choosing which side you want to cast, and then casting it for that cost.
What’s especially unique about the MDFCs from this set is that all the ones we’ve seen so far can be cast on either side, but additionally, can be transformed. Most of the front sides of the cards have an activated ability that allows you to transform the card, however, as of yet we haven’t seen a backside that can transform to the front.
Modified
Some heroes have to go the extra distance; designing their own suits, crafting their gear, and manufacturing their equipment. In fact, most heroes wouldn’t be where they are now without keeping their gadgets and outfits up to date. Modified creatures are all about improving yourself and your allies. A modification is an Aura you control, an Equipment, or Counters. When any of these are on creatures, they are modified.
Across the Multiverse
Marvel’s Spider-Man is pulling characters from all across the multiverse. We’re seeing as many iterations and universes as can fit in a set. Not only that, but we’re going all the way back to the very first appearance of Spider-Man. We have decades of history, culture, and comic book references to make sure there is something for everyone. From Uncle Ben’s iconic speech to Peter Parker, to all the variations of our beloved superhero popularised by recent films, it’s all here.
Bringing The Comics To Life - Stepping Into The Pages
One of the most amazing things we’ve seen so far is how faithful the art direction has been to the source material. We’re getting artwork directly from artists, creators, and even the comic books themselves to really celebrate Spider-Man’s history and impact on pop-culture.
We see Miles Morales and Peter Parker lifted straight from the covers of comic books in the Classic Comic Cards art treatment.
Costume Change! Over the years, Spidey has had some amazing costume designs. How could Wizards of the Coast not celebrate some of the most iconic designs? Spectacular Spider-Man will have seven different costume change variants, ranging from the classic suit to some of the most unique we’ve seen.
Just like in most recent sets, we also have a very special bonus sheet of cards, combining some of Magic: The Gathering’s most iconic cards, with some of the most iconic art from the source material. We have the Source Material Bonus Sheet.
Of course, what’s a more recognisable trait of comics than the traditional comic book panels? Not only do characters get this treatment, but it works exceptionally well on the sagas of this set. We just love how these turned out.
Probably one of the best homages to the comic book panels is when you can transform your cards into comic book panels themselves. Just like how The Gathering | Avatar: The Last Airbender will have scene cards to comprise some of the most memorable parts of the show, Magic: The Gathering | Marvel’s Spider-Man will have scene boxes as well as cards available in all packs that can be put together for some amazing artwork.
Adding on to the panels, where would Spider-Man be without his trusty webs? We have some beautiful Web-Slinger bordered cards as well as a set of gorgeous Spiderweb Basic Lands.
Swinging Into Action
There is so much to be excited for, and so much to do. Magic: The Gathering | Marvel’s Spider-Man will introduce a host of new themed welcome decks for all the new incoming players, and bring back a great way to draft the game. We see the Pick-Two draft format make the headlines, calling back to Double Masters where you also would draft two cards at a time. In fact, the first time you can play the Pick-Two draft format will be at Magic Presents: Friendly Neighborhood Draft right at your local game store. You can find all the info for it here! We can’t wait to celebrate the set and play with these cards as they release.
If you want to see another truly amazing spectacle, we will be celebrating this entire set and its culture at Magic Spotlight: Spider-Man in Liverpool October 31st with artists, attractions, cosplayers, and so much more. There truly is no better place to celebrate the crossover of Marvel’s Spider-Man and Magic: The Gathering, and we can’t wait to see you all there.
Join Our Communities
Join our Discord channel and introduce yourself! 🙂 Not feeling social right now? Check out the community tab in the menu up top to find more info about your favourite TCGs!
Read more
MTG Ultimate Guard EMS – 25/26 Season, Round 3
We are excited to announce that the RCQ kit sales for Season 2 are now live!
Magic: The Gathering’s 2026 Roadmap – Nostalgia, Crossovers, and Bold New Worlds
This weekend at MagicCon Atlanta, Wizards of the Coast held a preview panel. Here’s all we learned about the exciting Magic: The Gathering 2026 releases.
Cracking the Cauldron: Taking Down the Boogeyman of Standard in Magic: The Gathering
You’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times, Izzet Cauldron, or even Vivi-Cauldron is the top deck in Magic: The Gathering Standard. So how do we beat Vivi?