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 to detail one of Magic: The Gathering’s most ambitious years of products and set releases we’ve seen to date. The 2026 road-map is absolutely stacked with exciting sets, new products, and quite a bit of mystery. Here’s everything we learned about Magic: The Gathering and its 2026 releases.
Alex Kivitz
The Timline
Before we start, here is a quick overview of the timeline of what we know so far about next year! Besides what we see on the timeline, there are still announcements to come that we can’t wait for!
A World of Light and Shadow - Lorwyn Eclipsed (January 23)
Originally slated for a 2025 release, Lorwyn kicks off the 2026 timeline with a release date of January 23rd! Returning to one of Magic: The Gathering’s most beloved planes, Wizards of the Coast has confirmed that the set will focus on the duality of Lorwyn’s bright fantasy nature, and its darker twin, Shadowmoor.
Mechanically, Lorwyn Eclipsed will explore transforming cards, showcasing the duality of the plane and the creatures, as well as bring back a lot of fan favourite mechanics and characters. We see the return of the likes of Sygg, Ashling, and Brigid, or the Merfolk, Flamekin, and Kithkin. We also can get excited for the return of Evoke, Command spells, and Kindred spells. And something we always love to see is the return of more shock lands! While they also come in regular art styles, we see here a suite of double sided shock lands. These are not lands that can transform, but are purely two aesthetic options that allow you to represent the Lorwyn or Shadowmoore style.
Alongside the spoilers for the new set, we also got a peek at the assortment of products that will be available when Lorwyn Eclipsed releases. While we will continue to see the classic Collector Boosters and Play Boosters as well as the return of Commander Decks, we see two very exciting and unique products.
Firstly, we have the Draft Night bundle. A product that comes with a host of lands, a Collector Booster, and enough packs for four players to play in the new Pick Two draft format. And touching on that, this set is intended to be a fun experience, designed for 4 and 8 player drafts.
Secondly, we have the return of 60-card pre-constructed decks! A beautiful on-boarding experience for players into Standard, these are two of many upcoming 60-card theme decks, with Pirates and Angels headlining the first two. These are great out of the box play options with information inside on how to best upgrade them as well. We definitely can’t wait to get our hands on these.
Unannounced Universes Beyond Set
Second on the timeline is still a mystery. All we know is that we will learn more at New York Comic Con on October 10. We are definitely setting our reminders for this one.
Beyond the Campus Walls - Secrets of Strixhaven (April 2026)
For the third set of the year we’re headed back to the plane of Arcavios with Secrets of Strixhaven.Yes, that’s right, the theme for the Magic Spotlight Series Main Event in London upcoming May. This time we’re not simply going back to school, the characters are growing with us. Wizards made it clear that the focus will be on the secrets, conspiracies, and power struggles happening beyond the lecture halls. It’s Strixhaven grown up, with higher stakes and a broader scope. That’s not to say there won’t still be fresh faces finding their ways in classes as well.
The set will also be paired with a new novel, Strixhaven: Omens of Chaos by Seanan McGuire, continuing Magic’s renewed push into fiction. Each physical copy will include a special promo card, a Command Tower with Strixhaven artwork.
While Wizards hasn’t revealed new mechanics yet, the preview emphasized that Secrets of Strixhaven will expand on the original’s themes of spellcraft and school identity. Expect lessons, instants, and sorceries to once again be a central theme.
Earth’s Mightiest Heroes - Marvel Super Heroes (June 2026)
June 2026 brings one of Magic’s boldest crossovers yet: Marvel Super Heroes. We got an early look at card art for Captain America, Killmonger, and Nick Fury, hinting at a set that won’t shy away from spotlighting both iconic heroes as well as villains. We were told to expect material to focus on the comic side of Marvel, and that we will see many super hero teams. We’re also looking forward to seeing if there will be another Infinity Stone similar to The Soul Stone from Magic: The Gathering | Marvel’s Spider-Man.
Only shortly after this iconic crossover, you can see Marvel Super Heroes in action at the Magic Spotlight: Marvel Super Heroes in Brussels in July!
There and Back Again, Again - The Hobbit (August 2026)
In August we shift from the world of superheroes and science fiction to high fantasy with The Hobbit. That’s right, we are journeying back to Middle Earth and joining Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and Thorin’s Company on their quest to take back the Lonely Mountain. We’re expecting many iconic scenes like the Battle of the Five Armies and the riddle game with Gollum. We don’t have news on card mechanics and spoilers yet but this is one set we cannot be more excited about.
A Multiverse on the Brink - Reality Fracture (October 2026)
October 2026 is reserved for the most mysterious set of the year, Reality Fracture. Wizards revealed almost nothing concrete beyond its name, key art, and the promise of a “villain unlike anything Magic has ever seen.” The teaser art hinted at worlds shattering, suggesting a massive plot and conflict that could rival March of the Machine.
Boldly Going Where Magic Hasn’t Gone Before - Star Trek (November 2026)
The year is rounding out with the final another massive Universes Beyond crossover, Star Trek. Wizards promised a set that spans multiple eras of the franchise, from the Original Series to The Next Generation and beyond. Players can expect legendary starship cards, iconic characters like Captain Picard and Spock, and mechanics that reflect exploration, diplomacy, and discovery.
A Year Like No Other
Looking at it as a whole, Magic’s 2026 lineup is staggering in scope. Lorwyn Eclipsed and Secrets of Strixhaven speak to longtime players craving a return to Magic’s roots. Marvel, The Hobbit, and Star Trek push Universes Beyond into blockbuster territory. Reality Fracture promises to shake the narrative foundation of the multiverse. If you want to see the entire preview panel for yourself, you can watch it here!
What’s more to get excited about in 2026? Of course, the announced Magic Spotlight Series in Lyon, London, and Brussels!
All in all it looks to be an absolutely amazing year of Magic: The Gathering and we can’t wait to share it all with you.
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