At MagicCon Atlanta, Wizards of the Coast lifted the lid on the Magic: The Gathering 2026 release schedule. For the first time in years, seven sets are on the calendar instead of the usual six — though Wizards has confirmed this is a one-off scheduling shift. The traditional six-set rhythm will return in 2027.
The 2026 lineup is a mix of nostalgic returns, original story arcs, and major Universes Beyond crossovers with franchises like Marvel, The Hobbit, and Star Trek. The announcement panel was one of the biggest highlights of MagicCon, giving fans plenty to speculate about heading into next year.
Magic: The Gathering 2026 Release Timeline
| Release Date | Set Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 23, 2026 | Lorwyn Eclipsed | First return to the plane of Lorwyn in over a decade. Nostalgic fan-favorite setting. |
| TBA (Oct 2025 reveal) | Untitled Universes Beyond Set | Mystery crossover set to be revealed at New York Comic Con. |
| April 2026 | Secrets of Strixhaven | Continuation of Strixhaven University storyline. Expands off-campus adventures. |
| June 2026 | Marvel Super Heroes | Universes Beyond crossover with the Marvel Universe. Heroes and villains in MTG form. |
| Aug 2026 | The Hobbit | Middle-earth return, featuring Bilbo’s journey, trolls, riddles, and Smaug. |
| Oct 2026 | Reality Fracture | Original MTG storyline. Introduces a mysterious new villain after years of build-up. |
| Nov 2026 | Star Trek | Universes Beyond crossover with Star Trek. Federation, starships, and iconic crews. |
Lorwyn Eclipsed – January 23, 2026
Kicking off the year, Lorwyn Eclipsed returns to a much-loved plane not seen in over a decade. Known for its whimsical yet eerie folklore, Lorwyn is home to kithkin, boggarts, faeries, and more.
The story follows a group of Strixhaven students exploring Lorwyn’s mysteries, blending classic lore with a fresh academic twist. Wizards has already shared early previews, including a Planeswalker’s Guide, a First Look article, and an image gallery of revealed cards, all teased during MagicCon Atlanta.
Untitled Universes Beyond Set – Reveal October 10, 2025
The second set of the year remains shrouded in secrecy. Wizards has confirmed it’s a Universes Beyond crossover, with a full reveal planned at New York Comic Con 2025. The set will launch on tabletop and MTG Arena. Fans at MagicCon were teased with hints but will have to wait until October for the official reveal.
Secrets of Strixhaven – April 2026
Returning to the magical halls of Strixhaven University, Secrets of Strixhaven builds on the story started in Lorwyn Eclipsed. This chapter goes beyond the classroom, showing what happens when students face magical adventures outside of campus life. The set offers both continuity for existing fans and a new entry point into Magic’s most famous magical academy.
Marvel Super Heroes – June 2026
Perhaps the biggest crossover of the year, Magic: The Gathering | Marvel Super Heroes brings the Marvel Universe into Magic. Expect iconic heroes, villainous masterminds, and mechanics inspired by superpowers and team-ups. With Marvel’s huge global reach, this set could be a gateway for countless new fans to enter Magic for the first time.
The Hobbit – August 2026
Magic revisits Middle-earth with Magic: The Gathering | The Hobbit, following the classic tale of Bilbo Baggins. The set highlights key moments from the story — the troll encounter, Riddles in the Dark, and the showdown with Smaug the Dragon. This builds on the success of 2023’s Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, which became one of Magic’s best-selling sets ever.
Reality Fracture – October 2026
One of the few purely original sets of the year, Reality Fracture promises a major storyline shift. Wizards teased that a brand-new villain will finally be revealed after years of foreshadowing. Details are scarce, but the set is expected to be a key moment in Magic’s multiverse narrative.
Star Trek – November 2026
Closing out the year, Magic boldly goes where it has never gone before. Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek introduces starships, captains, and factions from across the Federation and beyond. It will be available in both tabletop and Arena formats, offering fans a chance to explore the final frontier through Magic gameplay. The MagicCon panel promised more information to come as the release draws closer.
Why This Matters
- 🃏 Seven sets in one year is rare for Magic, making 2026 one of its most ambitious release schedules ever.
- 🌍 Universes Beyond continues to expand, tapping into mainstream pop culture with Marvel, The Hobbit, and Star Trek.
- 🔮 Nostalgia plays a key role, with the long-awaited return to Lorwyn and the continuation of Strixhaven.
- 📖 The storyline escalates, with Reality Fracture hinting at a multiverse-defining new villain.
2026 won’t just be another year for Magic — it could mark a turning point in how the game balances its own lore with crossover storytelling. And with so many announcements first unveiled at MagicCon, the event is cementing itself as the ultimate stage for Magic’s biggest reveals.
