Magic: The Gathering is About to End 2024 With a Bang

Summary

Magic: The Gatheringhas had a strong 2024 with lots of good main set releases as well as multiple popular Secret Lair drops, and there are a few more launches ahead before the year comes to a close. There are several big releases coming in 2025, from a “death race” set to aMagic: The Gatheringcollaboration withFinal Fantasy, but fans will have to wait for more details about these - possibly as early as the Las Vegas MagicCon from October 25 to October 27. However, there are two big releases yet to come in 2024 forMTG- the Foundations set and the Marvel Secret Lair drops.

2024 has also been a rather controversial year forMagic: The Gatheringacross the board, with the recentCommander banssparking debates online about their validity and whether the Commander Rules Committee should even be able to make these decisions. After a hate campaign against the CMC’s members, the Committee was disbanded and control of the format was given to Wizards of the Coast itself. Despite these issues,MTGis about to make the most of the last couple of months in 2024 with a one-two punch of releases on November 4 and November 15.

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What to Expect From Magic: The Gathering’s Foundations Set

The first set, albeit not in chronological order, isMTGFoundations, which is dropping on November 15. While more details about the Foundations set are supposed to be revealed at MagicCon Vegas, it is a big release for all formats in the game, fromMagic: The Gathering’s Commanderto Standard. This is because Foundations will have cards that are supposed to be true to the set’s name - a foundation of whatMagic: The Gatheringis, remaining legal in Standard until 2029 at least. On top of that, Foundations cards will be legal in Commander, Legacy, and Vintage.

A set that is seemingly equal parts reprints of classic staples and new cards crafted with more simplistic mechanics in mind,MTGFoundations can be a huge hit for all formats. Given how popular Commander is, it seems likely that Foundations will also include a few newMTGLegendary creaturesin order for players to craft new decks around them. The set’s wide appeal in terms of formats and target audience, combined with great shelf life, make it a likely hit.

What to Expect From Magic: The Gathering’s Marvel Secret Lair Superdrop

Probably even more of a hit than Foundations could be the newMagic: The Gatheringx Marvel Secret Lair Superdrop, launching on November 4. The Secret Lair Superdrop is set to feature multiple iconic characters, items, or moments from Marvel media with a focus on Commander. These cards are likely to be huge hits because of some very good and valuable reprints as well as the popularity of Marvel as a whole. Each set has five cards with dedicated art, and with a minimum expense of $199, players will also get an alt-art “Earth’s Mightiest Emblem” Arcane Signet, which is likely to have a rather hefty price, given this is the only way to get it.

Each set includes a Marvel hero as a Legendary creature, with thematic cards to accompany it. These cards have effects that are unique to them, such as Captain America’s great flavor of “throwing” Equipment artifact cards at opponents to deal damage and then attaching new ones back onto the First Avenger. Cards like Commander’s Plate, Inventor’s Fair, and Sol Ring with Iron Man-themed art are going to be quite valuable, much like Heroic Intervention in the Black Panther drop. WithMagic: The Gathering’s upcoming Spider-Man setin 2025, Marvel will play a huge role in other formats as well, making the new Secret Lair drops rather alluring.

Unfortunately, scalpers may purchase theMarvel x MTG Secret Lair dropsin bulk to later resell them at higher prices, as has happened before. Seeing how popular Marvel content is, fans should try and get their favorite sets on day one if they don’t want to miss out.