2026 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious years in Magic: The Gathering history. Wizards of the Coast has unveiled no fewer than seven expansions, most of which are Universes Beyond (UB) sets featuring massive licenses like Marvel Super Heroes, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT), and Star Trek. Something to delight their audience and fans of popular culture!
Yet, amidst all these collaborations, only one set managed to capture the community's imagination: the return to the plane of Lorwyn with Lorwyn Eclipsed (releasing January 16, 2026 in stores!).
Nostalgia vs. Novelty
According to a recent poll conducted by Lead Designer Mark Rosewater on his blog, Lorwyn Eclipsed garnered 50.1% of the votes for the most anticipated expansion of 2026, shattering the combined score of all other licenses. This is no mere coincidence: this figure is a direct argument for a return to traditional Magic. But why such enthusiasm for a plane that hadn't been visited in nearly 20 years?
It's simple. Lorwyn Eclipsed represents the traditional Magic that many players have been clamoring for. It's a return to the roots, a fairytale universe that reminds us of the card game's golden age, before crossovers became the norm.
A Necessary Balance
We're all excited about the prospect of adding themes that resonate with popular culture, themes that shaped our childhoods and have stayed with us through the years. It's fun, it's collectable, and it brings new faces to the store by appealing to an audience that was starting to dwindle among younger generations. But it's the return of a set like Lorwyn Eclipsed that guarantees the game's long-term health and richness. It's what gives it its personality, and it's worth noting that Wizards of the Coast is navigating this delicate balance with great skill. Between tradition and innovation, we're riding the wave like never before!
Get ready for the Prerelease!
Don't miss this opportunity to relive a piece of Magic history!
We'll be holding the Lorwyn Eclipsed Prerelease at the store on Friday, January 16th at 6:00 PM. Come test the set, discover the new hybrid cards, and discuss the future of the game with us.
Drafts will begin the following Tuesday (January 20th at 6:00 PM CEST), so get your sleeves ready! We'll be waiting for you!
Between the Universes Beyond invasion and the return of classic planes, which is the next plane you ABSOLUTELY want to see back in Magic?