Lorwyn Eclipsed | MTG's First Set of 2026 Looks to Shake Things Up
- Greg Montique
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
Magic: The Gathering returns to the fan-favorite split realm of Lorwyn and Shadowmoor in Lorwyn Eclipsed, the first MTG set of 2026. This set not only seems to revisit beloved themes like faeries, kithkin, goblins, and elves, but also introduces intriguing and perhaps frustrating changes to its product offerings.
We’re getting more than just new cards: Wizards is experimenting with how players enter into some of its most popular formats. Let’s explore what’s changing.
New Product: Draft Night "Draft-In-A-Box"
One of the most exciting and unusual shifts comes in the form of Draft Night, a fresh take on home-friendly Limited play:
Each Draft Night box is reported to contain 12 Play Boosters, 1 Collector Booster, 90 basic land cards, and, according to some listings, 10 double-sided tokens.
Priced at approximately $90, it offers a convenient bundle tailored for a 4-player pick-two draft. 12 packs is ideal for four people, picking two cards each before passing.
The Collector Booster is likely meant to be a prize for the winner, providing a reward for drafting at home.
This aligns with Wizards ramping up support for faster, smaller-scale drafting formats, offering a more accessible and convenient draft experience for groups of friends without having to drop potentially hundreds on a booster box.
Standard Preconstructed (Theme) Decks Return
Lorwyn Eclipsed also seems to be bringing 60-card preconstructed "theme" decks back into the fold:
Each deck includes 60 cards, 5 double-sided tokens, a reference card, and a deck box. Sold individually and packaged in displays of four, much like commander precons.
Priced at around $24 each, these decks are aimed at Standard play, possibly echoing the Standard Challenger Decks from 2022 but without the sideboards.
These are likely meant to bridge the gap between casual and competitive play. Offering a polished, ready-to-play experience at an approachable price point for those who are looking to learn without jumping right into Commander.
Commander Continues, At a Higher Cost
The Commander lineup remains, featuring two new decks for Lorwyn Eclipsed, likely one each for Lorwyn and Shadowmoo,r respectively. Each Commander deck now carries a higher MSRP of $50, a $5 increase over previous sets.
These precons remain a cornerstone entry point for new players into the Commander format, but the price bump is notable amid rising product costs due to increasing import tariffs.
Core Product See Price Increases
Other expected items like Play Boosters, Bundles, and Collector Boosters are present, but with some shifts in MSRP:
The Bundle increase raises questions since the Play Boosters inside it aren’t getting more expensive. Wizards may be adding value via promo inclusions or simply readjusting margins but if nothing changes, there becomes even less of a reason to buy a bundle unless you collect the boxes or d20s.
What It All Means
Draft Night could reshape at-home Limited play by making drafts faster and easier with a smaller group. For groups of friends who love Limited but struggle with numbers, this feels like a direct answer that makes the format more accessible and affordable.
Preconstructed Standard decks are also lowering the barrier to entry, giving players a ready-to-play option without the effort of building from scratch. For anyone curious about Standard but hesitant to invest heavily, these precons offer a smoother way to jump in, similar to how Commander precons introduced so many players to that format.
Commander decks remain part of the lineup, though their price increase is an unwelcome change to an already expensive hobby. While the increase may sting, they’re still one of the best ways to explore new archetypes or bring fresh players into the format. The bigger picture, though, is that prices are nudging upward across Bundles and Collector Boosters as well. These small increases add up and suggest a trend players will want to keep an eye on when deciding which products best fit their style.
All told, these changes suggest Wizards is looking to experiment with formats and product accessibility, keeping core experiences but reshaping how they’re packaged and priced.
Lorwyn Eclipsed Brings Change
Lorwyn Eclipsed isn’t just a thematic revisit; it’s a testing ground for product innovation like Draft Night and budget Standard decks, while also signaling adjustments in pricing across staples. If you like the idea of drafting with a set-in-a-box or buying ready-to-play decks that may offer Standard viability, 2026 could be the year you'd been hoping for.
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