Magic: The Gathering Swings Big in 2026 with Star Trek, The Hobbit, & More Marvel!

Greg Montique
Sep 26
3 min read

MTG Fans were foaming at the mouth to get into the exhibit halls at MagicCon Atlanta today. The fine folks at Wizards said that this weekend, we would get a peek behind the curtain at the 2026 release schedule, and boy, did they not hold back.

Let's take a look at what is to come with a few not-so-secret surprises.

Universes Beyond Star Trek Joins MTG

Perhaps the biggest reveal was that Magic: The Gathering and Star Trek will indeed merge universes in 2026. Universes Beyond: Star Trek has been confirmed with a short teaser trailer that you can see below.

There was some controversy earlier this year when some card leaks seemed to be linked to the now-announced set. This caused some online retailers to start taking preorders, with actual money required, to secure cards that had not been confirmed. Those preorders were canceled and the set removed, but now that we have actual confirmation, you're likely to start seeing those same preorders pop up again and stick this time.

At the end of the video, we do get a release date of November 2026, so we have a while to wait before Captain Picard becomes your next favorite commander.

Universes Beyond The Hobbit Also Confirmed

We just talked about this yesterday, but from the second the Bilbo birthday message was dropped, we knew we'd be headed to the Shire for yet another Lord of the Rings crossover.

Riders with horses traverse a snowy mountain. Logos for "Magic: The Gathering" and "The Hobbit" overlay the scene. Wintry, adventurous mood.

With a lore and character log that could reach the moon and back, it only made sense to take a trip back to Middle-earth for another round of bangers in Universes Beyond: The Hobbit.

From the Magic: The Gathering X account,

Join Bilbo Baggins, Thorin, Gandalf, and all your favorite characters on the journey to the Lonely Mountain! There may or may not be a dragon involved. #MTGxHobbit

So get ready to play with the likes of Smaug, stronger Bilbo cards, and an even younger, creepier Gollum in August 2026!

Secrets of Strixhaven

Aside from the first in-universe set, Lorwyn Eclipsed, which we wrote about a few weeks ago, we are also going to be headed back to MTG's own Hogwarts in Secrets of Strixhaven.

In a story that stretches all the way back to Outlaws of Thunder Junction, we will follow Jace and Loot. Loot apparently has a map of all of reality in his head which leads the two of them to the Meditation Realm in Tarkir: Dragonstorm. Apparently Narset and Elspeth watch Jace perform a ritual that backfires, consuming both Jace and the Realm.

Glowing blue text "REALITY FRACTURE" on a black background, with "OCTOBER" in white below, creating a mysterious atmosphere.

These plot points lead us into Lorwyn Eclipsed, Secrets of Strixhaven, and the future, apparently called Reality Fracture.

MTG's Massive Marvel Undertaking

The relationship between Marvel and Magic: The Gathering has been a fractured one. There were Secret Lairs for a few heroes. We have a Spider-Man Universes Beyond Set. But in June 2026, MTG will unleash Marvel Super Heroes.

Superheroes in action pose amid a destroyed city. Prominent are red, yellow, and blue costumes. Text: "MARVEL SUPER HEROES." Energetic mood.

Promising to encompass the vast multiverse of Marvel, from Scarlet Witch to Squirrel Girl, expect Marvel Super Heroes to be a massive set. And we aren't just talking good guys. Of course, the villains will make an appearance to attempt to ruin the day.

A group of colorful superheroes and villains in dynamic poses against a fiery, chaotic background. Text: "Kieran Yanner" at the bottom.

Marvel fits so well into the theme of Magic, as I have been brutally assaulted by a friend's Captain America deck several times now. What makes a large set fun, though, is that a lot of the characters fit really easily with already established themes. Think about a Groot landfall deck or Squirrel Girl fitting neatly into your Chatterfang commander build.

And we don't have to wait very long, Universes Beyond: Marvel Super Heroes drops in June 2026.

Magic: The Gathering Meets Star Trek, The Hobbit, & Marvel

Based on what we saw today, 2026 is primed to be a massive year for one of the most popular card games on earth. Bringing in storied franchises like Star Trek and returning to others like The Lord of the Rings and Marvel are sure to boost numbers and attract a large number of new players.

Returning to fan favorite realms like Lorwyn is also a huge boost, with long-time players and collectors itching to expand the in-universe story. In any case, it looks like there will be something for everyone next year, and we will be here to cover it all.

What are you looking forward to the most in 2026? Leave a comment below!