Wizards of the Coast has revealed that their latest Magic: The Gathering crossover expansion will be based on The Lord of the Rings, and it’s going to be massive. The upcoming set, called Universes Beyond: Tales of Middle-earth, is scheduled for release in June 2023 and will include new Draft, Set, Collector, and Jumpstart boosters, as well as constructed Commander decks and a Starter Kit for beginners. This will be a complete package, with Gift Bundles, Scene Boxes, and a special Secret Lair drop also included.
The cards in this expansion will be compatible with the base Magic: The Gathering game and other decks in the Universes Beyond series. This means that players can mix and match their decks from different franchises such as The Walking Dead, Godzilla, and Street Fighter to create their own unique crossover stories.
The Universes Beyond: Tales of Middle-earth set will feature a variety of iconic characters from The Lord of the Rings and will explore the vast mythos of this franchise.
The June 2023 releases for Tales of Middle-earth include:
- Starter Kit – A card box containing two themed decks.
- Jumpstart Boosters – Individual card packets featuring ‘unique themes’. Two of these packets can purchased and played together for a complete experience.
- Prerelease Pack – A box set available only at local game stores.
- Draft Boosters – Individual card packs with a variety of cards included.
- Set Boosters – Individual card packs with an adventure focus.
- Collector Boosters – Individual card packs with a higher drop rate of rare cards, shiny foil cards, and special alternate-art and alternate-frame cards.
- Bundle & Gift Bundle – Two separate fan kits including boosters and other surprises.
Additional content for Tales of Middle-earth is set to be released in November 2023, following the initial Magic: The Gathering crossover launch in June of the same year.
The late-year drop will likely include the ‘Secret Lair‘ special drop and new Commander decks. Fans can expect to see familiar characters and scenarios from The Lord of the Rings franchise in this expansion, which should appeal to both beginners and longtime Magic players alike. With the large and dedicated LOTR fanbase, this crossover release is expected to generate considerable interest and could be an excellent opportunity for new players to discover the game. More information about the upcoming release is expected to be revealed in the future, so stay tuned for updates.