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MTG Secret Lair x Monster Hunter Reworked, Delayed to 2026

MTG Secret Lair x Monster Hunter Reworked, Delayed to 2026
Magic The Gathering Secret Lair x Monster Hunter collaboration cards artwork

Gaming behemoth Wizards of the Coast has confirmed an unexpected delay for the highly anticipated Secret Lair x Monster Hunter collaboration, pushing its planned December 1, 2025 release into 2026. The decision, announced today, November 26, 2025, stems directly from widespread "disappointing" fan reaction following the initial reveal, prompting WotC to embark on a complete "rework" of the limited-edition card drops.

This significant postponement sees Wizards of the Coast going "back to the drawing board" after the community's vocal feedback. The original plan for the limited-run Magic: The Gathering cards, developed in partnership with Capcom, has been put on hold to ensure the final product meets the high expectations of both Magic and Monster Hunter aficionados.

Unpacking the Delay: Why WotC Hit Pause

In a candid blog post on the official Magic: The Gathering website, Wizards of the Coast acknowledged the community's dissatisfaction head-on. "Let's cut to the chase: the Secret Lair x Monster Hunter Superdrop we revealed last week fell short of expectations," the statement read, adding, "We heard loud and clear that you were disappointed, and we believe we can do better." This admission underscores the developer's commitment to quality and community responsiveness, leading to the indefinite postponement until a comprehensive rework is complete, expected "in a few months" into 2026.

Community Backlash: Specific Critiques Revealed

Initial plans for the Secret Lair x Monster Hunter collaboration detailed 19 cards spread across four distinct drops: "The Hunt," "The Hunters," "The Monster I," and "The Monster II." However, the reveal was met with immediate and pointed criticism from the online community. Key issues that garnered significant attention included:

  • A notable misspelling of "Kokoto," a revered village from the Monster Hunter universe, on one of the revealed cards.
  • A conspicuous absence of "Equipment" cards, despite weapons and gear playing a fundamentally central role in the Monster Hunter gameplay experience. The inclusion of a reprint like "Dual-Bladed Hunter" (Grand Abolisher) did little to offset this perceived oversight.

These specific oversights are believed to be primary drivers behind the "mixed fan reaction" that ultimately led WotC to pull the plug on the initial December 1 launch.

A Busy Year for Secret Lair, A Critical Moment for MTG

The postponement of the Monster Hunter collaboration comes amidst a particularly busy year for Wizards of the Coast's Secret Lair program. Throughout 2025, Magic: The Gathering has seen numerous high-profile crossovers with external intellectual properties. Recent months alone witnessed a substantial collaboration with PlayStation, featuring seven unique drops, alongside partnerships with beloved franchises such as Jaws, Furby, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and The Office.

This proactive decision to delay and rework the Secret Lair x Monster Hunter drop, even with such a packed schedule, highlights the importance Wizards of the Coast places on delivering a product that truly honors both the Magic: The Gathering and Monster Hunter legacies. Fans now eagerly await further details on the revised 2026 release.