Wizards of the Coast has officially pulled back the curtain on the entire 2025 release schedule for its seminal trading card game, Magic: The Gathering. In a blockbuster announcement, the company detailed a year packed with returns to fan-favorite planes, the introduction of a brand-new world, and a highly anticipated Universes Beyond crossover. The roadmap promises a diverse and thrilling year for both tabletop veterans and players of the digital client, Magic: The Gathering Arena.
The 2025 schedule, codenamed with internal development titles, charts a course through four major premier set releases, each offering a distinct flavor and advancing the game's sprawling narrative. From the war-torn clans of Tarkir to the high-stakes world of competitive racing, next year is shaping up to be one of Magic's most ambitious yet.
Q1 2025: Return to Tarkir in "Khanfall"
The year will kick off with a long-awaited return to a plane defined by conflict and dragons: Tarkir. The first premier set, currently titled "Khanfall," will revisit the world last seen in a core storyline during 2014-2015's block. While details are still emerging, the title suggests a dramatic shift in the plane's power dynamics. Players have long speculated about the fate of the Khans and the dragonlords, and this set promises to finally provide answers. Expect to see the return of the iconic wedge-colored clan mechanics, potentially reimagined in a world where the draconic overlords' rule is challenged. This set will launch the new Standard season, bringing a fresh meta to both physical and digital formats.
Q2 2025: A New Plane Emerges in "Deathrace"
Following the trip to Tarkir, Magic will introduce players to an entirely new plane in its second-quarter release, codenamed "Deathrace." Described as a high-octane world built around deadly, high-speed competitive racing, this set marks a bold thematic departure. Wizards of the Coast teased a world where factions build incredible vehicles and compete for glory and resources in brutal, planet-spanning circuits. This setting is ripe for the introduction of new mechanics, likely centered around Vehicles and a new resource or keyword that captures the sense of speed and risk. The art direction is said to blend sci-fi aesthetics with a gritty, almost post-apocalyptic feel, promising a visually distinct and action-packed experience.
Q3 2025: Universes Beyond Presents "Final Fantasy"
The blockbuster release of the summer will be the full premier set for the previously announced crossover, Magic: The Gathering - Final Fantasy. This set will be a full, draftable experience bringing the iconic characters, summons, and worlds of the legendary JRPG series into the Magic multiverse. This release will be Modern-legal, similar to the Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set, ensuring its cards have a lasting impact across multiple formats. Fans can expect to see legendary figures like Cloud Strife, Sephiroth, and Terra Branford as powerful creature cards, with iconic spells like Ultima and Meteor being represented as epic sorceries. This collaboration is poised to be one of the biggest releases in Magic's history, drawing in countless fans from both franchises.
Q4 2025: A Climactic Return in "Somberwald"
Closing out the year, the fourth premier set, codenamed "Somberwald," will take players back to a classic plane, though which one remains a closely guarded secret. The name suggests a dark, forested world, leading to heavy speculation that it could be a return to the gothic horror of Innistrad or the fairytale-inspired Lorwyn. Given the ominous title, players can anticipate a set focused on darker themes, potentially involving Werewolves, Spirits, or a grim twist on the fey courts. This release will set the stage for the overarching narrative heading into 2026, concluding the year with mystery and suspense. As with all premier sets, "Somberwald" will be fully integrated into MTG Arena, allowing digital players to experience the unfolding story in real-time.
A Year of Unprecedented Variety
The 2025 roadmap for Magic: The Gathering showcases a clear strategy of balancing nostalgia with bold innovation. By revisiting beloved planes like Tarkir, introducing fresh concepts with "Deathrace," and executing a massive crossover with Final Fantasy, Wizards of the Coast is catering to every type of player. The year promises a dynamic and evolving metagame for Standard, Modern, and Commander players alike, ensuring that the world's first trading card game continues its reign well into its fourth decade.