In a landmark announcement that has electrified the tabletop gaming world, Wizards of the Coast has revealed its next colossal wave of Universes Beyond sets for Magic: The Gathering. Prepare to assemble your heroes, journey to Middle-earth once more, and boldly go where no Planeswalker has gone before, as the worlds of Marvel, The Hobbit, and Star Trek are all officially slated to receive full card sets in 2026.
This ambitious lineup confirms Wizards of the Coast's commitment to expanding Magic's multiverse, integrating some of the most iconic properties in pop culture history into its celebrated strategic card game. Following the monumental success of previous crossovers, this announcement sets the stage for what could be the biggest year in the game's three-decade history.
The Universes Beyond Initiative Expands
The Universes Beyond product line, which allows for the integration of external intellectual properties into the Magic: The Gathering framework, has proven to be a resounding success. The initiative reached a fever pitch with 2023's The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, a set that not only became a bestseller but also captured the imagination of both longtime players and new fans. By successfully translating beloved worlds like those of Warhammer 40,000, Doctor Who, and the upcoming Fallout and Assassin's Creed sets, Wizards has created a powerful new avenue for storytelling and gameplay.
The announcement of Marvel, The Hobbit, and Star Trek represents the next logical, and perhaps most ambitious, step in this strategy. Each of these properties brings a massive, dedicated fanbase and a rich well of lore to draw from, promising unique mechanics, legendary characters, and unforgettable moments captured on cardboard.
Assembling Earth's Mightiest Planeswalkers
The confirmation of a Marvel crossover is a true blockbuster moment. For years, fans have speculated about the potential of a collaboration between the two entertainment giants. The Marvel Universe offers a virtually limitless roster of heroes and villains to transform into Magic cards. Players can likely expect to see iconic characters like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, and the X-Men leading their forces into battle.
The design possibilities are staggering. Will the Infinity Stones be represented as powerful artifacts? Could we see a new "Superhero" creature type? The narrative depth of Marvel comics, from the cosmic sagas of Thanos to the street-level heroics of Daredevil, provides a vast canvas for card designers to explore. This set has the potential to be not just a commercial juggernaut, but a defining moment for crossover TCGs.
There and Back Again: A Return to Middle-earth
While players have already explored the vast landscapes of Middle-earth, The Hobbit set promises a more focused and intimate journey. This set will presumably center on Bilbo Baggins's unexpected adventure with Thorin Oakenshield's company of dwarves to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the fearsome dragon, Smaug. This tighter narrative focus could lead to unique mechanics centered on adventure, treasure, and epic quests.
Fans can anticipate seeing beloved characters like Bilbo, Gandalf, Thorin, and Bard the Bowman, alongside the fearsome Smaug, who will undoubtedly be a formidable legendary creature. This set offers a chance to delve deeper into a specific, cherished story within Tolkien's legendarium, complementing the broader scope of the Tales of Middle-earth set while standing firmly on its own.
To Boldly Go: Star Trek Warps into the Multiverse
The final frontier is coming to the tabletop. A Star Trek set opens up a universe of possibilities spanning decades of television shows, films, and more. The core themes of exploration, diplomacy, and conflict are a perfect match for Magic's color pie philosophy. The set could potentially encompass the entire franchise, from The Original Series with Kirk and Spock to The Next Generation with Picard and Data, and even modern iterations.
Mechanically, this set could introduce innovative concepts. We may see cards representing iconic starships like the U.S.S. Enterprise, complete with a new vehicle subtype or a unique crew mechanic. Factions like the United Federation of Planets, the Klingon Empire, the Romulan Star Empire, and the relentless Borg are ripe for distinct tribal strategies. This crossover will allow players to command their own fleet and explore strange new worlds right from their playmat.