Get ready for an epic crossover! The beloved card game Magic: The Gathering is taking a spectacular leap across the New York skyline, thanks to an exciting collaboration with Marvel’s Spider-Man. This is shaping up to be one of Magic’s biggest releases yet!
This brand-new, standard-legal set officially launches on September 26th. However, if you’re eager to get your hands on these cards sooner, you can participate in a special prerelease event! Check with your local game store to see if they’re hosting one.
Here’s everything you need to know about the event, including when you can play and what amazing goodies to expect.
What’s a Magic: The Gathering Prerelease Event?
Prerelease events are fantastic opportunities for players to experience a new Magic: The Gathering set a week before its official release. These casual, fun events use cards from the upcoming set (in this case, the Spider-Man crossover), allowing you to explore new mechanics, discover exciting card synergies, and even meet fellow Magic enthusiasts.
While specific details might vary slightly by location (so definitely confirm with your local game store!), the core experience of a Magic: The Gathering prerelease typically involves:
- Opening a special prerelease box filled with new cards.
- Building a 40-card deck using only the cards you opened.
- Playing friendly 1v1 matches against other participants, starting with 20 life.
- Winning games can often earn you additional booster packs as prizes!
What’s Inside a Spider-Man Prerelease Box?
Each Marvel’s Spider-Man prerelease box is packed with exciting items to kickstart your collection:
- 6 Play Boosters, full of new cards to discover.
- 1 Rare or Mythic Rare foil card, a special collectible from the set.
- 1 sturdy Cardboard Deck Box to protect your newly built deck.
- 1 Spindown Life Counter Die, perfect for tracking your life total during games.
Wizards of the Coast provides helpful deckbuilding strategies for prerelease events, but here’s an extra tip from us: bring card sleeves! It’s always a good idea to have some on hand, especially if you pull a potentially valuable card you’d want to keep in pristine condition for your collection or for future trading/selling.
When Can You Join the Magic: The Gathering Spider-Man Prerelease?
The prerelease events for the highly anticipated Spider-Man set begin on Friday, September 19th – a full week before the official set launch. These events will run throughout the week, so you have plenty of chances to participate leading up to September 25th.
Can I Purchase Other Magic: The Gathering Spider-Man Products During Prerelease?
While availability can vary by store, generally only WPN (Wizards Play Network) certified stores are authorized to sell other Magic: The Gathering Spider-Man products during the prerelease weekend. Other retailers, including major online stores, will typically need to wait until the official launch week to sell these new products.