Most Anticipated Cards in Lorwyn Eclipsed as Magic: The Gathering Kicks Off 2026

Magic: The Gathering has unveiled its first set of 2026, Lorwyn Eclypsed, which takes fans back to the game’s fantasy roots.

The card art on show at the world premiere brought back some legendary characters, reprinted some sought-after cards, and introduced some stunning anime renditions of new entries to the storybook saga of Lorwyn.

Lorwyn: Cards returning to Magic’s fantasy roots

When we think of that 1980s creature-filled era, we also think of Jim Henson’s puppets and the concept art and characters for films like Labyrinth and Return of the Jedi.

So it was only fitting that the Henson Studio crafted a muppet take on the much-beloved world of high fantasy and storybook myths on behalf of Wizards of the Coast.

The tale shows two Boggarts (Goblins) on both sides of the plane, dreaming of what the other version of themselves would do for a day in the other’s realm.

This led to the world premiere of the new set, and we are going to be seeing some mechanics return to bolster Magic’s hero role in keeping Hasbro and Wizards’ heads above the financial water.

The Final Fantasy and Lord of the Rings sets, both acquired intellectual properties broke the financial cardboard records, but Lorwyn could be the first in-house world to give them a run for their money.

Keeping with the fantasy theme, game mechanics like Foretell, Convoke, and Evoke are all back, and the introduction of Blight and Vivid settles into the mythical setting nicely.

Big hitters on show

When it comes to MTG artist royalty, none has achieved the same level of beautifully ethereal, macabre art as Rebecca Guay. Her takes on storied favourites like Bitterblossom, Channel, and Drowner of Secrets are ingrained in players’ minds for the gossamer veil of mystical energy that looks like the pages of a mythical tome.

Bitterblossom Bearer is a nod to the former and will be available in this special treatment, serialised to only 500 copies.

There are also anime art and “fracture foil” treatments for certain cards in the set, which set the heather alight in previous sets as hundred-dollar chase cards.

Special Guest sheet brings back the classics

Lorwyn is synonymous with merfolks, elves, goblins, treefolk, elementals, and a race of tiny warriors called Kithkin. A world of just weird-looking entities that detached from the need for humans as a through line, and the Special Guest printing sheet reflects each of the races accordingly.

There are minimalist fantasy treatments for Goblin Chieftain and Sharpshooter, Door of Destinies, Idyllic Tutor, Regal Force and Lef-Crowned Visionary, to name a few.

A similar treatment is the “Fable Frame,” which features the same Samurai Jack and Disney-esque takes on children’s bedtime stories as seen in previous sets.

Wizards have achieved so much success in the sets that lean into the fantasy setting, like Wilds of Eldraine and Bloomburrow, so the set is eagerly anticipated for these treatments.

Shocklands in Standard

Shocklands are the names given to a bundle of cards that allow players to access two forms of mana (the energy needed to play cards) in the game immediately by paying 2 life. They have been staples in decks across the MTG spectrum of sets.

The existing treatments have a pretty high price point on the secondary market and 2025 Edge of Eternities bled Breeding Pool, Stomping Ground, Godless Shire and Watery Grave into the game’s Standard rotation.

Lorwyn now completes this set of dual lands and gives them a reversible mechanic to replicate the day/night settings of the fractured worlds of Shadowmoor and Lorwyn.

Returning characters

A few key characters will be making their return, like the controversial Oko, who can’t seem to find, nor want armour to cover his abs. Ashling also makes her comeback as a story pillar and Ajani has a new planeswalker treatment, that was spoiled by MTG Arena’s new pass.

Key dates to look out for:

• Full Card Image Gallery: January 12
• Prerelease Events: January 16–22
• Commander Box League: January 16–22
• MTG Arena Release Date: January 20
• Tabletop Release Date: January 23
• Pro Tour Lorwyn Eclipsed: January 30–February 1
• Magic Spotlight: Eclipsed: February 6–8

If you love high fantasy or you are a returning MTG player, this would be the set to dive into for the mechanics, the cute artistic treatments, and it is a welcome escape to an established weird world that hasn’t been destroyed by humans.