MTG Universes Beyond combines Magic: The Gathering with iconic franchises like Doctor Who, Warhammer 40,000, and The Lord of the Rings. Starting in 2025, these sets will be playable in all competitive formats, making them a core part of Magic. Here's what you need to know:
- What is Universes Beyond? A series of Magic sets featuring collaborations with popular franchises.
- Key Collaborations (2020–2023): The Walking Dead, Warhammer 40,000, The Lord of the Rings, and Doctor Who.
- Upcoming (2025+): Partnerships with Assassin's Creed, Final Fantasy, and Marvel.
- Why It Matters: Attracts new players, integrates unique mechanics inspired by each franchise, and reshapes the trading card game industry.
Universes Beyond blends the essence of partner franchises with Magic's gameplay, creating a fresh experience for fans of both worlds. Keep reading for a deeper dive into its history, design, and future.
The History of Universes Beyond
How Universes Beyond Began
Magic: The Gathering first dabbled in external intellectual properties back in 1998 with the ARC System. However, the official launch of Universes Beyond came in 2020 with The Walking Dead Secret Lair. This marked a major shift, blending iconic franchises with Magic and opening the door to new types of collaborations.
Key Collaborations So Far
Some of the most memorable partnerships have brought beloved worlds into the Magic universe. Warhammer 40,000 introduced its dark, expansive universe through Commander decks that captured the essence of the franchise. The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth showed how a classic fantasy story could seamlessly integrate with Magic while staying true to both brands.
| Year | Major Collaboration |
|---|---|
| 2020 | The Walking Dead |
| 2022 | Warhammer 40,000 |
| 2023 | The Lord of the Rings |
| 2023 | Doctor Who |
With these successes, Universes Beyond is gearing up for even more collaborations in the future.
Adding New Franchises
Universes Beyond is expanding faster than ever, with partnerships spanning diverse entertainment genres. Upcoming collaborations with Assassin's Creed, Final Fantasy, and Marvel promise to bring fresh themes and gameplay opportunities to the Magic multiverse.
Design teams are now working closely with licensors to ensure each set stays true to its original inspiration. The 2025 release schedule reflects this growing focus, featuring three Universes Beyond sets alongside the usual Magic offerings. These partnerships continue to redefine what Magic: The Gathering can achieve through creative crossovers.
Magic: The Gathering Moves Universes Beyond
What Makes Universes Beyond Work
Universes Beyond has succeeded by focusing on a few key elements that seamlessly integrate these collaborations into the Magic: The Gathering world. Every detail is designed to balance brand identity and gameplay quality.
Diverse Products for Every Player
Magic's design team has created a wide range of products to appeal to different types of players.
| Product Type | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Commander Decks | Pre-built decks with unique themes and mechanics |
| Secret Lairs | Special editions featuring exclusive artwork |
| Booster Sets | Draft-friendly sets with cards suited for competition |
Merging Franchise Themes with Magic
Mark Rosewater, Magic's head designer, emphasizes the importance of making each collaboration feel natural within the Magic universe. This is evident in how Universes Beyond products are designed. For instance, the Warhammer 40,000 Commander decks were crafted to reflect the franchise's distinct themes while maintaining Magic's color system.
Easier Access to Products
From 2025 onward, Universes Beyond cards will be included in all Constructed formats, making them relevant for a variety of play styles and tournaments. Coupled with wider distribution through local game stores, online platforms, and resources like Card Shops List, these products are becoming more accessible than ever.
This thoughtful approach ensures Universes Beyond products are not just creative but also easy to find, solidifying their influence in Magic and the trading card world.
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Universes Beyond's Effect on MTG and TCGs
Attracting New Players
Universes Beyond has introduced Magic: The Gathering to a wider audience by teaming up with well-loved franchises. For example, collaborations like Doctor Who have drawn in fans of the series, with local game stores noticing a surge in interest from collectors who aren't traditional Magic players.
Upcoming Partnerships
As its audience grows, Magic is gearing up for more major collaborations designed to attract diverse fan bases:
| Franchise | Appeal |
|---|---|
| Final Fantasy | Draws in fans of Japanese RPGs |
| Marvel | Captures attention from mainstream fans |
| Assassin's Creed | Appeals to action-adventure gamers |
Shaping the Trading Card Industry
These partnerships are not just exciting for fans - they're also transforming the trading card game landscape.
Starting in 2025, Universes Beyond boosters will become part of Constructed formats, integrating seamlessly with regular Magic sets. This shift has encouraged other trading card games to explore similar crossovers, though Magic continues to stand out in how it merges external franchises with its gameplay.
Universes Beyond has created a model for blending outside IPs with trading card games, showing that it's possible to honor partner brands while maintaining strong game mechanics. This balance has set Magic apart and inspired competitors to rethink their own strategies for collaboration.
Where to Find Universes Beyond Products
Universes Beyond products are now easier to find, with local game stores increasing their stock to meet growing demand. Starting in 2025, these products will be legal in all Constructed formats, making them even more sought after.
Card Shops List: Locate Game Stores Near You
Card Shops List is a go-to directory for finding stores that carry Magic: The Gathering products, including Universes Beyond. It connects players with shops offering essential services like:
| Service Type | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Pre-orders | Reserve new Universes Beyond releases ahead of time |
| Trading | Trade cards with other collectors in a secure setting |
| Grading | Get cards evaluated for condition and authenticity |
| Card Breaks | Join group openings of the latest products |
Shopping at authorized retailers ensures you're getting genuine products, access to pre-release events, and advice from knowledgeable staff. These stores also create community hubs for trading and gameplay.
Many shops now offer waitlists and notification systems to help players grab high-demand Universes Beyond items. For collectors, physical stores are especially useful, offering safe spaces for trading and expert help in assessing card conditions and values.
What We Learn from Universes Beyond
Magic: The Gathering's Universes Beyond series shows how blending popular franchises with traditional games can bring fresh life to the gaming world. By pairing with well-loved intellectual properties (IPs) and preserving the core mechanics of Magic, the series attracts longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The success of Universes Beyond comes down to three main elements that can serve as a guide for similar collaborations. First, the ability to stay true to Magic’s gameplay while reflecting the spirit of each franchise has been key. The Doctor Who collaboration is a great example, blending the show's iconic elements with engaging card mechanics that respect both brands.
The design process also offers insights into creative problem-solving in cross-brand projects. Lead Designer Ethan Fleischer put it best:
"Restrictions breed creativity."
This mindset helped the team adapt external IPs to Magic’s established systems, like the color pie, while keeping the essence of both Magic and the partner franchise intact.
Universes Beyond has also reshaped the trading card market. Collaborations with franchises like Doctor Who and Warhammer 40,000 have set a strong example for future partnerships. These projects show how picking the right properties, building strong relationships with licensors, and crafting thoughtful designs can create products that benefit both brands and grow their audiences.
Magic: The Gathering has expanded its reach without losing what makes it special. Universes Beyond proves that traditional games can successfully integrate external IPs, striking a balance between staying true to their roots and exploring new possibilities. This approach is setting the standard for future collaborations in trading cards and beyond.
FAQs
With Universes Beyond bringing new dimensions to Magic: The Gathering, players often wonder about its collaborations and how they enhance the game.
What collaborations has MTG done?
Magic: The Gathering has teamed up with several iconic franchises, incorporating unique themes and mechanics. Here's an overview of the standout collaborations:
| Franchise | Features Highlighted |
|---|---|
| Doctor Who | Time-based mechanics and legendary characters |
| Street Fighter | Combat-driven gameplay elements |
| Jurassic Park | Dinosaur-themed cards and park-inspired mechanics |
| Assassin's Creed | Stealth tactics and historical settings |
| Godzilla | Kaiju-inspired special editions |
| Marvel | Superhero-themed cards (coming soon) |
| Transformers | Dual-faced card mechanics |
Starting in 2025, Universes Beyond sets will become part of all Constructed formats, seamlessly blending with Magic's core gameplay. Interested players can find these collaborations at local game stores or through platforms like Card Shops List, which connects enthusiasts with shops specializing in Universes Beyond products.
These partnerships are crafted to respect the essence of the featured franchises while maintaining Magic's gameplay integrity. This approach has not only expanded the game's fan base but also attracted newcomers from the worlds of these beloved franchises.
