Ranking the Universes Beyond Releases: MTG's Top Crossover Sets of Recent
Magic: The Gathering (MTG) has continued to push the boundaries of the card game world with its Universes Beyond initiative, which brings together the rich worlds of other beloved franchises with MTG’s iconic gameplay. 2023 was a great year for Universe Beyond sets and 2024 promises to be an exciting year for fans with several highly anticipated crossover sets. Here, we explore the top Universes Beyond releases of 2023 and 2024, detailing what makes each set special and why they're must-haves for players and collectors alike.
1Universes Beyond: Doctor Who
"Universes Beyond: Doctor Who" is a standout Universes Beyond set released in 2023, capturing the essence of the beloved British sci-fi series that has thrilled fans for decades. This set is a celebration of the Doctor's numerous adventures across time and space, featuring various versions of the Doctor, iconic companions, and notorious villains like the Daleks and Cybermen.
What makes this set particularly intriguing is its innovative "Time Travel" mechanics, which brings a fresh strategic element to the game. Players will find themselves navigating temporal anomalies and using the Doctor's wits to outsmart opponents. The deep references to classic episodes and characters will delight long-time fans of the show, while the strategic depth will engage MTG players. The nostalgic appeal combined with engaging gameplay mechanics ensures that this set was a hit both among Doctor Who enthusiasts and Magic players, making it a premier release in 2023.
2The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth
"The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth" continues to captivate the imaginations of both Magic players and Tolkien fans. This set brilliantly brought the legendary world of Middle-earth to life in 2023, featuring iconic characters such as Frodo, Gandalf, and Aragorn. The set's unique "Ring-bearer" mechanics and narrative-driven gameplay allow players to embark on epic quests, mirroring the journey of the One Ring.
The artwork in this set is nothing short of spectacular, with cards depicting the vast landscapes of Middle-earth, from the serene Shire to the foreboding Mount Doom. The attention to detail and faithful representation of Tolkien's lore have made this set a favourite. Players can traverse iconic locations, encounter legendary creatures, and experience the epic battles and alliances that define Middle-earth. The seamless integration of rich storytelling and strategic depth ensures that "The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth" remains a beloved and essential set for any Magic collection.
3Universes Beyond: Assassin's Creed
"Universes Beyond: Assassin's Creed" is set to explore the thrilling and intricate world of the Assassin's Creed franchise, bringing its rich history and dynamic action into the MTG universe. Featuring key figures like Ezio Auditore and Altair, this set introduces mechanics such as "Stealth" and "Assassinate," which add a new layer of strategy to Magic.
The set will capture the historical and action-packed spirit of Assassin's Creed with visually stunning artwork that brings the game's iconic settings to life. Players can expect to navigate the rooftops of Renaissance Italy, the bustling streets of ancient cities, and other historical locations, using cunning and skill to outmanoeuvre opponents. The blend of historical narrative with MTG's strategic gameplay creates a unique experience that will appeal to fans of both franchises. The excitement and anticipation surrounding this set make it a standout release for 2024.
4Universes Beyond: Fallout
Bringing the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout into Magic: The Gathering, the "Universes Beyond: Fallout" set introduces iconic characters, creatures, and factions from the beloved video game series. The set features mechanics like "Radiation" and "Vaults" which reflect the unique setting of Fallout, adding depth and new strategic elements to the game.
The artwork in this set captures the desolate beauty of the Fallout universe, with cards depicting the wasteland, mutated creatures, and the iconic Power Armor. Players find themselves navigating the harsh environment, encountering various factions like the Brotherhood of Steel and the Enclave, and making strategic decisions to survive and thrive. The rich narrative and immersive world of Fallout, translated into the Magic format, is a unique and engaging experience that fans of both franchises will love.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As exciting as 2024 promises to be, 2025 is already shaping up to continue this trend with even more thrilling Universes Beyond releases. Wizards of the Coast has announced some highly anticipated crossovers that are set to push the boundaries even further.
Among these is the eagerly awaited "Universes Beyond: Final Fantasy," which is set to bring the beloved RPG franchise into the Magic: The Gathering universe. This set will feature iconic characters from across the series, such as Cloud, Sephiroth, and Tifa, introducing new mechanics that reflect the epic battles and deep storytelling that Final Fantasy is known for. Players can look forward to summoning powerful entities like Bahamut and Ifrit, adding a new dimension of strategy and excitement to their games.
Another major release for 2025 is the "Universes Beyond: Marvel Universe." This crossover is set to bring the expansive Marvel Universe into the world of Magic, featuring superheroes and villains like Iron Man, Captain America, and Thanos. The set is expected to introduce mechanics that capture the unique abilities and dynamics of these characters, providing fans with a fresh and engaging gameplay experience that blends the strategic depth of MTG with the high-stakes action of Marvel comics and films.
The Future of Universes Beyond
These Universes Beyond releases for 2024 demonstrate Magic: The Gathering's ability to blend its strategic gameplay with the rich lore of various beloved franchises. Each set offers something unique, whether it's the nostalgic appeal of Doctor Who, the epic storytelling of The Lord of the Rings, the historical intrigue of Assassin's Creed, or the post-apocalyptic adventure of Fallout. These sets are not just cards; they are gateways to new worlds, each bringing a fresh and engaging experience to the MTG universe. As they hit the shelves, they are sure to captivate players and collectors alike, ensuring their place in the records of Magic: The Gathering history.
The success of the Universes Beyond initiative has shown that Magic: The Gathering can seamlessly integrate with a variety of beloved franchises, creating unique and memorable experiences for players. As we look beyond 2025, the potential for new and exciting crossovers seems limitless.
Which universes would you like to see Magic: The Gathering explore in 2026 and beyond? With so many beloved franchises out there, the possibilities are endless. Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!