Wizards of the Coast has unveiled a significant transformation for Magic: The Gathering's booster boxes starting in 2026, marking the end of a promotional program that has been running for nearly two decades. The year 2025 has already proven to be monumental for the iconic trading card game, featuring numerous highly anticipated releases and major crossover events that have captivated players worldwide.

Magic: The Gathering's collaboration with Final Fantasy created waves throughout the gaming community, establishing itself as one of the fastest-selling sets in the game's history. Meanwhile, the November release of the Avatar: The Last Airbender expansion has continued this trend of success, resonating strongly with the game's dedicated fanbase. Despite these achievements, 2026 promises to bring even more substantial changes to the Magic ecosystem.

Wizards of the Coast has officially confirmed that the "Buy-a-Box" promotion will conclude following the release of Lorwyn Eclipsed. This long-standing program, which began with Magic 2010 in July 2009, has traditionally rewarded players with exclusive promotional cards when purchasing a complete booster box of a new Magic: The Gathering set. The company's announcement did not specify reasons for ending the program, simply noting that Lorwyn Eclipsed will break from Magic's established pattern of including these promotional offerings.

The evolution of the Buy-a-Box promotion has been notable since its inception in 2009. Over the years, Magic: The Gathering has alternated between featuring alternate artwork versions of existing set cards and introducing completely new cards as Buy-a-Box incentives. The practice of including mechanically unique cards as promotional items has occasionally sparked controversy within the community, with past offerings like Nexus of Fate and Kenrith, the Returned King becoming format-defining staples that impacted competitive play.

While Wizards of the Coast has not revealed a direct replacement for the Buy-a-Box promotion, the company has hinted at upcoming innovations for local game stores. The developer teased plans for "new event structures, support, and promotions" following the program's discontinuation. Recent Magic sets have already begun experimenting with alternative product types, suggesting a shift in how the game approaches player engagement and retail support.

The Avatar: The Last Airbender set introduced an exclusive Commander Bundle featuring reimagined versions of popular Commander format cards like Fierce Guardianship and Deflecting Swat. Additionally, Magic's newer crossover collaborations have typically included Scene Boxes, offering mechanically unique cards with interconnected artwork that tells a visual story.

Magic: The Gathering will revisit one of its most cherished planes to launch 2026, with the magical world of Lorwyn returning to center stage. Wizards of the Coast has announced Lorwyn Eclipsed as the first new set of 2026, scheduled for release on January 23. While specific card details remain limited, the developer has confirmed the return of Magic's five remaining "Shock Lands," completing the cycle initiated with Edge of Eternities.

Despite the conclusion of Buy-a-Box promos, Magic: The Gathering has an ambitious schedule planned for 2026. The trading card game has provided fans with a comprehensive roadmap for the coming year, featuring returns to popular settings like Lorwyn and Strixhaven. Wizards of the Coast has also announced an impressive lineup of crossover collaborations, including four major partnerships with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel Super Heroes, The Hobbit, and Star Trek as primary set releases.