Key Facts
- ✓ Lorwyn Eclipsed is the first Magic: The Gathering set released in 2026, marking a return to the plane's classic aesthetic.
- ✓ Wizards of the Coast designed the set's Limited environment to specifically support typal decks and cohesive creature strategies.
- ✓ The set reintroduces eight distinct creature types, including Kithkin, Merfolk, Elves, Goblins, Elementals, Faeries, Giants, and Treefolk.
- ✓ Kithkin are primarily aligned with green-white colors and focus on a 'go wide' strategy to overwhelm opponents.
- ✓ Merfolk in this set utilize white-blue colors to create complex defensive webs and convert damage into card advantage.
- ✓ Elementals are the only tribe spanning all five colors of mana, featuring powerful reprints like Avenger of Zendikar.
A Return to a Familiar Plane
The first Magic: The Gathering set of 2026 has arrived, transporting players back to the beloved world of Lorwyn. Lorwyn Eclipsed revives the plane's signature aesthetic and its distinct roster of creature types, offering a fresh look at classic archetypes.
Wizards of the Coast has emphasized maintaining the original Lorwyn feel while updating the mechanics for modern play. The set is designed to support typal decks, encouraging players to build around specific creature tribes for maximum synergy.
While the set contains numerous valuable cards, the true appeal lies in the diversity of its inhabitants. From the mischievous Faeries to the towering Giants, each creature type offers a unique path to victory.
The Kithkin and Merfolk
The Kithkin return as a formidable force in the green-white color pairing. They excel at a "go wide" strategy, overwhelming opponents with a board full of creatures. Despite their small stature, they possess surprising resilience.
A prime example of their power is Champion of the Clachan. This card serves as a 4/5 creature with Flash, allowing it to surprise attackers. Furthermore, it buffs other Kithkin with a +1/+1 counter, solidifying the board presence.
In contrast, the Merfolk navigate the white-blue colors, blending white's protective capabilities with blue's disruptive nature. They weave a complex web of counters and buffs that can be difficult for opponents to untangle.
Leading this tribe is Sygg, Wanderbrine Shield. This 2/2 creature cannot be blocked and transforms into Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom. Upon transforming, it protects a card and converts incoming damage into valuable card advantage.
Elves and Goblins: Classic Rivalry
The eternal conflict between Elves and Goblins continues in Lorwyn Eclipsed. While Elves are primarily rooted in green, this set encourages exploring black mana for graveyard payoffs and milling strategies.
For players seeking versatility, Selfless Safewright is a standout choice. This 4/2 Elf Warrior costs five mana but possesses Flash and Convoke. Its ability grants a chosen creature type hexproof and indestructible until the end of the turn, acting as a crucial defensive tool.
Meanwhile, Goblins remain firmly aligned with red mana. They are fast, chaotic, and difficult to counter. Hexing Squelcher exemplifies this aggressive spirit.
As an uncounterable 2/2 creature for two mana, Hexing Squelcher offers immediate board presence. It also protects your other spells from being countered while granting them Ward (2 life), creating a layered defense for a red deck strategy.
Elementals and Faeries
Elementals represent the most versatile tribe in the set, spanning all five colors of mana. They are capable of summoning massive threats, including reprints of heavy hitters like Avenger of Zendikar and Muldrotha the Gravetide.
For those looking for a unique challenge, Moonshadow offers immense power at a low cost. This 7/7 creature requires only a single mana to cast, though it enters with -1/-1 counters. Its full potential is unlocked as cards hit the graveyard and those counters are removed.
On the more mischievous side of the spectrum are the Faeries. Thriving in blue and black, they remain as elusive as ever. Bitterbloom Bearer captures this spirit perfectly.
This low-cost flying creature has Flash, allowing it to disrupt opponents at instant speed. Its unique ability turns your life total into small Faerie creature tokens, offering a steady stream of attackers or blockers.
Giants and Treefolk
While Giants appear in fewer numbers within this set, their presence is felt through sheer size. Reprints of classic cards like Grave Titan ensure that the tribe retains its intimidating power.
Burdened Stoneback introduces a strategic layer to the Giant archetype. Like Moonshadow, it enters the battlefield with counters, but these can be removed via a mana ability. This ability not only removes the burden but also turns other creatures indestructible, providing a board-wide defensive boost.
The ancient Treefolk also return, though they are similarly sparse in this release. Cards like Blighted Blackthorn and Sinister Gnarlbark offer utility, but Ferrafor, Young Yew stands out as the premier Treefolk of the set.
This 4/7 Treefolk Druid serves a dual purpose. Upon entering, it creates a swarm of Saproling creature tokens. Additionally, its tapped ability doubles counters on a target, accelerating its growth and threat level significantly.
A Bestiary of Possibilities
Lorwyn Eclipsed successfully revitalizes the plane's most iconic creature types, offering distinct playstyles for every preference. Whether players favor the swarm tactics of Kithkin or the defensive capabilities of Giants, the set provides ample tools for deck construction.
The design philosophy emphasizes synergy within the Limited environment, ensuring that creature types work harmoniously. By balancing classic reprints with innovative new mechanics, the set bridges the gap between nostalgia and modern gameplay.
As players explore the depths of this new set, the variety of strategies available ensures that Lorwyn Eclipsed will remain a dynamic and engaging addition to the Magic: The Gathering landscape for the foreseeable future.
