Fans were highly critical of the MTG Monster Hunter Secret Lair that was announced earlier this month. And it seems Wizards of the Coast took notice, as just a few days before the cards were due to release on December 1, the company has announced that it's scrapping the entire thing. Or rather, not scrapping it, but going back to the drawing board and remaking it altogether.
"The Secret Lair x Monster Hunter™ Superdrop we revealed last week fell short of expectations," explains an article published to the Magic website on November 26. "We heard loud and clear that you were disappointed, and we believe we can do better. So, we're going to postpone this release and rework this Superdrop entirely."
The announcement goes on to explain that 'in their excitement' Wizards missed the mark on card selection and faithfully integrating Monster Hunter's world and mechanics. Which, I'll admit, doesn't make much sense to me: you were so excited about this franchise you managed to completely miss what fans like about it?
We don't have a new release date for the superdrop, but we can assume it'll now be coming in 2026. WotC says an updated release date will arrive in a few months, so it's definitely not coming before Christmas.
This is a pretty unprecedented move for Wizards. I'm not aware of any time a Magic: The Gathering product has been pulled like this so near to release - I suppose the closest thing to it is the scrapping of Aftermath boosters in 2023 - and it's never happened for Secret Lairs.
It's worth noting that not just Wizards of the Coast has skin in the game this time. This is a crossover product and, as WotC's article explicitly mentions: "Capcom is on board for us to take another swing at this Superdrop as well."
Universes Beyond crossovers have become a pivotal part of Magic's strategy in recent years, so WotC has an obvious incentive to make the best possible impression with each of its tie-in products. After all, it needs other franchise holders to see the value in collaborating with Wizards to keep the UB engine running.
Since Wizards is taking months for this rework, it sounds like new art may be involved. Which is interesting because the look of the cards was one of the least controversial aspects of the Monster Hunter release. However, if Wizards needs to change the card selection and focus of the superdrop then it makes sense it would need to commission new art pieces.
Here's hoping for an Equipment-based Lair when this comes back around!
Come joint the discussion in the Wargamer Discord. Or check out our MTG release schedule guide to see what's coming up in the new year.