Get ready for a magical journey as we dive into the world of Magic: The Gathering and its latest offering, Lorwyn Eclipsed! This set is a true spectacle, and it's an exciting way to kick off 2026 for all the fans out there.
The Return to Lorwyn Shadowmoor: A World of Merged Day and Night
Wizards of the Coast has brought us back to the enchanting plane of Lorwyn Shadowmoor, a realm where day and night have intertwined, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. The artwork in this set is simply stunning, capturing the essence of both light and darkness. With new and returning mechanics, Lorwyn Eclipsed promises an immersive experience for players.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, a little unexpected. The pre-release event hosted by Press Start was an unforgettable night on Sydney Harbour. Imagine playing a few rounds of Magic with breathtaking views of the Harbour Bridge as your backdrop! Each table of four players received a Lorwyn Eclipsed Draft Night Box, setting the stage for a drafting experience that was both social and thrilling.
A Drafting Experience for Casual Players
For those who, like me, aren't experts at building decks on the spot, the Lorwyn Eclipsed Draft Night Box is a game-changer. It makes the drafting process incredibly welcoming for casual players. The box includes 12 Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Boosters designed for a Pick-2 draft format, adding an element of urgency and excitement to each card selection. I found myself enjoying the strategic decision of leaving tempting cards for others to pick, almost like a mini-game within the game!
The overall experience feels reminiscent of Commander, where a group of friends can gather, open a box, and draft for an entire night without any pressure. The promise of a Collector Booster as a prize adds just the right amount of incentive, keeping the focus on having a great time.
Press Start also had the opportunity to explore some of the latest products from the Lorwyn Eclipsed set. We received a Lorwyn Eclipsed Bundle, one of the two available commander decks, and some loose boosters, including Collector Booster Packs to chase those high-rarity cards.
Unboxing the Lorwyn Eclipsed Treasures
When we cracked open the packs, we were on the hunt for the converted Collectors Booster Pack, which is always a thrill to chase in each set. In Lorwyn Eclipsed, the spotlight is on the Bitterbloom Bearer Serialised card, the only one with special, incredible art by Rebbeca Guay. While we didn't get our hands on that particular gem, there were still plenty of excellent cards to discover. Our notable pulls included an anime showcase Winnowing and a full-art Bloom Tender.
For the commander deck, we received Dance of the Elements, featuring Ashling, the Limitless as the face commander. This pre-constructed deck is a five-color elemental masterpiece, focusing on ETB and synergy. Having never played a five-color deck before, I'm excited to explore this new territory and see if I can master it.
Impressive Art and a Strong Theme: A Winning Combination
Lorwyn Eclipsed truly delivers with its impressive artwork and a strong, cohesive theme. It's a fantastic way to start the Magic year, especially for fans of original Magic sets. With a packed release calendar featuring Universes Beyond releases, it's nice to have a break and explore something a little more familiar and beloved.
And this is the part most people miss... I'm already eagerly anticipating the upcoming Strixhaven set. Strixhaven is what reignited my love for Magic: The Gathering, and it seems the Draft Night Box is making a triumphant return.
Magic: The Gathering Lorwyn Eclipsed is now available in stores, and Press Start was fortunate enough to be invited and sent a media kit by Wizards of the Coast to cover this fantastic set.
So, what do you think, fellow Magic enthusiasts? Are you excited about Lorwyn Eclipsed? Do you prefer the original Magic sets, or are you eager to explore the Universes Beyond? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this magical journey!
