I think Q-UP might be gaslighting me. It most certainly is a real video game, I played it myself. And yet it presents an entirely different vision of reality where it is the coin flipping eSport of choice. The worst part is that it nearly convinced me that such a reality is a pretty good one. Perhaps even more than half!
Here’s the strange lowdown. Q-UP is the latest game from Universal Paperclips and Babble Royale designer Frank Lantz through his family-run studio Everybody House Games. In it, you flip a coin, which the game describes as being the fairest of games because it is always a 50/50 chance that you will win. There are two teams, Q-Side, and Up-Side. Imagine you’re on Q-Side for a moment, and the coin lands Q-Side up. It does that two more times and you’ve won, a first to three type deal. That’s the game! And also it’s not the game at all.
Q-UP is coated from head to toe in the aesthetics of something like Overwatch. There are different heroes you can choose from with different skills that affect how much XP you earn, which is what the actual game is. You are trying to game the game so that you get as much XP as possible, whether you lose the coin flip or not, mixing and matching these skills so that they react with one another based on the results of the flip, or even just when the flip happens itself.
You can really rack up some XP too! I somehow managed to get over 200,000 points in one round, going up an entire rank in the game’s demo, and let me tell you, the rush I felt was unlike anything any game that Q-UP is satirizing has given me before. I truly mostly don’t care for games like Overwatch, the shooting just doesn’t appeal to me and I don’t like being called slurs by children even on a good day. But a game where I can just cut all of that out and get straight to the heart of it all, which is making number go up? That’s a thing of beauty.
You can also genuinely play this game online, seemingly with strangers or your own friends. If that’s not your bag there’s a single-player option too.
Even in just its demo, Q-UP is a fascinating deconstruction of what makes eSports works, and also where it fails. Sometimes you’ll have a match where you lose three flips in a row, and you’ll get an email from the developer apologising for getting it wrong, offering you some currency to make up for it. Other times you’ll spend 50 gold on the chance of pulling a literal whale, with the game outright telling you it’s a 0% chance. And you’ll do it multiple times anyway just to check.
Subtle, Q-UP is not, but it is genuinely fun, and somehow manages to capture that “one more game” quality that the best eSport games have. There’s no release date for it just yet, though you can give it a go yourself by checking out the demo on Steam.
We’ve rounded up the best deals for Saturday, September 27, below, so don’t miss out on these limited-time offers.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 for $734.99
Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS+Cellular) 49mm Titanium Case with Anchor Blue Ocean Band – Open Box – Excellent
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The Apple Watch Ultra 3 just released, bringing a slightly bigger screen, better battery life, satellite connectivity, and more to Apple’s premium watch line. Right now, Best Buy has Open Box Excellent units available for $734.99, which saves you $65 off the MSRP. If you’re looking to upgrade but want to save some cash, this is a great deal to look at.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach for $59.49
Death Stranding 2 – PlayStation 5
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For the first time since launch, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is on sale. You can score a digital copy of the game for $59.49 at the PlayStation Store, so you can instantly download and dive into the game. DS2 is still my favorite game of the year, especially as someone who loved Death Stranding. I’m still working on the Platinum trophy, even 130 hours later.
ROG Xbox Ally Up for Pre-Order
ROG Xbox Ally X
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ROG Xbox Ally
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Xbox and Asus finally opened up pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X this week, with both units set to release on October 16. These two portable handheld systems are set to allow players to play their Xbox and PC games wherever they are, with a dedicated Xbox button for quick access.
Raidou Remastered for $31.99
Raidou: Remastered – The Mystery of the Soulless Army Launch Edition
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Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army launched in mid June, and you can save almost 50% off a PS5 copy for this weekend at Woot. This action RPG is a remaster of the 2006 PS2 game, and there are many improvements and new features to discover. For one, UI, visuals, and voice acting have all been tweaked to refine the experience, but you can also discover more than 120 different demons.
Sonic X Shadow Generations for $39.99
Sonic X Shadow Generations – Nintendo Switch 2
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Amazon has Sonic X Shadow Generations for Nintendo Switch 2 on sale for $39.99 today. While this is a Game-Key Card, this is the lowest we’ve seen this game yet for Switch 2. If you haven’t picked up the latest Sonic adventure, now is a great time to do so.
Pre-Order Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Switch
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
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The latest Nintendo Direct featured the reveal of Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2, a collection that’s part of the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. These games are set to receive enhancements to resolution, UI, and even new storybook content. If you haven’t ever played either game, the Nintendo Switch is going to be the ultimate platform to do so. The best part? This collection is out this week, so be sure to get your pre-order in!
Lenovo Legion Go for $549.99
Legion Go 8.8″ 144Hz WQXGA Gaming Handheld – AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme – 16GB with 1 TB SSD – Windows
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Best Buy has the Lenovo Legion Go priced at $549.99, saving you $200 off the MSRP. This capable handheld has plenty of features that stand out from the rest of the market, including detachable controllers, an 8.8″ 144Hz display, and more.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves – Deluxe Edition for $39.99
FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves: Deluxe Edition – PlayStation 5
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GameStop has the Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves – Deluxe Edition on sale for 50% off this weekend. This edition packs in the Special Edition base game, which includes the first year of DLC for free, a Steelbook containing the original soundtrack, an artbook, a double-sided poster, and two sticker sheets. If you haven’t dived into SNK’s latest fighting game, this is a great time to pick City of the Wolves up.
Magic: The Gathering is getting a collection of PlayStation cards as part of an upcoming Secret Lair Superdrop next month.
Sony and Wizards of the Coast showed off a portion of the new gaming crossover cards coming to MTG with a PlayStation.Blog post. The announcement, which coincides with MagicCon Atlanta, comes with a first look at cards from fan-favorite video game franchises like God of War, The Last of Us, Uncharted, Horizon Forbidden West, and Ghost of Tsushima, with a release date for the latest Secret Lair collaboration set for October 27 at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET.
Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair x PlayStation Superdrop. Image courtesy of Wizards of the Coast.
“Every card from each Secret Lair pack features iconic characters, key locations, and items reimagined as Magic: The Gathering cards,” PlayStation vice president, network advertising, loyalty and licensed merchandise said. “Wizards of The Coast worked closely with Naughty Dog, Santa Monica Studio, Guerrilla, and Sucker Punch Productions to capture the spirit of each game and bring them to life with stunning art and cards with unique mechanics.”
Both The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part 2 are represented in the MTG PlayStation Secret Lair Superdrop. For the original Naughty Dog experience, MTG players can pick up the Legendary Creature cards Joel, Resolute Survivor and Ellie, Brick Master, with the second game highlighted with Legendary Creature cards Abby, Merciless Soldier and Ellie, Vengeful Hunter. Uncharted also snuck its way into the expansion, with Nathan Drake, Treasure Hunter also available.
God of War fans, meanwhile, can find cards representing both Kratos’ Greek and Norse eras. It means the god-killer himself can be seen wielding both the Blades of Chaos and his Leviathan Axe, while Atreus shows up with his bow.
The last two cards revealed as part of the MTG PlayStation Secret Lair Superdrop are the Aloy, Savior of Meridian Legendary Creature card and the Jin Sakai, Ghost of Tsushima Legendary Creature card.
Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair x PlayStation Superdrop First Look
Wizards of the Coast has dabbled in other gaming universes for MTG collaborations in the past. Its Fallout set is just one of the more notable examples, with other Secret Lair sets including cards based on Assassin’s Creed, Tomb Raider, and Sonic the Hedgehog.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
Xbox has increased its price for the second time this year. Lucy and Kurt discuss what they feel an Xbox should be priced it and if that even matters anymore when “everything is an Xbox”.
Looking for the latest news on Racket Rivals codes and free goodies? Well, look no further!
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Published: Sep 27, 2025 02:11 pm
Updated: September 27, 2025
We added new codes!
While you’ll be hitting a birdie over the net, this game only looks like badminton. You can equip Spirits, which enable you to stop time, freeze the shuttle in the air, and perform a variety of other fantastic supernatural abilities. Become an unstoppable force with the help of Racket Rivals codes.
Put that racket down and take a little break—it’s time to learn how to redeem your Racket Rivals codes! Here’s everything that you need to do:
Image by Twinfinite
Launch Racket Rivals in Roblox.
Press the Shop icon in the menu at the bottom of the screen.
Click on Codes at the top of the Shop menu.
Input an active code into the Enter Code text box.
Press Submit to claim your free rewards.
Whether you love playing sports games or any other genre, you can find a whole bunch of free rewards to claim right now by visiting our Roblox Codes section.
Twinfinite is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Purchase fabulous rides and cruise around town, take part in races, and show off in front of other players. The game is your usual Roblox driving experience and, luckily, one of those with decent controls. All you need are some Roblox Drift 36 codes to enjoy it to the fullest.
These are the steps you need to take to successfully redeem all your Roblox Drift 36 codes:
Image by Twinfinite
Launch Drift 36 in Roblox.
Click on the arrow button in the top-left corner to expand the menu.
Press the codes button.
Input a code into the Enter Code field.
Hit Redeem Code to claim your free rewards.
The rest of our Roblox Codes section is at your disposal for all the freebies you may require in your dearest Roblox experiences!
Twinfinite is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
I was already beginning to suspect that I am, in fact, a robot, given my historic ineptitude when it comes to filling out reCAPTCHAS. It’s the ones where you need to click all the squares of a bicycle or whatever that catch me out. There’s always one tiny bit of wheel or handlebar that the system can never decide whether it counts as a bicycle or not, and I go from simply trying to access a web page to a full-blown existential crisis.
But my possibly synthetic brain was sent into overload by I’m Not a Robot, the latest browser-based caper by game developer and Internet mischief maker Neal Agarwal. I’m Not a Robot takes the Internet’s reviled not-really-a-security-check and stretches it to its most preposterous limits.
The first few levels of I’m Not a Robot are straight remakes of reCAPTCHAS (a re-reCAPTCHA, if you will). Click the button to declare your status as a sentient organism, type out some swirly letters, and select all the squares that contain a Stop sign (which, of course, I failed at). But things take a weirder turn once you’re asked to start selecting vegetables from a mixture of fruit, veg and, well, you’ll see.
Before you know it, I’m Not a Robot is adding full-blown word searches into its reCAPTCHAS, having you play a game of Tic Tac Toe against an AI, and trying to tell the difference between chihuahuas and blueberry muffins. There are some great jokes hidden among them, particularly level 11, which folds in another classic game of identification into the mix.
(Image credit: Neal Agarwal)
I made it as far as level 17, which requires you to draw a circle with 94% accuracy. Turns out I am really bad at drawing circles with a mouse. The closest I got is 92.2%, aka “squashed satsuma”. In my defence, I’m Not a Robot only lets you move your mouse so slowly, which makes drawing the circle more challenging. Even so, I am now ashamed of being bad at something I didn’t know it was possible to be bad at, which is what videogames are all about!
I’m Not a Robot is hardly Agarwal’s first game that stretches a humdrum part of the Internet to absurd extremes. Mollie Taylor was driven to distraction by The Password Game a couple of years back, which requires players to come up with passwords according to increasingly demanding parameters. More recently, Jonathan Bolding yielded his brain to a tsunami of Internet nonsense in the perfectly pointless Stimulation Clicker.
While Agarwal’s reCAPTCHAs are as baffling and annoying as the real thing, it’s worth noting that they’re considerably more benign. A study conducted in 2023 revealed that reCAPTCHA’s are nothing more than ‘a tracking cookie masquerading as a security service’ which has generated nearly $1 trillion in revenue for Google. And all it cost me was my grasp on reality. Isn’t the Internet fun?
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
Aha! I have at last wrested control of the WAWAPs from the intruders! Let the smiley faces return! And also, be a star and let us know what you’re getting up to this weekend? I’ve missed our chats.
A mysterious hotel stands in a remote location on the border between Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Its luxurious appearance hides a terrifying truth: it’s a trap for America’s most dangerous serial killers. You are Justine, a novice federal marshal with a deadly secret – your mind is shared with Dr. Carnival, a deranged murderer with a violent past. Together, you must eliminate every killer in the hotel… and try to survive long enough to escape. This is not a simple side-scrolling action game. The intense battles require tactical movement, precise timing, and clever use of your abilities. Environments are rich with danger and drenched in 1980s American horror movie atmosphere. Every time you die, a memory of your past self is born. These echoes, known as Slasher Phantoms, repeat your exact movements from the previous run, and can deal real damage to enemies. Consume Me
Use them as shields, allies, or distractions. With each failure, your strength multiplies. The more you fight, the more you’re covered in blood. This isn’t just visual flare. Blood fuels your power. Fill the Skull Gauge by staying aggressive, and when it reaches its peak, unleash Carnival Awakening: a devastating special attack that unleashes something unstoppable but monstrous. Explore seven unique areas within HOTEL BARCELONA, each inspired by a different sub-genre of horror. From haunted mansions to twisted laboratories, each zone contains an unforgettable boss battle that demands analysis, strategy, and quick reflexes.
Features and System Requirements:
Equipped meeting rooms and ballrooms for business events or private celebrations.
Tailored city tours, Flamenco show bookings, and private transport arrangements.
Local art displays, Catalan décor, and partnerships with Barcelona museums and galleries.
Screenshots
System Requirements
Recommended
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10/Windows 11
Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent or above
Memory: 4 GB RAM
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 10 GB available space
Support the game developers by purchasing the game on Steam
Installation Guide
Turn Off Your Antivirus Before Installing Any Game
1 :: Download Game 2 :: Extract Game 3 :: Launch The Game 4 :: Have Fun 🙂
BEING A TEENAGER SUCKS. So we made a videogame about it. Hey remember when your parents, your friends, and society at large all conspired to make you feel ugly, lazy, stupid, and unloved despite the brilliant human spirit contained within you? No? Well, allow us to refresh your memory via the timeless medium of a slice-of-life role-playing game! In Consume Me, you take on the role of Jenny, young, in love, and entering her final year of high school. Make meticulous scheduling decisions to maximize your glow-up! Solve the puzzle game of dieting! Evade distractions as you pursue scholarly success! Do chores to get money from mom at a rate much lower than minimum wage! Agatha Christie – Death on the Nile
Can you win the heart of the boy of your dreams? Can you hold on to it? Can you chart a course towards a sustainable future? Can you fit just one more TODO goal on your plate, or is it already full to bursting? Most importantly, does any of this matter–either in the game, or in a broader sense? I don’t have time to spoil the story here, so I’ll just give you a free tip: if you have the spare money, buy some coffee at the corner store and drink it for an extra free-time unit. I was super excited for this game and was sure it would be amazing. I love these storytelling games in a quirky style about real life but gamified. The game ultimately exceeded my expectations in terms of content and variety of mini-games, storyline, and duration (honestly, I thought it would be something short, maybe two hours at most).
Features and System Requirements:
A darkly funny coming-of-age story: You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll get a little hungry, sometimes all at the same time! Sorry about that!
Every meal a puzzle: Eat your lunch, but be careful not too eat too much. Also, try not to eat too little either. Throw any food you don’t want to the dog. It’s fine, she’s not on a diet!
Gripping strategic decision making: A limited amount of time and an unlimited number of things to do!? This classic combination introduces the ultimate strategic question: How should you be spending your time? It’s up to you to answer this question…every day of your life!
Obtain powerful equipment: Choose from a selection of garments that help you dress for success. But be warned, the armor of this world degrades after a mere single day of use…until you renew it via that ancient ritual known only as “laundry.”
Over 13 possible endings: Most of them bad!
Screenshots
System Requirements
Minimum
OS *: Windows 7 or later
Processor: x64 architecture
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Graphics: OpenGL or DirectX 9 compatible graphics card.
DirectX: Version 9.0c
Storage: 3 GB available space
Sound Card: Any
Support the game developers by purchasing the game on Steam
Installation Guide
Turn Off Your Antivirus Before Installing Any Game
1 :: Download Game 2 :: Extract Game 3 :: Launch The Game 4 :: Have Fun 🙂
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Switch NSP Direct Download:
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds brings the thrilling speed of the Sonic universe to an entirely new level, blending nostalgia with fresh, innovative gameplay. This dynamic racing title offers players the chance to race across breathtaking tracks, master power-ups, and compete in both single-player and multiplayer modes. Now available to enjoy on PC through the Yuzu emulator, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds provides an enhanced way to experience high-speed excitement with smooth performance and upgraded visuals. Super Mario Party Jamboree
Fans of the Sonic franchise will instantly recognize the classic fast-paced energy and vibrant worlds, but Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds pushes the formula further with new mechanics and a deeper focus on team-based strategies. While the game captures the heart of traditional Sonic racing titles, it also introduces innovative twists that keep the experience exciting and fresh. The colorful landscapes and recognizable characters create a sense of nostalgia, while the upgraded features deliver a modern racing adventure.
Features and System Requirements:
Players can equip gadgets to their vehicles before races.
The gadgets give different perks (passive or active) that can affect racing performance.
There are many gadgets to unlock, allowing customization of play style.
Screenshots
System Requirements
Recommended
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10/Windows 11
Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent or above
Memory: 4 GB RAM
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 10 GB available space
Support the game developers by purchasing the game on Steam
Installation Guide
Turn Off Your Antivirus Before Installing Any Game
1 :: Download Game 2 :: Extract Game 3 :: Launch The Game 4 :: Have Fun 🙂
The long-awaited Mega Evolution era has finally arrived in Pokémon TCG following the Japanese releases of Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia in August 2025. With their towering HP values, spectacular full-art designs, and that notorious 3-Prize rule when a Mega ex is knocked out, these cards are already shaking up both the collector market and early deck-building experiments in Japan, and we expect the same to happen worldwide, too.
Like every major set, certain chase cards have risen to the top. That’s whether for playability, stunning artwork, or simply the popularity of their featured trainer or Pokémon. Below, we’ve ranked ten of the most expensive Mega Evolution cards in today’s market on our favourite dedicated marketplace, TCGPlayer, starting from the lowest on the chart and working up to the crown jewel.
The original Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia expansions have already delivered some of the most eye-catching and valuable cards of the year, with the 10 most valuable of which from the combined Mega Evolution set can be found below, for those who don’t feel like scrolling through the whole larger list.
However, with the set only just being released, TCGplayer’s exact most valuable card rankings are changing rapidly, due to continuous market price changes. So, be sure to also check out the live page showing the most expensive Mega Evolution Pokémon cards on TCGplayer right now.
Still, as for our top 10, from dazzling behemoths like Mega Venusaur ex and Mega Gardevoir ex, to nostalgic Special Art Rares of fan-favourite trainers like Lillie’s Determination, collectors are still scrambling to secure them before prices climb higher. Here’s a quick look at the ten of the most expensive cards currently dominating the Mega Evolution market.
10. Mega Venusaur ex – 155/132 (Ultra Rare)
Mega Venusaur ex – 155/132 – ME01: Mega Evolution (MEG)
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Mega Venusaur ex cards in general thrive on endurance, and Mega Evolution’s is no different. Solar Transfer lets you freely move Grass Energy around, while Jungle Dump delivers 240 damage and heals 30, making it tough to topple.
5ban Graphics’ artwork reinforces that bulk, with Mega Venusaur ex crouched under vibrant petals in a pose that radiates raw power. Both a sturdy option in Grass decks and a visually commanding card, it’s a sought-after Ultra Rare.
9. Mega Absol ex – 161/132 (Ultra Rare)
Mega Absol ex – 161/132 – ME01: Mega Evolution (MEG)
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Absol has always had a cult following since its debut in Gen III , and this new Mega form captures that same aura of menace. Mega Absol Ex’s Ultra Rare gives us an eye-catching, almost gothic rendering, making it look like it has stepped out of a noir film, with its mix of black and yellow tones.
Competitively, its Terminal Period attack is an intriguing win-condition attack, knocking out foes that line up perfectly on damage counters, while Claw of Darkness offers raw power plus disruption. Though it’s a little clunky in the current fast-paced meta, Absol’s fan appeal ensures this one holds value.
8. Vulpix – 138/132 (Illustration Rare)
Vulpix – 138/132 – ME01: Mega Evolution (MEG)
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Gameplay-wise, Vulpix won’t shake the meta with Stampede and Combustion, which are serviceable but underpowered. What makes this card stand out is its Illustration Rare art by saino misaki, showing the fox Pokémon curled up by a fireplace in a warmly lit, rustic room.
It’s a cosy-looking slice-of-life card that collectors are eager to chase, proving once again that atmosphere and nostalgia can lift even a low-power card into a high-value slot.
7. Marshadow – 146/132 (Illustration Rare)
Marshadow – 146/132 – ME01: Mega Evolution (MEG)
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Marshadow is one of the more competitively promising Illustration Rares. Shadowy Side Kick deals respectable damage, and its effect of blanking damage to Marshadow on the following turn if it takes a KO can stall opponents effectively. Altogether, this card straddles the line between competitive tech and collector gem.
6. Bulbasaur – 133/132 (Illustration Rare)
Bulbasaur – 133/132 – ME01: Mega Evolution (MEG)
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Already a major seller amongst Pokémon TCG collectors on TCG player, this Mega Evolution Bulbasaur’s Bind Down is a deceptively disruptive move, trapping your opponent’s Active Pokémon in place while chipping away at their board state.
This utility, combined with Bulbasaur’s nostalgic allure as the original Grass starter, gives it both competitive and casual appeal. Artist mashu delivers bold, swirling colours that make Bulbasaur appear almost dreamlike, enhancing its chase factor. Along with being playable, it’s one of the most visually striking cards in the set.
5. Lillie’s Determination – 169/132 (Ultra Rare)
Lillie’s Determination – 169/132 – ME01: Mega Evolution (MEG)
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Although not as dazzling as its more artistic counterpart below, this UR of Lillie’s Determination is already one of the hottest chase cards of the Pokémon TCG’s Mega Evolution set. Atsushi Furusawa’s stunning full-art design captures Lillie with delicate, vibrant detail, and the card effect remains a flexible draw option.
While it may not dominate the competitive scene, it is almost guaranteed to headline binders and display cases. It can be easy for newcomers to underestimate Lillie’s immense popularity, but that doesn’t stop its position near the very top of the set’s value list.
4. Ivysaur – 134/132 (Illustration Rare)
Ivysaur – 134/132 – ME01: Mega Evolution (MEG)
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Razor Leaf offers a reliable 60 damage for two Grass Energy, positioning Ivysaur as a useful bridge to Mega Venusaur in dedicated Grass decks. The artwork, again by mashu, captures Ivysaur leaping forward with fierce determination against a backdrop of glowing foliage and vibrant petals.
As part of the full Kanto starter line, collectors are eager to build the evolutionary trio, and its combination of steady damage and stunning visuals cements its rising market value.
3. Mega Venusaur ex – 177/132 (Special Illustration Rare)
Mega Venusaur ex – 177/132 – ME01: Mega Evolution (MEG)
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Our third-most valuable card in the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s new Mega Evolution set, Mega Venusaur ex is a true battlefield tank, with Solar Transfer enabling seamless Energy redistribution and Jungle Dump delivering 240 damage while healing itself.
In terms of gameplay, this makes it one of the most flexible and durable attackers in the set. The SAR artwork by mashu is extraordinary, depicting a lush, chaotic jungle scene bursting with colour, where Venusaur looms as a dominant presence. The synergy of competitive utility and jaw-dropping art is what has pushed this card into the top tier of value.
Lillie’s Determination – 184/132 – ME01: Mega Evolution (MEG)
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Few Trainers hold the same sway in the secondary market as Lillie. Not only does the floral artwork of Lillie’s Determination by Atsushi Furusawa give off endless warmth and nostalgia, the actual effect of this Trainer card is great as well: refreshing your hand with seven new cards or even eight when behind, presenting real utility in control and comeback strategies.
On top, Lillie’s sheer popularity, though seems to be additionally driving the price tag into the around-$200 stratosphere, just as we’ve seen with her earlier Sun & Moon prints.
1. Mega Gardevoir ex – 178/132 (Special Illustration Rare)
Mega Gardevoir ex – 178/132 – ME01: Mega Evolution (MEG)
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Priced at over $500 at the time of writing, Mega Gardevoir ex stands as the Pokémon TCG’s crown jewel of the Mega Evolution set. Whilst Overflowing Wishes accelerates Psychic Energy across your Bench, Mega Symphonia converts that fuel into devastating damage.
Raita Kazama’s museum-quality artwork, full of pastel tones and floral elegance, perfectly matches the card’s grace and strength. It’s this union of competitive power and striking style that cements this beautiful piece of cardboard as the set’s most coveted prize.
Ben Williams – IGN freelance contributor with over 10 years of experience covering gaming, tech, film, TV, and anime. Follow him on Twitter/X @BenLevelTen.
I may be outing myself as a dullard, but I don’t think I have a mind that could combine a bunny girl doing odd delivery jobs for cash, a cute Japanese kei truck, and a sick vampire who barfs streams of rainbows into a single scene. Perhaps no single mind could, but that was the moment in Ananta, which has made headlines as “anime GTA” since its re-reveal this week, that really won me over.
Ananta is borrowing—or brazenly copying—a lot, but it might have some wild-ass ideas of its own, too.
The main impression I got from playing about half-an-hour of Ananta at this year’s Tokyo Game Show was: Wow it must have taken a lot of people to make this game! China is on the path to dominate the next decade of triple-A games, and there’s no flashier way to do it than to make (or at least appear to be making) the ur-game. Every mechanic from the top 10 or 20 or 50 most popular games in the world, combined, is surely better than any of those games individually, right?
This maximalist approach to big budget game design has never really been great in practice, and a few minutes into Ananta reveal it is indeed doing things that you have done many times in a game before and probably are not foaming at the mouth to do again:
Punching guys with timing-based combos and counters reminiscent of the Batman Arkham games or Sleeping Dogs
Scripted quick-time events that feel right out of an Uncharted or other 2010s action game
On-rails car chases that give you unlimited ammo to shoot out the tires of your pursuers
But then there’s the weird stuff—like hopping into the boots of Lykaia, a purple-haired getaway driver slash cop who has a totally different set of play mechanics to the intro protagonist, whose arms get all weird and stretchy to let him swing around.
In its free roam mode, Ananta let me pull up a phone interface to swap between characters, triggering a straight-outta-GTA-5 camera swoop up into the sky and back down into the part of the city where they’re currently hanging out. I only played as Lykaia for a couple minutes before my demo was up, but as a police officer she can scan NPCs against a database, frisk them for weapons, issue citations, and handcuff them, triggering reactions and dialogue you wouldn’t otherwise see.
Will this be fun? Will it produce any actually interesting systemic interactions or are these all paper thin mechanics that you’ll use three times and never see fit to use again? I have no idea, but it sure does seem like a hell of a lot of work if it’s the latter.
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
You know the saying about Chekhov’s coffin: it better have a vampire in it who’s violently ill and leans over the side of the truck bed to puke a stream of rainbow sick into the night air.
I spent most of the game as Taffy, a bunny girl whose eagerness to make money sees her blindly accepting an odd job from a rando who texts her to meet at a sketchy warehouse. Turns out the warehouse is full of gang members who try to bludgeon her to death with baseball bats. Good thing she has telekinetic powers! I punched out most of the guys before I realized I could psychically rip a bat out of someone’s hands and thonk it into his skull.
Then a delivery driver crashed his truck into the warehouse and told me I needed to get the cargo across town ASAP. Soon-to-be Gen Z icon Taffy cheerily says “Gotta get that bag” as she takes on the job.
It took me a few seconds into the drive to notice that the cargo in the back of the truck was, in fact, a coffin, and you know the saying about Chekhov’s coffin: it better have a vampire in it who’s violently ill and leans over the side of the truck bed to puke a stream of rainbow sick into the night air.
(Image credit: NetEase)
Taffy is less surprised by this than I am. Not in a “she’s used to vampires who throw up rainbows” kind of way, as Ananta does not use this mission to reveal some sort of in-universe lore about a race of vampires suffering some sort of sci-fi gut-melting virus. The vibe I get from Ananta is that none of these characters are going to be very surprised or upset or unduly threatened by anything: they’re all seemingly different strains of jovial bouncy superhero.
Anyway, I’m pretty sure my driving wasn’t the problem: I delivered the vampire to some sort of cult who played him up as a fearsome warrior as a gag before he continued puking into a rusty barrel.
It was just one baffling sidequest out of a game that promises unfathomable scope. I can’t say Ananta’s driving or punching or swinging felt exemplary—but none of them really felt that bad, either! This may be a game that does dozens of things acceptably well. And it made me laugh.
Maybe Ananta’s developers didn’t start from the cynical position of copying the most high-profile games in the world. Maybe they were just brainstorming and someone said yes to every single idea they came up with, even vampires barfing ROYGBIV? It’s done, love it, it’s in the game. Next?
Last year’s Fortnitemares was extremely packed with microtransactions, with the Fortnite item shop averaging a new collab skin every other day over the course of October. And it may be that Fortnitemares 2025 will be even more crowded, with long-rumored collabs with Scream, Friday the 13th, and Scooby-Doo expected to appear in the Fortnite shop during spooky season. But now there’s a new rumor about yet another Fortnitemares collab–KPop Demon Hunters.
The exact nature of the Fortnite x KPOP Demon Hunters collab isn’t clear at all right now, since the entire leak is just HypeX saying that it’s “the main Halloween collab” and that it’s “not just skins.” If true, this would presumably mean that there will be some new KPop Demon Hunters-related gameplay mechanic, like a new weapon or other item. Though since Fortnitemares is also rumored to have a Jason Voorhees medallion and Ghostface’s mythic knife, the KPop Demon Hunters collab would have to be even more involved with that.
The new season of Fortnite Festival begins on October 9, and so it’s possible that HUNTR/X will be the new season headliners. Epic previously promised the upcoming Festival season would be focused on Fortnite-original stuff, but that just means they had a plan that would have been very easy to pivot away from if they had the chance to swap in a collab with the biggest Netflix movie ever.
Fortnitemares 2025 is expected to start in early October, but we don’t know for sure when it will be just yet. Even so, there have been plenty of leaks about what we can expect to see from this year’s spooky festivities, and you can read all about them here.
MagicCon Atlanta just kicked off and with it, the roadmap for Magic: The Gathering in 2026. It includes seven sets and more branded crossovers than you can shake a Black Lotus at. If you thought this year was overstuffed, just wait. From Lorwyn and Star Trek to The Last of Us and Dwight from The Office, Wizards of the Coast is ready to take everything in your wallet, and your sanity, too.
Lorwyn Eclipsed – January 23, 2026
Wizards of the Coast
It’s been 18 years since players visited Lorwyn, the idyllic land of whimsical creatures like elves and merfolk. Lorwyn Eclipsed is one of the most-anticipated authentic MTG sets in years, with old mechanics returning to the spotlight and players getting to go back to where Planeswalkers were first introduced. I can’t believe it’s been that long. I still remember drafting my first Jace Beleren in college.
Mystery Universes Beyond set – 2026
Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast teased a mystery set it’s not ready to fully reveal yet. More details are coming during New York Comicon in October where, as others have noted, there’s a Magic and Nickelodeon panel planned. Are we getting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? Rugrats? Hey Arnold? All of the above?!
Secrets of Strixhaven – April 2026
Wizards of the Coast
School is back in session. Secrets of Strixhaven will take players back to the plane of Arcavios where colleges of sorcerers-in-training compete for bragging rights in the Mage Tower. It’s Wizards’ knock-off of Harry Potter and we’ll find more about what its next set has in store in early 2026.
Marvel Super Heroes – June 2026
Wizards of the Coast
If any of the sets can rival the dominance Final Fantasy had this past summer, it’s this one. It’ll draw from characters across the Marvel universe, meaning Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and more. There will also be all the villains to account for. I’d have preferred just an X-Men set, personally. There’s way too much material to speed through in one set. But here we are.
The Hobbit – August 2026
Wizards of the Coast
A return to Tolkien’s world of hobbits, wizards, and dragons is on the way. The Lord of the Rings set was the first MTG Universes Beyond release to make a big splash. This set will be heading back to the prequel book and pulling from an earlier part of the Third Age. Will there be another One Ring card to rule them all this time around?
Reality Fracture – October 2026
Wizards of the Coast
Wizards has been setting up Reality Fracture as a big comic-book-style event that will reverberate across its multiverse. We have no idea what to expect really, but the company is teasing “a villain you’ll have to see to believe.” Is it the friends we made along the way?
Star Trek – November 2026
Wizards of the Coast
First Lego, now MTG. I’m embarrassed about how much money I’m about to drop chasing a surge foil full alt art Jean-Luc Picard commander card. The set will feature characters and ships from across the entire franchise. I can’t wait to make a Borg deck.
Secret Lair x PlayStationSuperdrop
Wizards of the Coast
Secret Lair drops are always a mess and I’m guessing this one won’t be any different. Who’s ready to spend 45 minutes in an online queue only for Wizards to sell out and refuse to let you give it $100 at the end? The Kratos art looks incredible though.
Secret Lair x Jaws: Terror of Amity Island
Wizards of the Coast
Here’s the rest of the Secret Lair drop announcements, and somehow Jaws isn’t the weirdest one.
Secret Lair x The Office: Dwight’s Destiny
Wizards of the Coast
The Office was a funny show and the world is never gonna let us forget it.
It’s officially autumn this week! Though, at least on the east coast, the weather hasn’t gotten the memo and is still hanging out at around ‘80 degrees. So now I’m stuck inside freezing air-conditioned interiors. Yes, I can tweak the temperature, but then the AC still messes with my breathing. Ugh. I can’t win.
What I can win at, though, is a video game. And if you’re in search of one, I and my comrades here at Kotaku have some solid recommendations for you to check out. Let’s get into it.
Play it on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PCs (Steam Deck: “Unknown”) Current goal: Unlock a new ending.
Few genres in gaming excite me more than horror. Yes, I’m a masochist and the struggle of a solid survival horror game is wonderfully cathartic. The frights, the opportunities for rich thematic exploration, the evocative sound design and haunting soundtracks, I’m here for all of it. And thankfully, Silent Hill f delivered everything I love about this genre and then some. It’s arguably my favorite game of the year thus far (watch out Avowed, MGS Delta, and Clair Obscur) and, this weekend, I’ll be returning to Hinako’s Japanese mountainside village to unravel more of her dark, potentially cautionary, tale.
Silent Hill f has multiple endings, so I’ve got a pretty clear goal this weekend: I want to unlock at least one more. The first ending, which seems to be universally the same for any first playthrough, introduced so many new questions, along with a stunning revelation of what might be really going on with all these damn monsters and lengthy hallucinatory episodes. An unfortunate bout of the flu (or whatever it was) has kept me out of reach of exploring more of these dark depths this week, but I’m finally well enough to suffer once more. – Claire Jackson
Sonic Racing: Crossworlds
Play it on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Switch 2, Windows PCs (Steam Deck: “Verified”) Current goal: Roll around at the speed of sound
Finally, I can tell y’all you should play Sonic Racing: Crossworlds this weekend. The blue blur’s latest kart racer is full of depth, style, and some of the best interactions ever between its huge cast of characters. It’s so good I can almost forgive it for falling into the annoying crossover slop trend that simply will not die because people love to see things they like in other things they like. I’ll race around as Shadow the Hedgehog on my sick hoverboard, even if it means I have to look at that damn talking sponge in the other lane. I love that guy, but there was a reason he never got his license. We should not be allowing him to drive around just because he’s in a different universe. It’s not safe. — Kenneth Shepard
Hades 2
Play it on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Windows PCs (Steam Deck: “Verified”) Current goal: Make it to Chronos
It’s nice to have Hades back again, but more and different. Would it have been cool to see Supergiant Games make something else instead over the last five years? Maybe. Will they make so much money from both Hades 1 and Hades 2 that they can make something even more wild next time? Probably. But in some ways they’ve been making the same game since 2011’s Bastion. Some are more linear than others. Some lean more into story and characters while others lean more into mechanics and systems. But there is always some form of isometric action, beautiful art direction, and moody narrative.
The roguelike loop isn’t for everyone. I get that. It’s not always for me either. But as life gets busy and more of my gaming gets confined to little screens held in my hands in-between everything else demanding my time and attention, I appreciate the little 15-minute bullet hell snacks awaiting me in Hades 2. It’s like having a portable arcade cabinet oozing with in-game designs that somehow look just as good as the panel art and cool nuggets of Greek mythology littered about for me to digest on my own time. All of the cozy-sim additions weaving their way into my hack-and-slash rage-out sessions? TBD on how I feel about them. But it’s nice to be home again. – Ethan Gach
Baby Steps
Play it on: PS5, Windows PCs (Steam Deck: “Verified”) Current goal: Stay chill
The latest existential puzzle game from the maker of hit frustration-sim Getting Over It is called Baby Steps and it’s as clever, gallling, and bizarre as you’d expect. Developed by Bennett Foddy, Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch, and others, it puts you in the role of a man transported into a AAA open-world video game where even the simplest navigational tasks feel unwieldy and insurmountably tedious. I’ve only had a couple of hours with it but the awkward bipedal movement mechanics, free-form exploration, and comedic beats have all worked together to keep tugging me along. Is it a pointless game for smart people? Quite possibly, which is why I’m intent on not giving up, even when it wants me to. Just beware the dong. – Ethan Gach
Town to City
Play it on: Windows PCs (Early Access) Current goal: Finish all my houses
Town to City is a cozy builder that revels in the details but doesn’t overwhelm you with them. You design houses that attract people who make stuff which lets you build more stuff and attract more people and so on and so forth. In keeping with similar building sims, the objective is to have fun making stuff rather than stress out over managing a spreadsheet of tradeoffs until you’ve “solved” the game’s underlying resource problem. The voxel art style looks lovely and streamlines building, plus the tools strike a nice balance, offering plenty of options without shoving too much in your face too early. The music is nice and the vibes are chill. It’s by Galaxy Grove which also made Station to Station, a superbly relaxing train sim from a few years back. Town to City is that but for people who spend too much time marveling at the inviting walkability of old Mediterranean town squares. – Ethan Gach
And that wraps our picks for the weekend! What are you playing?
Magic: The Gathering has become the Fortnite of trading card games, and as annoying as I find the practice of constantly dumping different IPs together, even God’s strongest soldiers are not immune to propaganda. At MagicCon Atlanta, Wizards of the Coast and Sony announced that PlayStation series are getting seven different Secret Lair drops for various games, and folks, I want those Last of Us cards.
On October 27, Wizards of the Coast will be selling seven PlayStation sets, with most of them covering different franchises in the console maker’s catalog. However, both The Last of Us and God of War are getting two sets. The former will have a pair of cards for both the first game and its sequel, while the latter will cover both the original Greek storyline and the reboot’s Norse one. With the exception of the Last of Us and God of War sets, most of these drops just seem to feature one card with their respective games’ protagonists. The set will drop at 9 a.m. Pacific Time that Monday.
The full line-up includes:
The Last of Us Part I
The Last of Us Part II
Uncharted
God of War: Greek
God of War: Norse
Horizon Forbidden West
Ghost of Tsushima
Though it’s not surprising that Sony would want to spotlight its current stable of prestige action games, I’m bummed there’s not more classic PlayStation representation here. Give me Parappa the Rapper, you cowards. But that’s pretty par for the course these days with Sony. Even its upcoming concert series is leaning heavily into its new stuff.
I don’t play Magic, but I did buy the Sonic cards they put out earlier this year just to get the Shadow the Hedgehog one. He’s sitting pretty on my shelf, so I guess I’ll also buy the Last of Us ones next month, to keep him company. You know, as long as they don’t sell out before it’s my turn in the queue.
At Sony Interactive Entertainment, we’re always looking for ways to connect our players with some of their favorite PlayStation games – that also includes playing with their favorite worlds in other ways outside of their PlayStation console. Today, we’re excited to share more details on a new collaboration with Hasbro’s Wizards of The Coast that introduces iconic PlayStation franchises to the Magic: The Gathering collectible trading card game.
Launching on October 27, the Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair x PlayStationSuperdrop collaboration includes seven unique Secret Lair drops, each with unique cards depicting the worlds of The Last of Us, God of War, Horizon Forbidden West, Uncharted, Ghost of Tsushima, and more. Every card from each Secret Lair pack features iconic characters, key locations, and items reimagined as Magic: The Gathering cards. Wizards of The Coast worked closely with Naughty Dog, Santa Monica Studio, Guerrilla, and Sucker Punch Productions to capture the spirit of each game and bring them to life with stunning art and cards with unique mechanics.
Here’s a first-look at some of the cards from each of the Secret Lair drops, along with insights from PlayStation Studios on the collaboration.
Naughty Dog
Secret Lair x The Last of Us Part I
First revealed earlier today at MagicCon Atlanta, Joel and Ellie from The Last of Us Part I offer plenty of mechanical depth for players. Staying true to the experience players will remember from the award-winning game, the Joel and Ellie cards can fight on their own, or work together as an intimidating pair in Magic: The Gathering.
Secret Lair x The Last of Us Part II
The second Secret Lair drop with Naughty Dog brings together two survivors on their own intertwining journeys. Abby’s story has been adapted into a card that brings valuable resources at a price, while Ellie’s quest for vengeance leaves destruction in its wake. Together, the cards tell the story of The Last of Us Part II.
Secret Lair x Uncharted
Last but not least, Nathan Drake and his unforgettable adventures swing into Naughty Dog’s third Secret Lair pack, with all the reckless charm of Uncharted. Every attack is another expedition, every fight another narrow escape, and every victory another uncovered treasure.
“We have so many longtime Magic: the Gathering fans at Naughty Dog, so it was an awesome experience to work with the Wizards on the Coast team to bring these cards to life. Knowing their team are also big fans of our games created this wonderfully collaborative process as we imagined all the ways these sets could pay tribute to both The Last of Us games, as well as the entire Uncharted series.
“We’re grateful to the Wizards team for working with us on them. We’ve packed these cards full of memorable characters, moments, and Easter eggs from our franchises, and we can’t wait for fans to get their hands on them!”
– Neil Druckmann, Studio Head and Head of Creative at Naughty Dog
Santa Monica Studio
Secret Lair x God of War: Greek
Santa Monica Studio teamed up with Wizards of the Coast to create two Secret Lair packs that trace Kratos’s journey—from unstoppable fury to a father shaped by love and legacy. The first Secret Lair pack (Greek) explores Kratos from the original trilogy as an embodiment of raw chaos.
Secret Lair x God of War: Norse
The second pack (Norse) brings Kratos and his son Atreus together, capturing their story of growth, patience, and legacy. Kratos shares his wisdom, strengthening and teaching his son, while Atreus gathers knowledge but remains brash and reckless without his father.
“When we heard there was an opportunity to be a part of a Secret Lair drop, we jumped at it! The team at Wizards of The Coast is incredible and it was an absolute pleasure bringing these cards to life with them. From the artwork to how the cards themselves functioned in relation to God of War was really something to behold. For instance, the way Kratos works in each drop is unique to where he was at each stage in the God of War timeline. Plus you throw in the additional interaction with Atreus and you have something we think fans are truly going to love.”
– Cory Barlog, Head of Creative at Santa Monica Studio
Guerrilla
Secret Lair x Horizon Forbidden West
Guerrilla brings the world of Horizon with a Secret Lair pack that features the Meridian Savior herself, Aloy. Solid and balanced, this Magic: The Gathering card captures how she endures overwhelming odds by combining brains and grit.
“This collaboration was rather close to our hearts, as many of us at Guerrilla are longtime Magic: The Gathering fans. Horizon world is built on pillars such as its majestic nature, unique machines, and diverse tribes, and the Wizards of the Coast team did an amazing job bringing all of that to Magic format through stunning artwork and fitting card mechanics. We’re especially proud of how Aloy’s representation reflects her journey as a Seeker of the Nora, and how her knowledge of the Old World connects to Artifacts – the core theme around which the set is built. We can’t wait for players to bring Aloy to life in their decks and adventures!”
– Ilya Golitsyn, Lead Artist at Guerrilla
Sucker Punch Productions
Secret Lair x Ghost of Tsushima
Sucker Punch Productions and Wizards of The Coast capture the dual identity of Jin Sakai in the Ghost of Tsushima Secret Lair pack. In battle, every strike for Jin is a choice: the honorable standoff that cuts down foes with precision, or the unrelenting stealth of the Ghost, striking unseen.
“We are so excited to work with Wizards of the Coast on this collaboration. It was important for us to have Jin’s iconic silhouette represented along with the emotional arc of his journey from samurai to Ghost. We’re so happy the Sakai armor was brought to life surrounded by leaves carried on the wind, which is one of the most important parts of Ghost of Tsushima’s DNA.”
– Jason Connell, Creative Director, Sucker Punch Productions
The Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair x PlayStation Superdrop will be available on October 27 at 9am PT / 5pm BST / 6pm CEST on theMagic: The Gathering Secret Lair website*. Each Secret Lair drop will be available in foil and non-foil versions.
*The products featured in this post are manufactured and sold by independent third-party licensees under license from Sony Interactive Entertainment or its affiliates. These products are solely the responsibility of the licensees. Sony Interactive Entertainment and its affiliates disclaim all liability arising from or related to the manufacture, sale, or use of these products. If you click on a third-party link, you will leave the PlayStation ecosystem. Please note that PlayStation’s Privacy Policy will no longer apply, and the collection and use of your data will be governed by the third party’s privacy practices. We encourage you to review their privacy policies and understand your rights before engaging with them.
All of the upcoming new sets we know about are already available to preorder or buy on Amazon. That said, please also consult your local game store to find out when they’re accepting preorders as well.
MTG: 2025 Release Calendar – At a Glance
Here’s your set-by-set guide to what’s dropping in 2025, breaking down release dates, when you can get your hands on everything, where you can preorder, and even includes a running list of every Secret Lair drop so far this year. We’re starting off with a quick glance over the 2025 release calendar, but let’s jump into a more in-depth look as well.
Upcoming MTG Sets
Universes Beyond Avatar: The Last Airbender – Nov. 21
Players can expect their favorite characters to show up, beautiful artwork, and an elemental showdown. If Wizards of the Coast nails the artwork and card mechanics, this could be one of the coolest Universes Beyond sets we have ever seen. Stay tuned for more news.
Every MTG Set Released So Far in 2025
Here’s every Magic: The Gathering set released in 2025 so far, ordered from most recent release (Marvel’s Spider-Man), all the way to the first release of the year (Innistrad Remastered).
Universes Beyond: Marvel’s Spider-Man – Sept. 26
Credit: Wizards of the Coast
The debut set of the Marvel and Wizards of the Coast partnership (we’re not including the Marvel Secret Lair drops) features Spider-Man. Players can expect to see cards based around not only Spidey himself but also members of his rogues gallery, including the Green Goblin, Doc Oc, and even the winner of 1988’s “Best Tongue Award,” Venom. Unfortunately, this set won’t see any preconstructed Commander decks but will offer a series of ‘Welcome Decks’.
This set got a special type of product, however, with the return of the Scene Box (last seen in 2023’s Lord of the Rings set). Along with three play boosters, this set will give you six special borderless art cards that can be positioned to form a single action-packed scene that looks like it was pulled straight from the comics, featuring Spidey fending off villains, which can be displayed on the included paper easel.
Players on Wizards’ digital MTG client, Magic Arena and Magic Online, will also see the Spider-Man set, albeit without Spider-Man. Wizards has opted to create a duplicate Marvel-free set that is functionally identical but without any of the characters or imagery, referred to as “Through the Omenpaths” as a digital-only release.
Edge of Eternities – Aug. 1, 2025 (Out Now)
Credit: Wizards of the Coast
Space, the final frontier. That’s the theme for Edge of Eternities, the Summertime Magic set. Its mission, to introduce space-fantasy into the realm of Magic: The Gathering, explore strange new worlds, and to seek out new planeswalkers and combos.
This will mark the first time that Wizards is taking players into a more space-fantasy landscape, including slinging spells against aliens. It remains to be seen if there will be space wizards with swords made of light, however.
Universes Beyond: Final Fantasy – Jun. 13, 2025 (Out Now)
Credit: IGN Photo Composite / Wizards of the Coast
Already revealed to be the best-selling Magic set in the game’s almost 35-year history, the Universes Beyond Final Fantasy set is a love letter designed by fans for fans. Featuring a larger set than normal, the cards here will showcase each of the 16 core Final Fantasy games‘ iconic heroes, villains, creatures, and locations.
The four preconstructed Commander decks are based around specific games, including VI, VII, X, and the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV, each of which is available as both standard and collector versions.
Wizards of the Coast also recently announced several new Final Fantasy products set to launch on December 5. Already up for preorder, the holiday release includes four scene bundles for games that hadn’t been featured in previous pre-cons (FF XV, FF VIII, FF, and FF IX), a Chocobo-themed bundle, and, exclusive to the U.S., a “game edition” of the Limit Break commander deck that includes a PC copy of the original Final Fantasy VII game.
Tarkir Dragonstorm – Apr. 11, 2025 (Out Now)
Tarkir Dragonstorm returns players to the plane of Tarkir, which was last seen back in 2014, and once again features not only a ton of powerful dragons but also the various clans that rule this land.
The five clans, the Abzan Houses, the Jeskai Way, the Sultai Brood, Mardu Horde, and the Temur Froniter, each are built around different slices of the color pie, and this uniqueness is further expanded on with Dragonstorm, with each clan, along with the dragons themselves, featuring new specialty mechanics tailored to their playstyle.
Big creatures, cool abilities, and more dragons to cram into your Ur Dragon EDH deck are here for fans, and on the topic of Commander, this set also features five different precon decks, with each one made for each clan.
Aetherdrift – Feb. 14, 2025 (Out Now)
If you were to summarize Aetherdrift as “Magic with racecars,” you would be a good 80% there. A large, multiversal race, known as the Ghirapur Grand Prix, is taking place in Avishkar, and racers from planes including Duskmourn and Amonket, among others are in attendance.
One of the special mechanics unique to Aetherdrift is “Speed,” where cards can get better, the more of these speed tokens they have, and along with the special showcase art cards, which resemble ’80s racing posters, really help the “professional racing” aesthetic land with this set. It also has Chandra the Planeswalker doing the Akira slide on a card.
Innistrad Remastered – Jan. 24, 2025 (Out Now)
Credit: Wizards of the Coast
Innistrad is Magic’s original Gothic Horror plane that first dropped back in 2011. These Remastered sets are special releases that include beloved card reprints and mechanics with some updates sprinkled in.
Innistrad Remastered started out the year giving players a new chance to get fan-favorite cards like Edgar Markov, Liliana of the Veil, and Archangel Avacyn. This set is a great way to introduce newer players to some of the game’s fabled history.
Secret Lair Releases – 2025 So Far
Animar and Friends – February 3
MTG Animar and Friends
0
This five-card set includes art from Jack Teagle for Mulldrifter, All Will Be One, Benevolent Hydra, Forgotten Ancient and Animar, Soul of Elements.
Artist Series: Jesper Ejsing – February 10
Artist Series: Jesper Ejsing
MTG Artist Series: Jesper Ejsing
1
This Secret Lair drop includes four cards with artwork from Danish illustrator Jesper Ejsing, including Sun Titan, Deflecting Swat, Llanowar Elves and Breeches, Eager Pillager.
Lorwyn Lightboxes – February 10
MTG Lorwyn Lightboxes
0
Still available from Wizards at the time of writing, Lorwyn Lightboxes are stylised versions of Ancient Ampitheater, Auntie’s Hovel, Gilt-Leaf Palace, Secluded Glen and Wanderwine Hub.
City Styles 2: Dressed to Kill – February 10
City Styles 2: Dressed to Kill
MTG City Styles 2: Dressed to Kill
0
Giving an urban theme to Karmic Guide, Ninja of the Deep Hours, Captain Sisay, Selvala, Explorer Returned and Veyran, Voice of Duality, this Secret Lair is long gone.
Arcade Racers – February 10
MTG Arcade Racers
2
With gorgeous pixel art, arcade theming, these versions of Big Score, Final Fortune, Heat Shimmer, Roiling Vortex, and Wheel of Misfortune are eye-catching and still in stock.
Aether Drifters – February 10
MTG Aether Drifters
0
Aping the design of Hot Wheels packaging, these Aether Drifters include reversible cards for six vehicles including Mechtitan Core and Smuggler’s Copter.
Featuring: Mitsuhiro Arita – February 10
Featuring: Mitsuhiro Arita
MTG Featuring: Mitsuhiro Arita
1
This collection offers four Magic The Gathering cards from longtime Pokemon illustrator Mitsuhiro Arita. Murktide Regent, Lightning Bolt, Shorikai Genesis Machine and Light-Paws, Emperor’s Voice look incredible.
Cats vs Dogs – March 17
MTG Cats vs Dogs
0
This double drop pits canines against felines. Both include Escape to the Wilds, Titanic Ultimatum, Rip Apart, Arcane Signet and Basilisk Collar, but with art to signify your chosen species.
Spongebob: Squarepants – March 24
MTG Spongebob: Squarepants
3
With Spongebob and pals taking cardboard forms, collectors can grab 7 individual pieces, including Plankton, Mr. Krabs, Squidward, and, of course, Patrick Star and Spongebob SquarePants himself as part of the Legends of Bikini Bottom set.
There’s also a Lands bundle for the Nickelodeon favorite, and a meme-focused set of spells, too.
Twisted Toons – March 24
MTG Twisted Toons
0
A little Spongebob-adjacent, these full-art, Toon-inspired cards give us Cuphead vibes.
Tragic Romance – March 24
MTG Tragic Romance
1
Following a ‘Romantasy’ theme, these cards include Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon, Master of Cruelties, Angel of Despair and Kaalia of the Vast.
They Grow Up So Fast – March 24
MTG They Grow Up So Fast
0
This Dragon-centric drop has five cards, each with two versions of Dragonlords like Atarka and Dromoka. Both versions are the same card, but with a young and mature version of each dragon.
Pick’em and Stick’em – March 24
MTG Pick’em and Stick’em
0
This intriguing set is still in stock, and offers cards and accompanying stickers for players to customise them with. Clever Impersonator, Hedron Crab, Pitiless Plunderer, a Treasure Token and Thalia, Heretic Cathar are included.
Garden Buds – March 24
MTG Garden Buds
2
Billed as the last remnants of an Ashaya, Soul of the Wild Commander deck that was lost to time, these seed-style cards include Harrow, Elvish Reclaimer, World Shaper and Horn of Greed with art from Jordan Crane.
Oishi! Tokens – March 26
MTG Oishi! Tokens
0
Inspired by Japanese food packaging, this set includes four Food Tokens, and is sold out.
Secret Lair x Marvel’s Deadpool – April 1
Secret Lair x Marvel’s Deadpool
MTG Secret Lair x Marvel’s Deadpool
2
The Merc with a Mouth’s Secret Lair has sold out, but it’s well worth a look if you can find it on the secondhand market. Fourth Wall-breaking versions of Deadly Rollick, Saw in Half, Blasphemous Act and Vandalblast are here, as well as Deadpool, Trading Card.
Adventures of the Little Witch – April 22
Adventures of the Little Witch
MTG Adventures of the Little Witch
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This adorable set has Secret Rendezvous, Serenity, Esika’s Chariot and Realms Uncharted, all with Heikala’s inimitable artwork and use of color.
VROOOOOMMMMMM – April 28
MTG VROOOOOMMMMMM
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Toru Terada lends his incredible art to Lava Dart, Monastery Swiftspear, Soul-Scar Mage, Underworld Breach, and Mishra’s Bauble. Still available, too.
Everything Is On Fire – April 28
MTG Everything Is On Fire
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This set is all about bringing the heat, with spicy new art for Chain Lightning, Dragon’s Rage Channeller, Lava Spike, Rift Bolt and Skewer the Critics.
Featuring: Jay Howell – April 28
MTG Featuring: Jay Howell
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Jay Howell’s Secret Lab set includes cartoonish versions of Marchesa, the Black Rose, Uncivil Unrest, Treasonous Ogre, Priest of Forgotten Gods and Agent of Treachery, all from the guy who designed the cast of Bob’s Burgers.
Secret Lair X KEXP: Where the Music Matters – April 28
Secret Lair X KEXP: Where the Music Matters
MTG Secret Lair X KEXP: Where the Music Matters
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This set of Land cards includes two of each basic land type for a total of 10 in the set, and is inspired by the independent radio station KEXP.
Secret Lair X KEXP: You Are Not Alone – April 28
Secret Lair X KEXP: You Are Not Alone
MTG Secret Lair X KEXP: You Are Not Alone
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Another KEXP collab, this one has a series of colorful card varients that lean into a “group-hug” deck theme. Cultural Exchange, Folio of Fancies, Concordant Crossroads, Rites of Flourishing and Font of Mythos are included.
Everyone’s Invited! – May 12
MTG Everyone’s Invited! – May 12
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This double rainbow foil Secret Lair drop is still available (for $200, we might add) and includes Shapeshifters, Dryads, Elementals, Faeries, Slivers, Cats and more. Ten foil cards, four foil tokens, one foil display card and 90 reprints.
Slay the Day – May 19
MTG Slay the Day
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The latest set at the time of writing includes Marwyn, the Nurturer as well as Liesa, Shroud of Dusk, Oloro, Ageless Ascetic, and Slythis, Harvest’s Hand.
MTG Sets Releasing in 2026
Somehow or another, we’re almost at the end of 2025. Thankfully, Wizards wanted everyone to have plenty to look forward to in the new year. In universe, we’ll be getting Lorwyn Eclipsed (January 23, 2026), Secrets of Strixhaven (April 2026), and Reality Fracture (October 2026). For Universes Beyond, we’ll be getting crossovers with The Hobbit, Marvel Super Heroes, and Star Trek. There’s also one more Universes Beyond in the release schedule, making an uncommon seven sets total (Wizards already clarified this will not be the norm). That set will be announced at New York Comic Con, specifically October 10.
Released Sets of 2024: A Look Back
Credit: Wizards of the Coast / IGN
Magic: The Gathering Foundations – November 15, 2024
Capping off the year, Foundations arrived as Magic’s new entry-level product aimed squarely at newcomers. With simplified cards, curated reprints, and a structure reminiscent of Jumpstart, it was designed to make onboarding smoother than ever.
It’s the clearest sign yet that Wizards wants to bolster Magic’s long-term future by making the game more accessible without sacrificing its core identity.
Duskmourn: House of Horror – October 2024
Halloween season brought with it Duskmourn: House of Horror, one of the boldest thematic swings Magic has taken in years. Set entirely within a haunted mansion, it channeled modern horror vibes through its claustrophobic design, disturbing card art, and jump scare flavor. Instead of the usual plane-spanning scope, this set kept things intimate and creepy — and it worked.
Bloomburrow – August 2, 2024
If Duskmourn was the year’s most terrifying set, Bloomburrow was its most adorable. Set on a plane with no humans, it introduced a cast of heroic woodland critters — squirrels, frogs, bats, and more — banding together to defend their home. With its storybook aesthetic and approachable mechanics, Bloomburrow offered a lighter, friendlier take on the game that still held plenty of strategic depth.
Secret Lair: Monty Python and the Holy Grail – July 29, 2024
A standout among this year’s Secret Lair drops, the Monty Python and the Holy Grail collaboration leaned fully into the absurd. Split across two releases, it packed classic Magic cards with deeply specific Python references — from coconuts-as-horses to the European vs. African swallow gag — making it a bizarre, quotable delight for fans of the 1975 film.
9 Cards in Secret Lair x Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Vol. 1 & 2
Universes Beyond: Assassin’s Creed – July 5, 2024
July also saw the release of Magic’s crossover with Assassin’s Creed, adding another chapter to the Universes Beyond initiative. Sold in Beyond Boosters rather than traditional draft packs, the set emphasized thematic resonance over gameplay structure. Featuring major characters like Ezio, Altair, and historical icons like Leonardo da Vinci, it managed to blend stealth and strategy while staying Modern-legal.
Modern Horizons 3 – June 14, 2024
The third Modern Horizons entry didn’t hold back. Released in June, it introduced powerful new cards, format-defining reprints, and returning mechanics like Energy. Double-faced planeswalkers made a triumphant comeback, echoing Magic Origins, and familiar worlds like Zendikar and Theros helped inject a nostalgic punch. The draft format, meanwhile, was one of the deepest of the year.
Outlaws of Thunder Junction – April 19, 2024
Magic went full Western in April with Outlaws of Thunder Junction, a stylish and surprisingly villain-centric set. This was a rootin’-tootin’ showcase of bandits, bounty hunters, and black hats, complete with new mechanics like Plot and Spree. It pushed flavor to the forefront, giving Magic one of its most cohesive and playful settings in recent memory.
Universes Beyond: Fallout – March 8, 2024
March gave Commander players a radioactive treat with Universes Beyond: Fallout. The set delivered four thematically distinct Commander decks, tapping into iconic factions and characters from the Fallout games — Brotherhood of Steel, Super Mutants, Vault Dwellers, and more. With its retro-futuristic flair and solid deck construction, it proved a strong crossover effort.
Murders at Karlov Manor – February 9, 2024
Murders at Karlov Manor reimagined Ravnica through the lens of a murder mystery, complete with suspects, disguises, and evidence to collect. It introduced new mechanics to match the whodunit theme and even crossed over with Clue for an extra meta twist. It was a narrative-forward set that let Magic flex some genre muscles outside of its usual fantasy fare.
Ravnica Remastered – January 12, 2024
The year opened with a love letter to one of Magic’s most beloved settings. Ravnica Remastered compiled highlights from the city-plane’s long history, featuring cards from across its three blocks with updated art and retro-frame treatments. From powerful shock lands to fan-favorite guild cards, it was a nostalgia-rich start to the year for both collectors and players alike.
MTG Product Key – What to Buy?
Credit: IGN Photo Composite / Wizards of the Coast
Here is a breakdown of the standard types of products that sets release with and what they include.
Play Boosters
These are standard bread-and-butter 15-card packs of random cards. Each pack is composed of 7 common cards, 3 uncommon cards, 1 rare or mythic rare card, 1 basic land, 1 non-foil wild car, 1 foil wild card, and 1 ad, token, helper, or art card.
Most booster boxes contain 30 of these 15-card packs, though some special sets may contain fewer (usually 24).
Collector Boosters
Much like the Play Boosters, Collector Boosters also have 15 random cards in the pack. Still, these special packs contain more cards of higher rarities, special foiling, unique art or bordered cards, double-sided tokens, and potentially other bonuses.
These packs are also far more expensive than a typical Play Booster, and Collector Booster Boxes also only contain 12 packs of these elusive cards.
Commander Decks
The Commander format may have started as a community-driven format, but Wizards of the Coast has adopted it and now releases its own preconstructed 100-card Commander decks.
Each deck comes with two possible cards that can serve as the deck’s commander (Commander creatures have to be a Legendary creature, and whose color identity dictates the color cards that can be included in the deck.)
Each deck contains any required tokens for the deck, a 2-card Collector Booster sample pack, a strategy insert explaining its respective deck, and a reference card.
Collector’s Edition Commander Decks
Similar to Collector Boosters, these special Commander decks are functionally identical to their standard version counterparts, except with some special art and foiling for collectors.
Their prices are also far higher, and their lower print runs make them tough to get.
Bundle
Bundle products are great options for gifts, or if you want some packs of cards but also some nifty extras, too. Each bundle comes with 9 Play Booster packs, a bunch of basic land cards (unique to the given set), a pretty dice (usually a d20), and a storage box.
If you and each friend get a bundle, it can make for a fun draft experience, too.
Gift Bundle
The Gift Bundle is nearly identical to the standard bundle except for two things—it comes with a Collector Booster in addition to the standard nine play boosters, and the storage box has a bit more flair and foiling.
Prerelease Packs
Prerelease packs are special releases that you can get at your local game store during a set’s Prerelease launch event, containing six play boosters, a special promo card, and a special life counter – everything you need to create a small 40-card deck to compete against other attendees.
There tend to be various themes of these packs for players to pick from, with some cards that are more tailored to that specific faction or color combination.
Starter Kit
The Starter Kit is a product designed to introduce the game to new players. It contains two 60-card decks, boxes to store them, and instructional aids to help walk the two players through their first games.
As an added bonus, these also tend to include redemption codes to unlock the decks on Magic Arena, the digital Magic: The Gathering platform.
Scott White is a freelance contributor to IGN, assisting with tabletop games and guide coverage. Follow him on X/Twitter or Bluesky.
Includes contributions from Christian Wait and Robert Anderson.
What if you could take one of the world’s most iconic puzzle and give it a futuristic, digital enhanced version? That is exactly what the Brazilian indie studio Hanoi Studios has done with Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match, available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows with Xbox Play Anywhere.
Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match is the new game from Hanoi Puzzles series; an original hexagonal stacking game Inspired by the classic Tower of Hanoi puzzle. Flip Match elevates the formula with a bold new mechanic: The Flip!
Each piece have two sides with different colors, so players can build two towers with the same set of pieces, or even swap pieces between sets. These new feature multiply the possibilities and strategies, giving each puzzle a fresh and surprising dimension.
We wanted to keep the nostalgia of the classic puzzles, but push it forward with something daring and modern. Flip Match challenges your mind, but it also helps you find flow through its puzzle design and immersive soundtrack.
Flip Match is designed for players of all ages. It offers challenges that are tough but always “beatable”, striking a balance between accessibility and mastery. Those looking for deeper complexity will find clever shortcuts and advanced puzzles that reward experimentation and optimal movements.
The experience is wrapped in a moody, retro-futuristic atmosphere, carried by an original synthwave soundtrack influenced by “Blade Runner” and “Stranger Things”. The music is a companion, easing the mental strain of solving puzzles while immersing players in the game’s unique vibe.
Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast chasing mastery or someone looking for a relaxing futuristic escape, Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match delivers a fresh flip on a timeless classic.
What is the impact of Hanoi Puzzles series?
The launch of Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match marks not only a new chapter in the Hanoi Puzzles series, but the continuation of a journey that began as a modern take on a classic stacking puzzle and has grown into games that blend challenge, atmosphere, and social impact.
From classrooms in Brazil to living rooms worldwide, the series has proven that puzzles can be more than entertainment: they sharpen minds, spark creativity, and even support education. Solid Match helped neurodivergent children improve focus and confidence, while Flip Match expands that vision with a bold new experience that invites players everywhere.
WithXbox Play Anywhere, you can start a Level on your Xbox Series X|S at home and continue right where you left off on your Windows PC or vice versa. No matter where you are, Hanoi Puzzles: Flip Match is always with you. It’s the ultimate flexibility for puzzle fans who want to challenge their minds anytime, anywhere, with no pressure.
Assemble towers by flipping pieces to get the right color on top, stack pieces of the same color to assemble a tower in a mysterious futuristic atmosphere.
Use the rules of the famous Tower of Hanoi puzzle,
where a larger piece cannot be on top of a smaller one.
Every move the piece Flip changing its main color,
some times you have to do more moves to get its right color on top.
Swap pieces between sets to make fewer moves,
you can also build two different towers with the same set by flipping all the pieces.
Unlock blocked hexagonal cells by building a tower of the same color,
to open new paths and advance in the resolution of the Level.
Published: Sep 27, 2025 02:11 pm