Wizards of the Coast is expanding its highly successful Universes Beyond initiative with a brand-new release. Following the massive success of The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth—the first set to grant legality in the Modern format—and the upcoming Marvel Super Heroes crossover, Magic: The Gathering's Hobbit is officially ready for preorder.

Scheduled for release on August 14, this new set serves as a prequel, bringing the charm and peril of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic tale to the multiverse. Players can expect a deep dive into Middle-earth, featuring multiple versions of iconic characters, legendary locations, and pivotal story moments. Every card is meticulously designed to maintain mechanical balance within Magic: The Gathering gameplay while staying faithful to the original source material.

What to Expect from The Hobbit Expansion

While most Magic expansions include preconstructed Commander decks, The Hobbit appears to be breaking that tradition. This omission is likely a strategic move by Wizards of the Coast; because the set features a high density of Legendary Creatures, many characters are receiving multiple card variants across the product line.

As of now, the entire product suite is available for preorder at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. If you see items listed as sold out, don't panic—with the August launch approaching, restocks are expected.

The Hobbit Product Lineup and Preorder Options

Whether you are a competitive player looking to bolster your collection or a collector hunting for rare foils, there is a product designed for your needs:

Booster Boxes and Packs

  • Play Booster Box (30 Packs) - $209.70: The gold standard for collectors and players. Each pack contains 15 cards with a chance at Rare or Mythic pulls. This box is perfect for hosting a draft night with friends.
  • Collector Booster Packs (12 Packs) - $450: For the ultimate high-end collector, these packs offer 5 to 6 Rares/Mythics per pack and feature exclusive alternate art treatments. Each box includes a traditional foil box topper.

Bundles and Starter Kits

  • The Hobbit Bundle (9 Packs) - $70: A fantastic kit for getting started. It includes nine Play Booster packs, an alternate art traditional foil card, various foil and non-foil basic lands, a spindown life counter, and storage accessories.
  • Draft Night Kit (13 Packs) - $130: Specifically designed for 4-player "Pick-Two" Draft pods, this kit focuses on quick gameplay. It contains 12 Play Boosters, one Collector Booster, and plenty of basic lands and tokens.
  • The Hobbit Gift Bundle - $90 (Releasing September 4): A premium version of the standard bundle that includes an extra Collector Booster and special promo cards.

Special Scene Boxes

These unique products feature a 6-card collection of alternate art cards that form a single, interconnecting image when displayed together.

  • Crack the Plates Scene Box - $42: Depicts the iconic moment Thorin’s company arrives at Bilbo’s Hobbit Hole. Includes 3 Play Boosters and display materials.
  • Treasures of Smaug Scene Box - $42: Recreates the tense battle of wits between Bilbo and the dragon Smaug. Includes 3 Play Boosters and display materials.