We’ve long known that a new Universes Beyond Magic: The Gathering set would be announced at New York Comic Con this year, and we finally know what it is. MTG x Marvel Darkhold Destiny, releasing on April 9th, 2027, goes further than any Universes Beyond collaboration the game has previously seen. Literally writing a new story in collaboration with MTG, this set demonstrates what may very well be the perfect Universes Beyond crossover from a lore perspective.
MTG Marvel Darkhold Destiny
While we don’t know much about Marvel Darkhold Destiny quite yet, even the artwork showcased in this trailer gives a lot away. This set seems to tap into Marvel’s horror side, featuring werewolves, spells, and characters like Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider, Doctor Voodoo, Dormammu, Scarlet Witch, and many more.
Player reaction to this particular Universes Beyond collaboration is way more positive than previous Marvel sets. In the words of many, this is the first Marvel collaboration that actually feels like an MTG set. With no mention of New York hot dog carts, this Marvel collaboration feels far more high-fantasy, fitting Magic’s vibe like a glove. Writing the story behind Darkhold Destiny with Marvel really gives this crossover the feel MTG players have been missing.
Sadly, we still don’t know much about MTG Marvel Darkhold Destiny beyond its release date, but this reveal teased a single card, and it’s a doozy.
MTG The Darkhold
Alongside the new set announcement, Wizards of the Coast also teased the set’s MacGuffin. The Darkhold shares a lot with the infamous card
The One Ring
The One Ring
Indestructible
When The One Ring enters, if you cast it, you gain protection from everything until your next turn.
At the beginning of your upkeep, you lose 1 life for each burden counter on The One Ring.
{T}: Put a burden counter on The One Ring, then draw a card for each burden counter on The One Ring.
, an artifact that draws an increasing number of cards when tapped. That said, The Darkhold has no
Fog
Fog
Prevent all combat damage that would be dealt this turn.
effect and deals significantly more damage than The One Ring, so it’s unlikely to break any formats.
With that in mind, The Darkhold seems better suited to aggressive competitive MTG strategies. Decks like Modern Affinity or Standard Mardu Discard can empty their hands quickly, reducing the damage The Darkhold deals. Standard Lifegain, which also has a low curve, could be particularly strong with this card, since lifegain can offset The Darkhold’s life loss.
While The Darkhold is exciting for 60-card players, it’s absolutely insane for Commander. Not only do Commander players have a lot more life to play with, but The Darkhold’s second ability comes into play here, functioning as a win condition. With something like
Bloodletter of Aclazotz
Bloodletter of Aclazotz
Flying
If an opponent would lose life during your turn, they lose twice that much life instead. (Damage causes loss of life.)
, you can easily use The Darkhold to reduce your life total significantly and double their lost life, ending the game.
Because The Darkhold functions as both a card-draw engine and a win condition in Commander, this new legendary artifact will draw a lot of interest when Marvel Darkhold Destiny releases. Sadly, the release date is still a few months away, but it will be interesting to see what other Magic and Marvel cards are in store for us. Be sure to keep an eye on this space for any developments.
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