Since 2013, Masters sets have served a vital role in the MTG ecosystem. These were non-Standard sets built entirely of reprints, allowing Wizards to address the rising prices of staples by injecting extra supply. From Modern Masters in 2013 to Innistrad Remastered earlier this year, these sets have proven hugely popular among players. Now, however, it appears their time is at an end.
In a Blogatog post yesterday, Mark Rosewater was asked about future plans for reprint sets like these. With so many Standard sets per year, there’s much less room for supplemental products, after all. While Rosewater doesn’t completely rule out more Masters sets in the future, it does appear that they’re low on Wizards’ list of priorities in this new era of Magic.
No More MTG Masters Sets?!
“Reprints are more being done through things within premier products than their own separate product.”
Mark Rosewater, via Blogatog
This was Rosewater’s response to the question on future MTG Masters sets, and reprint sets in general. As is often the case, this isn’t a hard answer one way or the other. That said, it very much leans into the ‘no Masters sets on the horizon’ camp.
Looking at the current Magic release schedule, this is actually quite surprising. 2025 had six mainline sets and Innistrad Remastered, and it’s looking likely that we’ll see seven sets again next year. Given the fact that a 50:50 Magic IP/Universes Beyond split has essentially been confirmed, this leaves a gap in next year’s schedule. It’s possible that the seventh set rumor is just that, or that the slot is being used for something like Modern Horizons 4 or an Un-set. In any case, a new Masters set is looking unlikely.
On the bright side, the “in premier product” methods Rosewater refers to are actually fairly numerous. Cards can be reprinted in mainline sets, of course, and we see that regularly. Tarkir: Dragonstorm had Craterhoof Behemoth, Final Fantasy had Dark Confidant, Edge of Eternities had the Shocklands, etc. Reprints like this tend to be the most effective in terms of bringing down prices, since Standard sets are opened so widely.
Wizards can also reprint cards via Bonus Sheets and Commander precons, with the latter actually being a very effective method in its own right. Plenty of pricey staples have bombed after being included in a precon. Rot Hulk, which dropped from over $30 to less than $1 after showing up in the Aetherdrift precons, is a great recent example. Bonus Sheets are less effective, but they can sometimes move the needle a bit.
An Issue Of Supply
“I don’t think a bonus sheet in every set would be enough for what the community needs. Wizards reprint policy has been too slow for decades and I’d love to see the company put players first instead of collectors and the finance community.”
Mrpendu1um, via Blogatog
That said, none of these alternative methods can really hold a candle to a full-on MTG Masters set. Seeing around 300 cards reprinted, many of which were specifically chosen due to their high demand, is hard to beat. Since these sets typically lack a theme outside of ‘good cards for a given format,’ they’re also much more flexible than in-set options. If a powerhouse staple isn’t a good fit, flavorfully or mechanically, for a new product, then it’s simply not going to get a reprint there.
As several players pointed out in the comments, this is a bit of a long-term problem. Magic is growing all the time, which means demand is increasing in turn. Without substantial reprint outlets like Masters sets, prices on staple cards are only going to go up.
Reprints in main sets, Bonus Sheets, and Commander precons are nice, but ultimately these methods are going to struggle to keep up with demand. Every new set adds chase cards that will eventually need their own reprints. A handful of reprints a year isn’t going to cover that. Heck, the current backlog of staples that need reprints is long enough.
Unfortunately, for one reason or another, it looks like Masters sets might be a thing of the past. This is most likely another byproduct of Universes Beyond’s huge success. Putting resources towards a Masters set for a specific audience makes less sense than doing so for a direct-to-Standard set that can theoretically serve everyone. Hopefully, Wizards reconsiders this position down the road, but for now, it’s sad news for Masters set fans.
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