Gab Hernandez 
Magic: The Gathering revealed its 2025 release schedule, from crossovers to original expansions
Wizards of the Coast has taken a decidedly “Fortnite-esque” approach to its releases as of late. With blockbuster crossovers like MTG x Marvel to the dulcet tones of Hatsune Miku in Secret Lair, Magic: The Gathering has become a nexus of multimedia card game chaos. And it’s not stopping anytime soon.
The Magic: The Gathering just revealed its upcoming expansions and crossovers for 2025. Although eye-catching, fans have a mixed reception towards the multiversal direction the MTG franchise is heading towards.
Magic: The Gathering 2025 release schedule
Magic: The Gathering has six scheduled upcoming releases for Magic: The Gathering in 2025. Here is the full list of confirmed releases, and their release date information.
- Aetherdrift – February 14, 2025
- Tarkir Dragonstorm – April 11, 2025
- Final Fantasy – June 13, 2025
- Edge of Eternities – August 1, 2025
- Spider-Man – TBA
- Unannounced Universes Beyond – TBA
Half of the confirmed releases for Magic: The Gathering in 2025 will be crossovers. Final Fantasy looks like a great fit for the setting, given how the franchise’s roots stretch across all forms of fantasy. Meanwhile, Spider-Man may stretch the definition for many fans, especially those who just want to keep the lore pure.
Wizards of the Coast will likely announce Secret Lair crossovers throughout 2025. In the same event, the Spongebob x Secret Lair MTG crossover was slated for a 2025 release. As far as crossovers go, Spongebob is arguably the wildest Magic: The Gathering has gone for, with a decidedly child-oriented audience in mind. MTG purists were also shocked by another announcement.
Is Universes Beyond legal in Standard for MTG?
Universes Beyond will be Standard legal for Magic: The Gathering, starting with Final Fantasy’s release in June 2025.
With the expanded focus on crossovers over the past few years, Wizards of the Coast finally bit the bullet on making Universes Beyond set Standard-legal. The statement also contradicted the company’s initial stance on Universes Beyond’s legality.
“We strive to make Magic cards that are widely useful, but Universes Beyond will be above and, well, beyond our normal Standard releases…This is purely a cool thing we’re doing in addition to all the other cool things we’re already doing,” stated Wizards of the Coast in February 2021. However, it seems Wizards of the Coast has since changed its tune.
Return to Lorwyn was also delayed to a 2026 release, meaning half of the MTG releases for 2025 will be crossovers. Although MTG is more popular than ever, it continues to face an identity crisis among its fans.
This is seen both with these releases, as well as upheaval within the competitive scene. The Commander format saw a major blowout between its leadership and Wizards in October 2024. This widened the schism between MTG and its most diehard audience, but there’s no sign of a course correction yet.
