Prerelease is one of the most important phases for any new Magic: The Gathering set, as it's the first time you can go hands-on with cards from the new set without needing any form of special access.

It's an event best experienced with friends or among other players, although technically, there's no reason why you can't just buy a prerelease kit just to kickstart your collection for a new set early.

So, whether you're heading to your LGS, a private event, or just buying a kit to enjoy the contents, here is everything you need to know about the Marvel Super Heroes prerelease.

What Is Prerelease In MTG?

Prerelease denotes the seven-day period of time when a new Magic: The Gathering set can be played publicly for the first time. Not all products are available; stores often sell only the prerelease kits and host events. This depends heavily on your LGS and your relationship with them; some may let you take home pre-ordered products at this time, but there's no guarantee.

Prerelease for Marvel Super Heroes starts on Friday, June 19, 2026.

If you're going to a prerelease event, you can expect to arrive and purchase a prerelease kit, which contains six Play Booster packs, a foil promo (unstamped), and a set-themed d20. You are then expected to build a 40-card deck using cards from your Play Boosters. You will add lands to this deck separately, but can choose special lands from your packs if you wish. If you don't own any spare lands, you can ask your LGS to provide some; they almost always have bulk to spare.

You'll then play against other players at the event in either knockout-style or round-robin formats to determine a group of winners of the event.

Again, every LGS is different, and yours may not run an event competitively; instead, it may just encourage casual play with participation rewards for all players.

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How Much Does Prerelease Cost?

This is another variable based on your LGS, but the prerelease kits typically cost anywhere between $30 and $40. If you're attending an event, a fee may be included in the kit's cost to cover your attendance.

Just like with other products, prerelease kits for Universes Beyond sets cost more than in-universe sets, so don't be alarmed if your Marvel Super Heroes kit costs more than the one you purchased for Secrets of Strixhaven or Lorwyn Eclipsed.

What To Draft In Marvel Super Heroes

I've already written up a full Marvel Super Heroes draft guide where I dive into the ten archetypes that you should be looking out for, including some key cards for each one.

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I won't retread what I've already covered in that dedicated guide, but here are the ten Marvel Super Heroes draft archetypes you can build in this set.

  • Izzet Artifacts
  • Azorius Teamwork
  • Dimir Connive
  • Rakdos Villains
  • Selesnya Heroes
  • Gruul Power-Up
  • Simic Counters
  • Boros Spellslinging
  • Golgari Resurrection
  • Orzhov Solo Attacks

What Do You Need For A Prerelease Event?

While your LGS should have most of the items you need to get through a prerelease event, in the event that they don't, or you're attending a private event, here are some of the items you may want to make sure you've got with you.

  • A playmat
  • Card sleeves
  • Dice (normal and +/-, ideally)
  • Around ten basic lands of each color
  • Life trackers or the companion app to use during matches

You can also take basic supplies like drinks and snacks, but again, check with the hosts beforehand to make sure you're okay with doing so.

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