Magic: The Gathering returns to the beloved wizard university setting this weekend. The original Strixhaven: School of Mages launched in 2021 and became one of the most popular draft environments in recent Magic history. Secrets of Strixhaven brings players back to the same five colleges with new mechanics and a fresh Mystical Archive lineup. Prerelease events start Friday 17 April and run through 23 April, with the full set releasing on 24 April.
Got a regular group? Create a private community, poll for the best date, vote on games, and let your friends RSVP in one place.
Set up your group for freeEach prerelease pack is themed around one of Strixhaven's five colleges: Silverquill (white/black), Prismari (blue/red), Witherbloom (black/green), Lorehold (red/white), and Quandrix (green/blue). You pick your college, crack open five play boosters plus a college-themed booster, and build a 40-card sealed deck on the spot. Every pack comes with a traditional foil promo card, a college-themed spindown die, and a deck box.
The set's headline feature is the return of the Mystical Archive: a curated selection of iconic instants and sorceries with special art treatments, one guaranteed per booster pack. Force of Will, one of the most powerful counterspells ever printed and typically a premium card on the secondary market, headlines the Archive alongside Vampiric Tutor. Pulling either from a prerelease pack will make your weekend.
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See how it worksEach college introduces a named mechanic, from Lorehold's Flashback (casting spells from the graveyard) to Witherbloom's Infusion lifegain and Silverquill's Repartee, which rewards targeting creatures with your instants and sorceries. Every college plays differently, so your choice at registration shapes your entire sealed experience.
Prereleases are one of the best ways to try Magic without needing a collection. You build from what you open, everyone starts on equal footing, and the atmosphere at most stores is relaxed and welcoming. Find your nearest event through Wizards' store locator and grab a seat before they fill up.
Sources: Wizards of the Coast | Star City Games | Card Game Base
