The halls of Strixhaven are open again. Secrets of Strixhaven releases on April 24, 2026, and Prerelease weekend kicks off this Thursday, April 17. If you’ve been sleeping on this set, it’s time to wake up — there’s a lot to be excited about, and one very important supply warning you’ll want to hear before heading to your local game store.
Back to School at Strixhaven
Secrets of Strixhaven returns players to one of Magic’s most beloved planes — the prestigious university of Strixhaven, home to five rival colleges, each with its own philosophy, colour pair, and Commander identity. Whether you bleed Silverquill black-and-white or prefer to fractal your way to victory with Quandrix, there’s a college for every playstyle.
The set’s story threads through the experiences of iconic students and professors, with recent lore following Dina — Witherbloom’s resident Dryad Druid — in the short story “Down to the Lake, Alone.” The world-building here is rich, and Wizards has leaned into the academic atmosphere with mechanics that reward thoughtful, synergistic play.
Five Commander Decks — One for Every College
Secrets of Strixhaven comes with five Commander preconstructed decks, each flying the colours of a different college. Here’s the rundown:
🖤🤍 Silverquill Influence (W/B) — Led by Killian, Decisive Mentor and Scriv, the Obligator, this deck is all about Auras and enchantment synergies. Notable inclusions like Kor Spiritdancer and Breena, the Demagogue make this one a political powerhouse at the table. The legendary Elder Dragon Shadrix Silverquill rounds out the roster as a fearsome 5/4 flier with double strike.
🔵🔴 Prismari Artistry (U/R) — Spell-slinging and token generation headline this deck. Commanders Rootha, Mastering the Moment and Muddle, the Ever-Changing lead a shell packed with value: Goldspan Dragon, Veyran, Voice of Duality, and Mirrorwing Dragon give you plenty of ways to go wide or go tall with your instants and sorceries.
🖤🌿 Witherbloom Pestilence (B/G) — If you love sacrificing your own creatures for massive payoffs, Witherbloom is your college. Dina, Essence Brewer and Gorma, the Gullet lead a value engine fuelled by Beledros Witherbloom, Tendershoot Dryad, and Woe Strider. Every creature death becomes a stepping stone.
🔴🤍 Lorehold Spirit (R/W) — Graveyard recursion meets spirit tokens in this archaeology-themed deck. Quintorius, History Chaser and Excava, the Risen Past bring back your best permanents from the bin, supported by Sun Titan, Hofri Ghostforge, and Sevinne’s Reclamation.
🌿🔵 Quandrix Unlimited (G/U) — Hydras and fractals for the math-obsessed player. Zimone, Infinite Analyst rewards you for casting spells with {X} in their cost, growing herself while you dump mana into Primordial Hydra, Hydroid Krasis, and Hardened Scales. The ceiling on this deck is genuinely enormous.
⚠️ Supply Warning: Commander Decks and Bundles May Be Short
Here’s the thing you actually need to know before Prerelease weekend: Wizards of the Coast has confirmed a production issue affecting North American supply of two key products.
- Commander Decks: Availability will be reduced on Prerelease weekend (April 17–20). Full stock is expected at stores within one to two weeks after.
- Bundles (standard Bundles — Codex Bundles are unaffected): These are unlikely to be available at Prerelease at all. Expect them to start arriving around release weekend, April 24.
If a Commander deck or Bundle is on your list, call your local game store now to check their allocation. Stores that pre-sold product should be covered, but walk-in availability may be very limited. Don’t show up on Saturday expecting to grab one off the shelf — you may be disappointed.
Also on the Horizon: MTG × Marvel
While you’re planning your Strixhaven Prerelease trip, put a pin in June 12–18 as well. Wizards has announced Avengers Academy — a new casual, store-based event tied to the upcoming Magic: The Gathering | Marvel Super Heroes set, which releases June 26. The event pairs new and experienced players together in Two-Headed Giant matches using themed half-decks featuring Black Panther, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Black Widow, and Hulk. Stores that register before May 1 get bonus goodies for players, including wearable Loki horns. It’s shaping up to be a massive crossover moment for the hobby — and a great way to bring fresh faces through the door.
Come Prerelease with Us
Prerelease for Secrets of Strixhaven runs April 17–20. It’s the best way to crack fresh packs, play with the new cards before the official release date, and pick up your Promo card. Whether you’re a seasoned drafter or heading to your very first Prerelease, it’s a great time to show up, meet your fellow students, and represent your college.
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