Monster Hunter x Magic: The Gathering: A Hunt for Redemption
Magic: The Gathering’s Secret Lair has become known for its exciting crossovers, but the Monster Hunter collaboration proved to be… a bit of a struggle. While these limited-time drops aren’t full Standard sets, they’ve certainly stirred up debate, from printing concerns to varying price points. The Monster Hunter set, intended to celebrate Hunts, Hunters, and the iconic Monsters themselves, faced a unique set of challenges.
A Typo and a Lackluster Selection
Initially, the set was plagued by a noticeable typo on the card Champion of Kotoko (correctly spelled Kokoto). However, the bigger issue was the overall card selection. Many fans felt it didn’t live up to the hype, a sentiment amplified by the recent reveal of Secrets of Strixhaven’s Welcome Decks. These decks include Drakuseth, Maw of Flames, a card valued at under a dollar on TCGplayer, which was originally intended to represent Rathalos, one of the most recognizable creatures from the Monster Hunter series.
While the new artwork was appreciated, the inclusion of relatively inexpensive cards in a premium Secret Lair drop raised eyebrows. It highlighted a disconnect between the perceived value and the price tag. The fact that Drakuseth, representing Rathalos, is now included in a free 40-card Welcome Deck for new players further underscores this point.
Wizards of the Coast’s Response and Future Hopes
To their credit, Wizards of the Coast acknowledged the issues back in November, announcing they would “go back to the drawing board” with the Monster Hunter Secret Lair set. Since then, however, there’s been little news. Fans are left wondering if a more substantial reprint, perhaps even an Ur-Dragon with stunning Rathalos artwork, is too much to ask for. We can only hope!
Welcome Decks Offer a Silver Lining
Despite the Monster Hunter Secret Lair controversy, the Secrets of Strixhaven Welcome Decks are generating positive buzz. Available for free at participating stores, these decks boast impressive cards like Lyra Dawnbringer, Massacre Wurm, Vizier of the Menagerie, and Sphinx of the Final Word. For those building red dragon decks, the red Welcome Deck includes useful staples like Carnelian Orb of Dragonkind, Kargan Dragonrider, and Etali, Primal Storm.
The Bigger Picture: MTG Coverage and Community Feedback
The increased coverage of Magic: The Gathering has sparked discussion within the community. Some readers have questioned the frequency of MTG-related articles and whether they represent paid promotion. While speculation exists, it’s likely a combination of genuine interest from staff members and a response to reader demand. Understanding what our audience wants to read is crucial, and we value your feedback.
What are your thoughts on the Monster Hunter x Magic: The Gathering collaboration? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Further Reading:
- Magic: The Gathering Official Website
- Monster Hunter Official Website
- TCGplayer – For card pricing and information
