Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
MTG Torment of Hailfire Secret Lair art
Image via WotC
Category:
MTG
TCG

MTG community blames WotC for Secret Lair drop flop

Not every Secret Lair drop is a hit with fans.
Image of Danny Forster
Danny Forster
|

Published: May 2, 2024 06:22 pm

The Spring Superdrop Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair, which is slated to release in mid-May, has today been lambasted by players, many of whom have turned the jets on Wizards of the Coast over the Sans Mercy drop.

Recommended Videos

Secret Lair drops in MTG offer players alternative art cards through popular reprints that often have a unique frame treatment.  All Secret Lair cards are legal to play in Eternal formats like Commander, Legacy, and Vintage. Many were excited about the Hatsune Miku Secret Lair set to be included in the Spring Superdrop. But the reception after the May 2 preview of a Sans Mercy drop has players frustrated at Wizards for “fumbling the theme.”

Images of five MTG reprinted cards for Sans Mercy Secret Lair drop
The text takes away from the stunning artwork. Image via WotC.

Reprint value matters within a Secret Lair drop, along with the art and treatment of the card. Five reprinted MTG cards are included in the Sans Mercy drop: Doom Blade, Massacre, Torment of Halifire, Ruination, and Mogis, God of Slaughter. The projected value of all five cards is between $30 and $35, based on TCGplayer market prices of already printed versions. Despite a lack of value, many in the MTG community are pleased with the art.

The problem arises in the theme, which has many players upset; they hate the card text design—a stylized font the community thinks is just trying to copy a Spongebob meme.

“Players are sick of you turning this game into a joke with constant internet memes and silly puns,” said one Twitter user. “I know you hired a bunch of theater kids to run the circus, but their tryhard Fortnite humor is ruining your brand.”

Others are speaking up for the artists, who players claim have had their work turned into a joke for profit. “Imagine pouring your heart and soul into creating epic fantasy art for such a big company… and your art is going to be forever known as the “LoL iM sO rAnDoM xD” dOoM bLaDe,” said another disgruntled MTG player. “That’s gotta be so depressing.”

Not everyone hates the MTG Sans Mercy Secret Lair drop, but they are fairly far in the minority. If the drop interests you, all cards will be available for a limited time from May 13. Prices for the drop are $29.99 for non-foil and $39.99 for foil.

Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
related content
Author
Image of Danny Forster
Danny Forster
Staff writer, lead beat writer for MTG and TFT
Danny has been writing for Dot Esports for over five years, first as a freelancer and now as a staff writer. He is the lead beat writer for Magic: The Gathering and Teamfight Tactics. Danny is also a solid Monopoly GO player, having beaten every main event without spending a dime. When Danny isn't writing or gaming, he's chilling by the water in Spacecoast Florida with his family and friends. He's always got a tan, because touching grass is important, and loves playing strategic digital and tabletop games. Past outlets Danny has written for include TheGamer and ScreenRant.
twitter facebook linkedin