Here's everything you need ahead of the Marvel Super Heroes Prerelease weekend at MTG

Prerelease is one of the most important stages of any new Magic: The Gathering set because it's the first time you can try out cards from a new set without needing any form of special access.

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

So whether you're heading to your LGS, a private event, or just buying a set to enjoy the content, here's everything you need to know about the Marvel Super Heroes pre-release.

What is a prerelease in MTG?

Pre-release indicates a seven-day period when a new Magic: The Gathering set can be played publicly for the first time. Not all products are available; stores often only sell pre-sale sets and hold events. This depends heavily on your LGS and your relationship with them; some may allow you to take home pre-ordered products at this time, but there is no guarantee.

If you're going to a pre-sale event, you can expect to arrive and purchase a pre-sale kit that includes six Play Booster packs, a promo foil (unmarked) and a set-themed d20. You are then expected to create a 40 card deck using the cards from your Play Boosters. You add countries to this pack separately, but you can choose special countries from your packs if you want. If you do not own any replacement plots, you can ask your LGS to provide you with some; they almost always have volume to spare.

You will then play against other tournament players in a knockout or round-robin format to determine the event's winner pool.

How much does the pre-release cost?

This is another one variable based on your LGSbut pre-sale sets usually cost somewhere between $30 and $40. If you are attending an event, a fee may be included in the kit price to cover your attendance.

As with other products, pre-sale kits for Universes Beyond kits cost more than sets in spaceso don't panic if your Marvel Super Heroes set costs more than what you bought for Secrets of Strixhaven or Lorwyn Eclipsed.

What to design in Marvel Super Heroes

I've already written a complete Marvel Super Heroes design guide where I dive into that ten archetypes which you should watch out for, including some key cards for each.

I won't rehash what I've already covered in this insider's guide, but here are ten Marvel Super Heroes concept archetypes that you can build in this set.

• Artifacts of Izzet
• Teamwork Azorius
• Dimir Connive
• Rakdos' villains
• Selesnya heroes
• Gruul Power-Up
• Simic counters
• Boros spelling
• Golgari Resurrection
• Orzhov solo attacks

What do you need for a pre-release event?

While your LGS should have most of the items you need to get you through the pre-sale event, in case it doesn't or you're attending a private event, here are some items you might want to have with you.

• Play mat
• Card covers
• Dice (normal and +/-, ideal)
• Approximately ten basic lands of each suit
• Life tracker or companion app to use during matches

You can also take basic supplies such as drinks and snacks, but again check with the hosts in advance to make sure you can manage.