Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world have a recent reason to celebrate, as a crossover between The Lord of the Rings and the popular card game Magic: The Gathering is set to launch in August 2026.
The collaboration, revealed at Magic Con Atlanta from September 26-28, will immerse players in Middle-earth, specifically focusing on the events of The Hobbit. Wizards of the Coast announced that players “will join Bilbo, Thorin, Gandalf and other famous characters in their journey to the Lonely Mountain.”
This announcement comes as interest in heroic fantasy revives with series like The Rings of Power and Game of Thrones gaining popularity. The news similarly follows reports of a new Lord of the Rings video game in development, inspired by Hogwarts Legacy, signaling a renewed focus on the beloved franchise across multiple entertainment mediums. Warner Bros. Games is heavily invested in capitalizing on its major franchises.
Despite a recent Lord of the Rings game encountering significant challenges, the rights holders are clearly continuing to explore new avenues for the property. The crossover with Magic: The Gathering is just one example of this ongoing commitment. Heroic fantasy is making a comeback in television and gaming, and this collaboration is poised to tap into that growing enthusiasm.
The announcement adds to a growing list of collaborations for Magic: The Gathering throughout 2026, as Wizards of the Coast plans to revisit and expand upon several beloved universes within the game. Fans can expect more details as the release date approaches.
