A Brief Overview of the Secret Lair Program
Magic: The Gathering’s Secret Lair is a revolutionary direct-to-consumer product line that has taken the trading card game world by storm. Launched in 2019, this program offers limited-time, specially curated sets featuring unique artwork and themes. Each drop is a collector’s dream, often showcasing beloved cards with stunning new art or exploring quirky concepts that push the boundaries of Magic’s creative expression.
Now, let’s dive into the magical world of Secret Lair sets, presented in chronological order from the very first drop to the most recent. Prepare to be enchanted by the artistry and creativity that defines this extraordinary program.
2019
Secret Lair Drop Series (12/2/2019)
Drop | Card Number | Bonus Card? | Card/Token | Artist |
Eldraine Wonderland | 1 | Snow-Covered Plains | Alayna Danner | |
Eldraine Wonderland | 2 | Snow-Covered Island | Alayna Danner | |
Eldraine Wonderland | 3 | Snow-Covered Swamp | Alayna Danner | |
Eldraine Wonderland | 4 | Snow-Covered Mountain | Alayna Danner | |
Eldraine Wonderland | 5 | Snow-Covered Forest | Alayna Danner | |
Restless in Peace | 6 | Bloodghast | Dan Mumford | |
Restless in Peace | 7 | Golgari Thug | Dan Mumford | |
Restless in Peace | 8 | Life from the Loam | Dan Mumford | |
Kaleidoscope Killers | 9 | Reaper King | Justine Jones | |
Kaleidoscope Killers | 10 | Sliver Overlord | Justine Jones | |
Kaleidoscope Killers | 11 | The Ur-Dragon | Justine Jones | |
Bitterblossom Dreams | 12 | Bitterblossom | Olena Richards | |
Bitterblossom Dreams | 13 | Faerie Rogue | Olena Richards | |
Bitterblossom Dreams | 14 | Faerie Rogue | Olena Richards | |
Bitterblossom Dreams | 15 | Faerie Rogue | Olena Richards | |
Bitterblossom Dreams | 16 | Faerie Rogue | Olena Richards | |
<explosion sounds> | 17 | Goblin Bushwhacker | Mike Uziel | |
<explosion sounds> | 18 | Goblin Sharpshooter | Mike Uziel | |
<explosion sounds> | 19 | Goblin King | Mike Uziel | |
<explosion sounds> | 20 | Goblin Lackey | Mike Uziel | |
<explosion sounds> | 21 | Goblin Piledriver | Mike Uziel | |
OMG KITTIES! | 22 | Leonin Warleader | Jakob Eirich | |
OMG KITTIES! | 23 | Regal Caracal | Andrea Radeck | |
OMG KITTIES! | 24 | Qasali Slingers | Allison Carl | |
OMG KITTIES! | 25 | Arahbo, Roar of the World | Erica Williams | |
OMG KITTIES! | 26 | Mirri, Weatherlight Duelist | Andrea Radeck | |
OMG KITTIES! | 27 | Cat | Jakob Eirich | |
OMG KITTIES! | 28 | Cat | Andrea Radeck | |
Seeing Visions | 29 | Serum Visions | Kristina Collantes | |
Seeing Visions | 30 | Serum Visions | DXTR | |
Seeing Visions | 31 | Serum Visions | Lauren YS | |
Seeing Visions | 32 | Serum Visions | Jaime A. Zuverza | |
503 | Gideon Blackblade | |||
504 | Teyo, the Shieldmage | |||
505 | Wanderer | |||
506 | Jace | |||
520 | Ajani | |||
521 | Domri | |||
522 | Bolas | |||
523 | Ral | |||
524 | Sorin | |||
525 | Tamiyo | |||
526 | Teferi | |||
527 | Angrath | |||
528 | Ashiok | |||
530 | Huatli | |||
533 | Nahiri |
Other Secret Lair Drops
- The Complete Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair Sets List 2024
- The Complete Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair Sets List 2023
- The Complete Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair Sets List 2022
- The Complete Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair Sets List 2021
- The Complete Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair Sets List 2020
- The Complete Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair Sets List 2019
Popular Cards in this set
The Secret Lair Drop Series: A Collector’s Dream Come True
In December 2019, Magic: The Gathering (MTG) enthusiasts were introduced to a game-changing concept that would revolutionize the world of card collecting: The Secret Lair Drop Series. This innovative “sub-brand” from Wizards of the Coast took the MTG community by storm, offering a tantalizing blend of nostalgia, artistry, and exclusivity that left collectors and investors alike scrambling for their wallets.
A New Era of Collectibles
The Secret Lair Drop Series grouped existing cards into small, thematic sets with a twist that set pulses racing: wildly reimagined art styles. Each card in these drops featured alternate art that pushed the boundaries of MTG’s visual identity, alongside a rare or mythic rare shooting star expansion symbol. For token enthusiasts, the drops included tokens with a common expansion symbol, adding an extra layer of collectibility.
What made these drops truly special was their limited availability. Each of the seven drops in the December 2019 series was available for purchase for just 24 hours, creating a frenzy of excitement and FOMO (fear of missing out) among the MTG community.
The Drops: A Feast for the Eyes and the Collection
The December 2019 series consisted of seven unique drops, each containing between three and seven cards and/or tokens. These weren’t just any cards – they were carefully curated selections that resonated with different segments of the MTG fanbase. From beloved classics reimagined to quirky themes that showcased the game’s diverse appeal, each drop was a treasure trove of surprises.
One of the most popular drops from this series was the “Bitterblossom Dreams” set, which featured a breathtaking new interpretation of the iconic card “Bitterblossom” by Seb McKinnon. The ethereal, dreamlike quality of the artwork captivated collectors and players alike, making it an instant hit.
The Price of Exclusivity
Wizards of the Coast adopted a bold pricing strategy for the Secret Lair drops. Priced at either $29.99 or $39.99 depending on the drop, these sets offered a premium collecting experience. Some drops even featured foil cards, adding an extra layer of luxury to the already desirable products.
For the truly dedicated collector, a bundle deal was available for a mere 24 hours on December 2, 2019. Priced at $199.99, this bundle guaranteed all seven drops – an offer that many found impossible to resist.
A Collector’s Paradise
Compared to regular MTG sets, the Secret Lair Drop Series represented a paradigm shift in collecting. While traditional sets focus on gameplay and draft experiences, Secret Lair drops are pure collector’s items. They offer:
- Unique, limited-edition artwork
- Highly curated card selections
- Premium Packaging
- Extreme scarcity due to the 24-hour purchase window
This approach has created a new dynamic in the MTG secondary market, with some Secret Lair cards commanding eye-watering prices among collectors and investors.
The Cherry on Top
As if the drops themselves weren’t enticing enough, Wizards of the Coast included a special surprise in each box: one of the 36 War of the Spark planeswalkers, featuring the mesmerizing stained-glass artwork first teased during the War of the Spark promotion. These numbered cards added an extra layer of collectibility and value to each drop.
A New Chapter in MTG Collecting
The Secret Lair Drop Series of December 2019 marked the beginning of a new era in MTG collecting. It demonstrated Wizards of the Coast’s willingness to innovate and cater to the collector market in unprecedented ways. The success of this initial offering paved the way for future Secret Lair drops, each more creative and desirable than the last.
For collectors, investors, and MTG enthusiasts, the Secret Lair Drop Series represents a thrilling opportunity to own unique pieces of Magic: The Gathering history. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the game and the passionate community that surrounds it.
As we look back on that fateful December, one thing is clear: the Secret Lair Drop Series has forever changed the landscape of MTG collecting, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of this beloved game.
Start Collecting Now!
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