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Pre-release events for this next MTG set, Lorwyn Eclipsed, will start on Jan. 16. Although the complete preview period is scheduled to start on Jan. 5, head designer Maro Rosewater has again disclosed a long rundown of gameplay details ahead of time.

A In-depth Look into the Significant Teasers

Among the many hints, several are particularly notable. Lorwyn Eclipsed will feature a "card that searches each turn." This effect likely indicates a creature that enables a you to look through their library every upkeep for a certain type, potentially under specific conditions.

It could be an effect as modest as finding a land card each round, or something more dynamic such as a tutor that scales depending on a creature's power.

Rosewater also mentioned a new card that copies triggered abilities. This card is possibly linked to Kirol, Attentive First-Year, a creature that, by tapping two ready creatures, can replicate a ability one time each round.

Another standout reveal involves an ability that will "counter all instants and sorceries your opponents have on the stack." While the wording is somewhat ambiguous, it suggests an extremely powerful effect capable of addressing numerous spells simultaneously.

Gameplay Focusing On Power and Toughness

This expansion will further feature cards that utilize "the gap between its power and toughness." For cards having power/toughness splits like 1/3 or 3/1, this concept could become highly meaningful.

• Furthermore, a creature is set to enter the play with six -1/-1 counters on it, highlighting a comeback of this hallmark debuff mechanic from the original Lorwyn era.
• One more teaser mentions the phrase "if this is the third time this effect has resolved this round," suggesting a design that tracks multiple activations.

Tribal Emphasis and Story Implications

A significant story reveal is a legendary card with the type line: "Legendary Creature – Elf Faerie Noble." Given the established tension between Elves and Faeries on this world, this hybrid type suggests a major story event.

Rosewater also confirmed the primary eight creature types featured in the set: Elemental, Elf, Faerie, Giant, Goblin, Kithkin, Merfolk, and Treefolk. This confirms a strong tribal focus for Lorwyn Eclipsed.

Toward the end in the rundown, he mentions "Bark of Doran," probably a reference to Doran, the Siege Tower, hinting at a continued focus on the interplay between power and defense.

Other Notable Points

In addition to these headline mechanics, the set will feature:

1. A number of reprinted "kindred" cards that interact with specific tribes.
2. A wide array of keyword counters, such as charge, dream, flying, first strike, indestructible, and lifelink.
3. The reappearance of a ability first introduced earlier in 2025.
4. Various creature token producers, ranging from 1/1 Faerie tokens to a 3/4 Treefolk Treefolk.

Card Title Hints and Conclusion

Lastly, Rosewater hinted at several card names, including Mirrorform, Moonshadow, Gilt-Leaf’s Embrace, and Chaos Spewer. These offer preliminary clues into the set's narrative themes and serve as references to familiar concepts from the plane's past.

In summary, Lorwyn Eclipsed isn't just a return to a fan-favorite setting but also a test to see if modern Magic: The Gathering can embrace the distinctive weirdness that made the original Lorwyn sets so memorable.