Magic: The Gathering prerelease guide
A prerelease is the first chance to play with a new Magic: The Gathering set. Stores run prereleases about one week before the official release date, and the format is Sealed, which makes it one of the friendliest events for new players: nobody arrives with a prepared deck.
What is in a Prerelease Pack
- 6 Play Boosters from the new set.
- 1 traditional foil promo card, a rare or mythic rare.
- A deck box and a spindown life counter.
Since a September 2025 change, a store that runs out of Prerelease Packs may offer 6 Play Boosters as the entry instead; players who take that option do not receive the promo card.
Building your sealed deck
You build a deck of at least 40 cards from the cards you opened plus any number of basic lands, which the store provides. A reliable starting point:
- About 17 lands and 23 spells.
- Two colors, chosen by where your strongest cards and removal spells are.
- Around 15 creatures with a smooth spread of mana costs.
Cards you do not play form your sideboard, and you can swap them in between games.
Tips for your first prerelease
- Arrive early: opening packs and building takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Read the set's new mechanics before the event; Wizards publishes an official prerelease guide for every set.
- Bring sleeves if you want to protect your best cards.
- Ask your opponents questions; prereleases are casual and players expect newcomers.
To find a prerelease, use the Wizards Store & Event Locator and check the store's own announcements, because seats often sell out.
