If you’ve ever heard players talk about “Prerelease weekend” and wondered what the big deal is, you’re not alone. For many Magic: The Gathering players, Prerelease is one of the most exciting events of any new set release.
A Prerelease is your first chance to play with a brand-new Magic set before it officially releases. It’s a special event designed to celebrate the launch of new cards, new mechanics, and a fresh experience for players of all skill levels.
Whether you’ve been playing Magic for years or you’ve never shuffled a deck before, Prerelease is one of the most fun and welcoming ways to jump into the game.
So, what happens at a Prerelease?
At a Magic Prerelease, each player receives a Prerelease Kit. Inside that kit, you’ll usually find several booster packs from the new set, a special promo card, and a spindown life counter.
Instead of bringing a deck from home, players build a brand-new deck on the spot using only the cards from their kit. This format is called Sealed.
You open your packs, see what exciting cards you pulled, and build a 40-card deck from that pool. Then you play matches against other players who are doing the same thing.
That means everyone is discovering the new cards together. Nobody has a perfectly tuned competitive deck yet. Everyone is learning, experimenting, and enjoying the set for the first time.
Why is Prerelease so popular?
Prerelease has a very different feel from many other Magic events.
It’s usually more relaxed, more social, and more beginner-friendly than a typical tournament. Since everyone is building from fresh packs, the playing field feels more even. It’s less about having the most expensive cards and more about creativity, adaptability, and enjoying the experience.
Players love Prerelease because it offers:
- A first look at the newest Magic set
- A chance to open and play with new cards early
- A more casual and welcoming event atmosphere
- A fun deckbuilding challenge
- A great way to meet other Magic players in the community
For many players, it’s not just about winning games. It’s about the excitement of opening packs, trying new mechanics, and sharing in the buzz of a brand-new release.
Is Prerelease good for beginners?
Yes — Prerelease is one of the best events for new players.
Because everyone is learning the new set at the same time, it can actually be easier for beginners to jump in. You do not need to show up with a deck, and you do not need to know every card in the format ahead of time.
At Storming Good Games, Prerelease events are friendly and community-focused. Experienced players and staff are happy to help newer players with deckbuilding, card evaluation, or rules questions.
If you’ve been wanting to try Magic in person, Prerelease is a fantastic place to start.
What should you bring to a Prerelease?
You do not need much. The bare minimum is just bringing yourself! However, many players bring the following (all of which are also available to purchase in store):
- Sleeves for their deck
- Dice or counters
- A playmat if they have one
- A water bottle or snack for longer events
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn
Sleeves, dice, and playmats are not necessities to participate and if
We use the Magic Companion app for round pairings and event organization, so download that from your app store ahead of time!
How long does a Prerelease last?
Our Prerelease events start with deckbuilding, followed by several rounds of play. Depending on the number of players, it can last a few hours.
Some players stay for the whole event, while others just come for the experience of opening packs, building a deck, and playing a few rounds.
Do I keep the cards?
Yes. The cards you open in your Prerelease Kit are yours to keep.
That is part of the fun. Even after the event is over, you leave with new cards to add to your collection, trade with friends, or build future decks around.
And of course, there is always the thrill of opening something amazing.
Why you should try a Prerelease
Magic Prerelease events capture a lot of what makes the game special: discovery, creativity, community, and fun.
They are a celebration of a new set and a chance for players to experience Magic in its freshest form. Whether you’re a longtime fan or totally new to the game, Prerelease is one of the best ways to enjoy Magic: The Gathering.
If you’ve never been to one before, don’t be intimidated. Prerelease is meant to be exciting, welcoming, and memorable.
Come open some packs, build something awesome, and experience the new set before anyone else.