Wizards of the Coast Releases New Encyclopedia Sized Secret Lair
Wizards of the Coast (WotC) released its latest premium collector’s product, the Secret Lair Countdown Kit: An Encyclopedia of Magic, on November 3rd to overwhelming demand.
The launch, which featured 26 alphabet-themed cards with exclusive new art, quickly sold out on the official Secret Lair website.
Priced at $199.99, the kit was marketed as an advent calendar-style experience, with 26 individually wrapped cards for people to open. Each card in the set is non-foil by default but has a chance to be a Traditional Foil or a rare, high-value Halo Foil.
Which Cards are Included in the New Secret Lair?
From a value perspective, the Encyclopedia of Magic delivers a significant return on investment based on the secondary market prices of its contents. The total market value of the cheapest available versions of all 26 cards is estimated to be around $275, well above the kit’s retail price.
The product’s value is anchored by five key reprints that are staples in competitive formats like Commander, Modern, and Legacy:
- Phyrexian Altar ($58)
- Field of the Dead ($40)
- Urza’s Saga ($35)
- Wasteland ($21)
- Krark-Clan Ironworks ($20)
These five cards alone account for approximately $174 in value, nearly covering the entire cost of the box. The financial proposition is further strengthened by a solid mid-tier of cards, including Myrel, Shield of Argive ($19), Isochron Scepter ($15), and Demonic Consultation ($10).
The remainder of the set includes a mix of Commander favorites like Yarok, the Desecrated and combo pieces such as Altar of the Brood, alongside iconic but low-value staples like Sol Ring and Llanowar Elves.
My Thoughts
With the numbers and launch details covered, the question remains: was the Encyclopedia Countdown Kit a success? In my opinion, it was.
The financial math is straightforward. The top handful of cards more than pays for the product, which means buyers receive nearly 20 other cards with exclusive art at no additional cost.
But for a product like this, looking only at price-per-card misses the point. This is a curated experience, designed as a collector’s advent calendar. The appeal for collectors lies in the art, and this kit is a collection of 26 unique pieces from both established Magic artists and newcomers.
The chance to find a Traditional or Halo Foil version of a key card adds a layer of excitement to the unboxing process, making each day a small event. A new version of Phyrexian Altar or Wasteland can be the centerpiece of a collection.
Some have questioned the inclusion of low-value mainstays like Temple of the False God or Llanowar Elves. I believe this criticism overlooks the product’s theme. An “encyclopedia” of Magic would feel incomplete without some of the most foundational and widely played cards in the game’s history.
Including these cards with new art feels less like filler and more like a celebration of the game’s core components. They represent the game’s history just as much as the high-value staples do.
Ultimately, the Secret Lair Encyclopedia Countdown Kit stands apart from the standard release of booster packs or even other Secret Lair drops. It delivers financial value, a collection of exclusive art, and an enjoyable unboxing experience.
