Is the New Marvel Super Heroes Magic: The Gathering Set Worth Playing?

If you have never touched Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the prospect of starting can feel overwhelming. With over 30 years of history, lore, and mechanics, it is easy to see why. However, Wizards of the Coast has spent the last five years using its “Universes Beyond” releases to act as onramps for fans of other franchises, and their latest, Marvel Super Heroesis arguably the most welcoming yet.

The Marvel Super Heroes Entry Point

Marvel Super Heroes brings icons like Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain America, Doctor Doom, and Thanos into the world of Magic. The set is built to resonate with its source material, introducing mechanics like “Teamwork,” which grants bonuses for controlling multiple creatures from the same team, and “Plans,” which are long-term strategies that reward players for multi-turn setups like “Doom Reigns Supreme” or “Construct a Cosmic Cube.”

Some characters feature dual-faced cards that allow you to transform them mid-game—turning Bruce Banner into The Hulk or Tony Stark into Iron Man—while others can “Power-up” once per game for a significant advantage. Even iconic gear is included; for example, the Legendary Artifact “Mjölnir, Hammer of Thor” requires a creature to be “worthy” to equip it, leading to fun thematic moments like Agent Phil Coulson wielding the hammer.

How to Get Started Without Getting Lost

For those new to the game, the best advice is to avoid the collectible side of Magic—like standard booster packs—until you understand the core mechanics. Instead, start with the Beginner Box. It includes two tutorial decks with step-by-step instructions, two playmats, and a rules reference guide to help navigate the basics of turn flow and combat.

Once you are comfortable with the basics, Jumpstart boosters are the next logical step. By combining two Jumpstart packs, you create a cohesive deck without the complexity of building one from scratch. With 51 different themes available, it is an efficient way to experiment with different playstyles.

Moving Up to Commander

If you want to play a more social format, Marvel Super Heroes offers four preconstructed Commander decks. Commander is a 100-card format where you build around a specific “commander” legendary creature. It is designed for three to four players, focusing on fun and alliance-building rather than purely competitive play. While these preconstructed decks retail for around AUD $140, they provide a complete, ready-to-play experience featuring themes like the Avengers or the Fantastic Four, each offering unique ways to command the board.

Whether you are drawn in by the art or the desire to play as your favorite hero, Marvel Super Heroes provides a structured, accessible path into the deep world of Magic: The Gathering. Given that this release follows last year's Spider-Man set and includes the Mind Stone, fans should likely keep an eye out for further Marvel-themed expansions in the future.