Jamey Stegmaier is both a publisher and game designer. He’s best known for Scythe, which cleverly blends a complex resource optimization puzzle with the pushing and shoving of area control, delightfully packaged in a novel steampunk universe with giant mechs. But that universe also features in another of his games, Expeditions, where players take the part of explorers, controlling individual mechs, delving into darkest Siberia in search of a mysterious meteorite.

Multiple games set in the same shared universe is nothing new. But Stegmaier’s latest offering, Duel of Meloch, is a very novel take worthy of the best board games in terms of ambition: it’s a stand-alone game that allows two players to go head to head, one using the rules from Scythe and the other the rules from Expeditions, with a little judicious tweaking. You don’t need to have either of those titles to play but, if you do, you can use their factions or characters in the duel, and vice-versa.

Triple the rules

This means, as you might have guessed, that playing Duel of Meloch requires you to learn three different sets of rules: one for Scythe, one for Expeditions and one for the Duel itself, which is mercifully simple compared to the other two. Neither of those games are particularly lightweight so, unless you’re already familiar with one or both of them, this is a fairly herculean task. Neither are their rules included, so you’ll have to crib them from the internet if you need them.

Running a game with two entirely different rules sets feels like it shouldn’t work, but the secret sauce is that both titles use similar hex-map boards and have similar victory conditions. In Duel of Meloch, each hex space has double the number of icons, some of which are used in the Expeditions rules and some of which are used in the Scythe rules. The latter, for instance, is an engine-building game, so the hex icons you need to pay attention to are what kind of benefit they provide if your workers take a “produce” action there as you spread your miniature empire across the board. The former, meanwhile, is more about card management and allows you to take actions to play or refresh those cards based on the icons of the hex your mech is currently in.

In both games players race to earn stars by fulfilling certain conditions, and the same is true of Duel of Meloch, which hands victory to the first player to gain four stars. The included “triumph track” has eight possible spaces for stars, with different conditions for both players printed on each. Both games have a coin resource, for example, so there’s a star available for the Scythe player earning 12 and the Expeditions player earning 9. Often the requirements are very different however: another star is available for the Scythe player deploying their fourth mech, and the Expeditions player upgrading their mech three times. Importantly, and unlike the base games, these stars are exclusive. So once one player has taken a slot, it’s blocked to the other player.

This immediately makes the game more directly interactive than either of its parent titles, but that’s not the only point of interaction. The two players can also fight directly in Duel of Meloch, basically using the card-based combat system from Scythe. The Expeditions player can gain these cards from using certain map icons and combat is triggered if their mech moves into a hex containing mechs or workers belonging to the Scythe player which, given the relatively small board, is pretty common. In combat each player secretly selects how much of their power resource they're willing to spend, plus bonuses from optional combat cards, one per unit in the fight. This gives the Scythe player an edge in fights, as the Expeditions player only ever has one unit.

Double the fun

The most astonishing thing about Duel of Meloch is how well these two entirely different systems work together. It’s a bold experiment, and mechanically speaking it’s entirely successful. Both Scythe and Expeditions are very enjoyable games in their own way, and this Duel version preserves that enjoyment near-perfectly.

The Scythe player is still focussed on the complexities of building their engine through optimal movement and resource management. Indeed, arguably, Scythe here is marginally more fun than it is in the original game, particularly for beginners, as the sheer scope of the full board can feel overwhelming. Expeditions is still about the struggle for card management and collecting upgrades that fit your strategy as you try and tame corruption across the board. This portion of the game suffers a little from the smaller board and the lack of face-down hexes that give the original a real feel of exploration, but it’s still plenty fun enough.

However, the degree to which the two games meld into one in Duel of Meloch is almost too perfect. There’s a nagging question as to why, given the smoothness of the translation, you’d choose to play this format over simply playing one of the original games with two. It’s true that both parent games work better with more than two, but that feels like a relatively thin reason to have to internalize both different rules sets, plus modifications, to play a single game. You can, however, use the small maps here to play quickfire two-player games of just Scythe or just Expeditions, if you own that particular original game.

A potentially more compelling reason is the degree of interaction in this head-to-head version. Expeditions isn’t a very interactive game at all. Scythe is more so but it’s deceptive; although it looks and feels like an old-fashioned combat game, growing your engine is a far more important plank of victory than combat. The relatively cramped maps in Duel of Meloch - there are two, on opposite sides of the lovely neoprene mat that serves as a board - do ensure more interaction, but not as much as the game seems to promise. The Expeditions player can stop the Scythe player’s workers from producing in a hex, so it’s tempting to use that blocking power on undefended hexes. But because they’re weaker in combat they need to pick their battles very carefully, making actual fights relatively rare.

It’s a similar story with the triumph track. While, in theory, having each space as mutually exclusive should invite competition, it also makes it dangerous. If one player draws ahead in a race for a particular slot, it’s generally wise to stop competing for it, otherwise you’re potentially wasting precious actions. As a result, the bulk of each faction’s gameplay is still very much focussed on doing the core things from their own parent game rather than engaging with the things that make Duel of Meloch stand out.

Where this box really shines, though, is when you own and are already familiar with both of its source games. Having a new faction for Scythe and a new character for Expeditions is great, and both are designed to feel distinct from the existing options. Plus the miniatures for these new options look great, really adding to the visual pop of the original games. Similarly, having both parents allows you to swap their factions and characters into Duel of Meloch, giving you a ton of variety to mess around with. While you’ll mostly be sticking to the rules and actions of the source box, lining different options up against each other in the included “Tournament of Meloch” campaign version.

Should you buy Duel of Meloch?

There’s a pretty simple path to recommending Duel of Meloch: if you have access to, and enjoy, both Scythe and Expeditions, it’s entirely worthwhile. Having it as an expansion to the base games is reason enough. The option to play a two-player Duel campaign, or use the included components for fast, two-player variants of the originals, is just gravy.

If you’re not, or if you only own one of the games, not only is there not really enough here to engage with but the entry barrier is frustratingly high. You’ll need to learn an entire new game to enjoy Duel of Meloch and the results feel too similar to the original games to stand out. While it’s a fascinating experiment in mechanical blending, you’re better off simply picking up one of those games, or sticking with whichever you already own.

This review was conducted using a sample provided by the publisher. For more details on our process, check how we test board games or the GamesRadar+ reviews policy.

Magic: The Gathering poster boy Jace Beleren has gone off the deep end in MTG Reality Fracture, and as demonstrated by a card GamesRadar+ can exclusively reveal, things are coming unstuck.

The Planeswalker is attempting to overwrite reality with his own, 'better' version called Echoverse, and the set's conflict revolves around everyone teaming up to stop him (they understandably take issue with being written out of existence). That includes our card reveal's Budding Insurgent, who is doing their best to sow discord in the alternate world of MTG Reality Fracture (which is up for pre-order now via Amazon ahead of an October 2 release date).

A 3/3 green Dryad Scout, Budding Insurgent costs three mana (one green, two generic) and has the 'Vigilance' keyword that means they don't tap to attack. However, that's not the interesting thing; they also have a special power that should level the playing field. Take a look:

This is very thematically fitting. Although you're sacrificing Budding Insurgent in the process, you destroy an enchantment or artifact in the process (representing them lifting the wool from an Echoverse citizen's eyes, I assume). If that permanent was a legendary artifact, you also get to draw a card. Handy.

Basically, Budding Insurgent could be a real pain in the ass when used correctly. If you're running a standard green ramp and building up to larger creatures, it also lets you harry the foe while gaining strength… or keep them off-balance.

This card should be available via Play and Collector Boosters, both of which are available to pre-order at Amazon.

While there's plenty in the offing for one of the best card games in 2027, one thing we can guarantee won't arrive to Magic is the Wizarding World – an MTG Harry Potter set is "very unlikely" according to Magic: The Gathering head designer.

• See all Reality Fracture offers at Amazon

It's a swings-and-roundabouts kinda day, because the Pokemon Center seems to be cancelling countless reseller/bot orders… but genuine fans may have been caught up in the Pokemon card crackdown too.

Social media is abuzz today with news that bot purchases from the official Pokemon Center store have been automatically shut down. Indeed, I've already seen numerous screengrabs of emails reading "your order has been cancelled." Considering how much of a scourge resellers are for fans of the best card games, this is cause for celebration. (It's near impossible to buy Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration right now because they keep scooping up items to flog at a higher price, with Miniature Market being one of the few places I've seen that isn't absurdly inflated.) However, there are also reports that innocent fans are being burned as well. I've seen just as many complaints that normal Pokemon card orders are being swept up in the cancellation spree.

The where-to-buy account Poke Signals reported on Twitter/X that "Pokemon Center woke up and chose violence! THOUSANDS of bot orders in a gigantic wave have just been cancelled." This was posted with an accompanying screenshot, which was quickly picked up on reddit where the story is fast approaching 4K upvotes. Unfortunately, both threads are full of comments from fans who claim that their orders have been stopped too.

It doesn't seem to be an isolated incident. Reddit's Pokemon TCG thread are full of these stories as well – I scrolled for thirty seconds and found half a dozen. The response is usually the same; the person in question only bought one of an item, and it was all under one account (resellers often use multiple accounts and cards to sneakily get as many products as possible). We obviously can't tell for certain whether these reports are genuine, but the sheer number of them makes me think it's a legitimate problem.

So, what's happening here? The community seems to agree it's one of two things; either a small number of fans are collateral damage in a new push to deter resellers, or the Pokemon Center oversold so is having to cancel orders. Neither is particularly great.

I've reached out to The Pokemon Company to learn more, and will update this story if/when I get a response.

In other card game news, Magic: The Gathering's head designer promises that an MTG Harry Potter set is "very unlikely."

• See all of the current 30th Celebration offers at Amazon

It says a lot that I'd consider recommending Wingspan Pocket to someone over the original. Don't get me wrong, the first game is a modern classic that's earned its glowing reputation. (We called it "one of the greats" in our Wingspan review.) But this bite-size version fixes some of the original's most common criticisms, so it's hard not to be won over.

After running multiple test sessions with friends and family, I'd go so far as to say Wingspan Pocket is the perfect introduction to this series. It's also ideal for existing fans who want a shorter alternative or something they can play on the go.

Corvid combos

Wingspan is often listed amongst the best board games for a reason, so this pint-sized version doesn't mess with the formula; your aim is still to collect resources and buy birds from a central market that provide points alongside special abilities. Whoever earns the highest score at the end will win.

However, it streamlines the process. Rather than using multiple biomes that require specific kinds of birds, you play all of them in a single row beside your 'nest.' So long as you can pay their cost (be it specific resources, eggs, or a mix of both), you're allowed to place birds without restriction. Plus, the way you gather those resources is much more straightforward than before; each bird card has a random resource symbol printed on the back, and these can be drawn from the central market as well. It's a far more elegant solution than the OG game's dice.

Wingspan Pocket ends once someone has played six birds, so it's important to choose your lineup wisely. That's because most birds have unique abilities that help you throughout the game. These are incredibly varied; some might allow you to earn extra resources each turn, while others let you hunt birds for bonus points later on. No matter what, these powers stack and (usually) activate at the end of every turn, so it's possible to construct some very clever combos if you're careful.

Because all birds have an end-of-game points score, you'll have to weigh up their value versus how useful their ability is going to be. This is where the game gets clever.

Nip and tuck

If you're patient, you can create some incredibly powerful match-ups. As an example, I played a bird early on in one session that earned no end-game points… but it allowed me to choose two extra cards (resources or birds) each turn if I discarded something. I combined this with another bird that let me swap a resource to 'tuck' cards underneath for points. Using the two in tandem allowed me to build momentum fast.

It's true that you're at the mercy of whichever cards are available in the market. But the key is recognizing combos and being flexible enough to act on them. If you win, it's because you were skillful – not because you got lucky.

When you act is also crucial. Putting down a card at the right time can spell the difference between victory and defeat. For instance, that bird I used early on would be useless if played near the end of a match. But played right away? It got the ball rolling.

This is the kind of clever gameplay that makes Wingspan so beloved… albeit at a faster pace, with fewer obstacles to surmount. That's why I became so enamored with Wingspan Pocket after just a couple of tries; it has all the brilliance, with fewer barriers to entry.

Should you buy Wingspan Pocket?

If you're new to the franchise and want an easy-to-understand entry point, you won't find a better option than Wingspan Pocket. While the likes of Finspan are just as accessible, Pocket is faster to play and more streamlined on the whole.

As for existing fans, this is a great choice if you want something quicker or more portable. It loses none of the original's strategic splendor, but addresses many of its criticisms. Wingspan Pocket isn't as deep, I'll admit, but it captures enough of its predecessor's magic that you won't mind.

This review was conducted using a sample provided by the publisher. For more details on our process, check how we test board games or the GamesRadar+ reviews policy.

It looks as though we won't be getting an MTG Harry Potter crossover any time soon, because a Magic: The Gathering designer is clear that Wizarding World sets aren't on the cards right now.

Following Hasbro acquiring the rights to make toys and games based on the franchise earlier this year, there was a lot of talk about whether an MTG Harry Potter set was on the way. However, Magic head designer Mark Rosewater has made it clear on his personal Tumblr that this crossover isn't being conjured up by publisher Wizards of the Coast – and more to the point, it might not ever be a part of the 'Universes Beyond' initiative.

On Rosewater's Tumblr, a fan asked "How likely is a Harry Potter UB [Universes Beyond] product?". Rosewater's response was to the point; he simply replied "Very unlikely."

While this doesn't necessarily preclude a one-off Secret Lair drop (e.g. a batch of limited cards that are only available via the Secret Lair store for a short period of time), it does seem like an open-shut case. I don't know about you, but that took me by surprise. Although Rosewater is traditionally very willing to discuss all things Magic with the community (a trait that got him in hot water when he said fans must adapt or "walk away" if they don't like Universes Beyond), it's uncommon for designers or company reps to talk so openly about potential products. With that in mind, shutting the possibility down this firmly is notable.

Indeed, everything before this has been more vague. On a reddit thread discussing whether Wizards would use Harry Potter earlier this year, the official community team noted that "The Magic Multiverse has its own school of Magic at Strixhaven with plenty of secrets still to explore. Our Universes Beyond roadmap currently doesn't have us visiting any others." The word currently left the door ajar for a future collaboration, whereas this new stance shuts it.

Even though Rosewater doesn't have final say in what products Magic produces, it's fair to assume he's entrenched in Wizards' internal politics. As such, saying a Harry Potter crossover is "very unlikely" feels telling. In a reddit thread discussing the matter, the most upvoted comment (by user Imnimo) addresses this directly: "I'm of course not surprised at the answer, but I am a bit surprised Mark is willing to actually say it, since he's previously been pretty hesitant to speculate about future UB franchises. I know this is a bit of a special case, but still." User ThoughtseizeScoop agrees, adding that "This is about as hard a no as he can give."

The 'why' of it all is a different matter, of course. While it's possible that the controversy surrounding Harry Potter due to author JK Rowling's publicly-stated views regarding the rights of transgender people is enough to make Wizards leery, we can't say for sure. It's also plausible that behind-the-scenes rights issues are getting in the way, for instance.

However, there is one thing we do know: that we won't be getting the boy wizard on Magic cards any time soon.

Magic may not be making Harry Potter-related MTG sets, but Lego is going ahead with new sets based on the HBO show.

GamesRadar+ acknowledges the role of J.K. Rowling in the creation of the Wizarding World, as well as her publicly-stated views regarding the rights of transgender people. If you'd like to offer your support to the communities affected by Rowling's rhetoric, consider donating to the National Center for Transgender Equality in the US, or Mermaids in the UK.

• See the latest offers on MTG at Amazon

Beloved D&D board game Castle Ravenloft has risen like a vampire from its coffin, and a new version is due to terrorize fans again early in 2027.

Resurrected by Renegade Game Studios, the publisher responsible for Heroscape and Unstoppable. Although it brings back that classic co-op gameplay that sees you battling your way through Castle Ravenloft in a bid to defeat vampire lord Strahd von Zarovich, it gives the board game a total visual overhaul to match modern D&D.

Alongside a standard edition with unpainted miniatures for $100, there will also be a premium version of Castle Ravenloft which contains pre-painted models ($200). Both will release in February 2027 and are up for pre-order via Renegade Game Studios now.

According to the press release, this new spin on Castle Ravenloft (which originally came out in 2010 and has been incredibly difficult to find in the years since then) "refreshes the game's artwork, logos, and graphic design to align with the current Dungeons & Dragons ruleset while preserving the gameplay that made the original a modern classic."

If you're new to Castle Ravenloft, it's a classic dungeon-crawler; 1-5 players will plumb the depths of the eponymous fortress battling monsters and finding treasure before eventually facing Strahd himself. Like many of the best board games, it isn't a one-and-done affair either. There are 13 replayable adventures here in total.

This board game adapts the Curse of Strahd campaign's final challenge, an epic dungeon-crawl through the vampire's castle before fighting its master in an all-or-nothing brawl.​ As such, it's a solid alternative for anyone who wants a slice of that magic without needing to commit to a months-long adventure. It's also a nice way of revisiting that world if you've already played Curse of Strahd; it's like a victory lap.

The game will launch this coming February, so I guess you better start gathering your party now – there's a vampire to slay.

Strahd's popularity is carrying over to TV, too; Neflix orders Dungeons and Dragons TV show based on Ravenloft from Children of Men director Alfonso Cuarón.

• See the latest offers on co-op board games at Amazon

In 2011, Iello and Richard Garfield released King of Tokyo, a kaiju-centric game in which players wrestled for control of Tokyo. The heart of the game used a Yahtzee-like mechanic, in which players repeatedly rolled a set of six dice. Different symbols translated to different results, ranging from gaining resources, dealing damage to other monsters, or gaining victory points. While the game has seen several variant versions over the years, it always wore its largest inspiration on its sleeve – the iconic monster franchise Godzilla.

After 15 years, Godzilla is now part of the King of Tokyo franchise. This summer, Iello released a new King of Tokyo: Godzilla game, featuring six monsters from the Godzilla series. The new edition is a loving homage as a result, with dozens of art pieces made by Markus Erdt. Not only does the new game pay proper respect to the monster IP that inspired what is one of the most enduring and arguably best board games, it also wisely retains the core King of Tokyo franchise, making it extremely accessible to players of all skill levels.

Power up

King of Tokyo: Godzilla sticks with a time-tested game formula that has held true for the last 15 years. Each player controls a single monster, each of which comes with a bespoke game board and an evolution deck. The game board tracks a player’s overall health and victory points. In certain conditions (which we’ll get to later), players can draw from their evolution deck and choose an evolution that upgrades their monster in some way. Each monster has their own evolution deck, with abilities that range from one-time uses to persistent buffs.

The final "piece" of King of Tokyo: Godzilla is the power deck. The power deck consists of generic abilities that any player can purchase if they have enough energy. These range from one-time use abilities to persistent power-ups that stay in play for the rest of the game.

So far, so familiar.

The one new wrinkle in King of Tokyo: Godzilla's gameplay is the use of Event cards. These enter play when placed into the power card marketplace. Every Event comes with an effect that impacts all monsters for the duration that the card remains in play, as well as a discard ability. Players can purchase the Event with energy and discard it, gaining some kind of benefit.

While this is the game's major change, it's not the only addition. Another way that King of Tokyo: Godzilla stands out is its premium wooden components. The dice, and energy markers are all made of wood, and even the cardboard standees are built from sturdier material than other games in the series. While King of Tokyo: Godzilla isn’t billed as a premium edition, it certainly feels like one solely due to the quality of the game components.

Be prepared

King of Tokyo: Godzilla’s gameplay is precisely the same as the base version of King of Tokyo, so your mileage will vary depending on how familiar you already are with that system.

Players take turns rolling a pool of six dice, setting aside the results they want to keep. You can usually re-roll your dice up to two times, and every result returns different effects. A monster footprint deals damage to other players, a heart restores life, energy symbols gain energy that can be used to purchase power cards, and victory point symbols score victory points (but only if a player gets three of the same number). If a player rolls three hearts, they can bypass the healing and opt to gain an evolution instead. It's nice and simple.

Outside of rolling dice, players also battle for control of Tokyo. You score victory points for entering the city and gain more for remaining in control of it at the start of your turn, so it's the prize everyone's got their eye on. This is where the game's strategy rears its head; while in Tokyo, a player’s attacks can target all other monsters, thus dealing waves of damage to each opponent. However, you'll also be the target of every other player’s attacks and can’t heal on your turn either. Because you can leave Tokyo at any time, you've got to weigh up risk versus reward. How long do you stay?

There's an added layer to contend with as well. If a player cedes control of Tokyo, whoever's turn is next will immediately enter the city, so you need to always be prepared for the potential of taking a round of attacks from others. There's more to juggle than you might think.

Gameplay continues until one of two victory conditions are met. Either a player gains 20 victory points or one player is the last monster standing. I’ll note that in all my years playing King of Tokyo, I’ve never seen a game go until 20 victory points. That’s not to say that it can’t happen, but it’s far more likely that the game becomes an all-out monster brawl instead of a strategic race for victory points.

While King of Tokyo: Godzilla isn’t technically a party game, it’s enjoyed best in large groups. The game can be quite chaotic and a lot of the game is outside of a player’s control. Sure, players can take advantage of power cards and evolution cards, but there’s no way to mitigate bad dice rolls, and there’s few ways to block damage. The key to enjoying the game is to just embrace the chaos – you’re not going to win every game of King of Tokyo, but if you don’t take it too seriously, you’ll have a good time.

Should you buy King of Tokyo: Godzilla?

King of Tokyo: Godzilla is essentially a premium version of King of Tokyo. It has better components, better artwork, and actual recognizable monsters instead of generic homages to different sci-fi movies.

However, it’s still King of Tokyo, one of the more popular board games released over the past 20 years. If you have a base version of King of Tokyo, this version features a few new mechanics found in various expansions. If you’re a King of Tokyo fanatic, all this game offers is some new monsters and a single new novel mechanic.

Still, this was an easy buy for me. My family loves King of Tokyo and Godzilla, so this was a day one purchase for me. The artwork is fantastic and gives the game a very unique vibe that, when coupled with the premium components, makes this game feel a bit different from the base version. Even my veteran board game group ooohed and ahhed when I pulled this game out, precisely because it looks and feels so nice. So, if you like Godzilla or want a premium King of Tokyo experience, this game is definitely for you.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Looking for another new spin on an old favorite? Horrified: Ravenloft is a slam-dunk for D&D fans, but innovation is starting to be 'mist'.

This copy of the game was bought by the reviewer. For more details on our process, see this guide on how we test board games or the GamesRadar+ reviews policy.

It goes without saying that TCG availability is dire across the board right now, but it seems as though there's no escaping this card game rat race; even an accessory company is adding chase editions for its latest binder.

Revealed on Twitter/X, accessory maker Vault X has announced that it's celebrating its 30 year anniversary by releasing the "ultimate collector’s binder" for a limited time. Besides only being available for 30 days (between September 1-30), each size features "just 500 Chase Editions, hidden at random." According to the product listing page, these include gold detailing, a gold-pattern microfiber lining, and individual numbering.

Don't get me wrong, the binder looks beautiful regardless of whether you're getting the 4, 9, 12, or 16-pocket version. Thanks to a crisp white design and a golden zip, it's very sleek. More power to you if the idea of a chase edition has you excited as well – I'm not here to judge. I actually think it'd be neat if not for the state of the industry. However, the limited nature of this drop has me feeling tired to my bones.

I've spent a long time reporting on how absurdly difficult it's been to get hold of new sets for Pokemon, Lorcana, Riftbound, and more (as demonstrated by our guide on where the buy Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration), so seeing a company lean hard into that same scarcity while using it as a marketing ploy is… well, it's exhausting. It makes the whole hobby feel like a grind which thrives on fear of missing out. TCGs seem more obsessed with resale value and rarity than ever these days, and it's as though this VaultX chase edition celebrates the very thing that's sucking the air from the room for those of us who just want to play.

What do you think? Are you game for an exclusive chase edition binder, or are you feeling as tired of the grind as I am? Let's get that discussion started in the comments below.

Want a break from that endless battle with resellers? Check out our guide to the best card games.

• See the best prices on VaultX products at Amazon

I think the cursed monkey paw just curled a finger, because a beloved Warhammer 40K model – the Space Marine Thunderhawk – has returned in plastic… but not as you might expect.

I'd say that the community is very 'broken up' about this, but it's really the Warhammer 40K ship that's in pieces. Literally: the Thunderhawk is back with a brand-new plastic model, but it's a ruined pile of slag. The "Thunderhawk Impact Site" is a terrain kit that splits the Space Marine transport into multiple ruined pieces you can scatter across the battlefield. Considering how the post showing this off is tantalizingly titled "Revealed: The plastic Thunderhawk gunship," I have to applaud Warhammer's bravado. That's some mighty fine trolling.

The community seems to agree. It's putting its hands together for this thoroughly silly bait and switch, with one of the most upvoted comments on a reddit thread discussing the reveal from ThatAdamGuy summing the whole situation up nicely: "Some top tier shitposting, and I love it."

They're not wrong. Fans have been waiting decades to get their hands on a plastic Thunderhawk, because this venerable troop transport has only ever been featured in small-scale games like Legions Imperialis or as an enormous, unwieldy beast made from metal or resin for Warhammer 40K/Horus Heresy. These latter models were also prohibitively expensive, so the community has been patient in its hope for a cheaper alternative. I guess we'll just have to keep dreaming for now.

It's unclear when this Thunderhawk scenery kit will arrive, and Warhammer claims it's "still a way off in the future." However, it should make an appearance in photos from the upcoming Space Marine Codex, so I guess it can't be too far away.

As many have rightly pointed out, there also seems to be a knowing wink to this announcement – which makes me think an actual plastic Thunderhawk model is coming to Warhammer 40K in the not-so-distant future. We'll just have to wait and see, but I guess it couldn't hurt to keep our fingers crossed.

The latest edition is well under way, and the new Warhammer 40K Ork models are good enough to make me want to declare WAAAGH on all other factions.

• See the latest Warhammer 40K offers at Amazon

Warlock, the next big D&D game after 2023's Baldur's Gate 3, made a big splash at this week's Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026, straight-up spoiling RPG nerds with a nearly ten-minute showcase including breathtaking cinematics as well as combat and exploration-focused gameplay. And while there's zero doubt Warlock is a D&D game through and through, featuring an original story pulled from established lore, developer Invoked Studios is very much designing the game as a standalone RPG bearing the developer's unique trademark.

"We're working really closely with the TTRPG folks as well as Wizards of the Coast to try and see how we can bring our own secret sauce to the game," Warlock creative director Jeffrey Hattem tells GamesRadar+ during Gamescom 2026.

"We're not just there, right? We respect the brand of D&D. We're building on the shoulders of giants, obviously. It's a 50-plus year game that has a collaboration of many storytellers, writers, artists, and we're looking to put our own contribution to the world of D&D as well. We're adding new spells as well. It's not just what you're typically expecting."

In the same interview, Hattem made a point to distance Warlock from Baldur's Gate 3 despite calling Larian's award-winning RPG "a great game" and expressing anticipation for Divinity. He also confirmed you'll be able to enjoy Warlock completely without any previous knowledge of D&D, which is great to hear as someone whose only experience with the franchise is Baldur's Gate.

"We're building a game that is intended for players that could have never played Dungeons and Dragons," he says. "It's not required to come in. [Protagonist] Kaatri is a stranger in a strange land ... players can go along that journey with her as well at the same time and learn what they need to know, but if you're a fan of D&D, I hope that you're going to find a lot of Easter eggs and secrets and realizations of things that you would expect and find familiar as well."

Warlock escapes Baldur's Gate 3's long shadow with a very different take on D&D that I'm happy to roll my dice on

Yesterday, the Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 showcase graced us with a neat, nearly ten-minute-long look at Warlock, the next big Dungeons & Dragons-inspired video game to come after Larian Studios' own Baldur's Gate 3 back in 2023.

Warlock was first unveiled last year when D&D publisher Wizards of the Coast revealed that it was working on a new open-world game featuring Tasha, an archmage and demonologist you might recognize from various other adventures within the Forgotten Realms.

Last night, Gamescom 2026 offered us a deeper peek at the mysterious project – one that shows how so very different it actually is from Baldur's Gate 3… and developers agree.

Speaking to GamesRadar+ in a new interview, vice president of creative at Invoke Studios Jeffrey Hattem explains as much when asked about Baldur's Gate 3 and the influence it might have had on Warlock – seeing as, you know, it's arguably one of the most influential RPGs to date.

"What we're doing is very different as [what] you saw from From Baldur's Gate," the lead admits, going on to praise Larian's record-breaking Game of the Year winner.

"It's a great game," Hattem says. "I enjoyed it as well when I played it." It's no Warlock, however. "We're set in a different part of Dungeons and Dragons," as the VP describes, "so we're in the Domain of Dread, going into the realm of Darkon."

That checks out. Darkon is in fact the largest domain in Ravenloft, one of my favorite (and many other players') D&D settings – it's no Faerûn, as it's in an entirely separate plane.

Regardless, I'm incredibly excited to dive into Wizards of the Coast's big game – and ready to enjoy D&D in a non-turn-based setting, too. What little we've seen so far makes me believe that Warlock's new take on the tabletop classic will, in fact, work… and it'll work well.

Searching for other new games to hop into? Here are the best tabletop RPGs you and your pals can enjoy this year – there's more than D&D out there, after all.

Tonight's Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 showcase brought many an intriguing reveal and sneak peek – including a nearly ten-minute long look at Warlock, the next big Dungeons & Dragons-inspired video game to come after Baldur's Gate 3.

Late last year, D&D publisher Wizards of the Coast unveiled that it was working on a new open-world game dubbed Warlock – a game that features Tasha, an archmage and demonologist you might recognize from various other adventures in the Forgotten Realms. We've not seen too much of Warlock since, but the brand-new trailer highlighted today at Gamescom 2026 provides us with a solid eight minutes of the game – and I can't get enough.

At the beginning of the trailer, we get a good look at experienced warrior Kaatri and, of course, Tasha, who is also voiced by Maggie Robertson – the Maggie Robertson, who plays Orin the Red in Baldur's Gate 3 and Lady Dimitrescu in Resident Evil Village.

The new trailer is also letting us get to know the story of Warlock a bit better. As per Wizards of the Coast's description, Warlock follows Kaatri after she "makes a dangerous pact with Tasha to find someone she has lost."

As Kaatri, we'll "combine forbidden magic, spells, rituals, and otherworldly weapons to open paths, create advantages, uncover secrets, and defeat monsters creatively" – you know, D&D-style. The setting itself places us in Darkon, the largest domain in Ravenloft.

I'm impressed by the gameplay as well, with all of its gritty RPG vibes. It's giving Dragon's Dogma 2 in the best way possible, with D&D flair to boot. Hopefully, when Warlock arrives sometime in 2027, it delivers – and something tells me it will.

Searching for other new games to hop into? Here are the best tabletop RPGs you and your pals can enjoy this year – there's more than D&D out there, after all.

Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons – Ravenloft is a cozy board game, and you can't tell me otherwise.

OK, I hear you. The world it takes place in is a pulsing mass of awful that's as far from 'homey' as you could possibly imagine. But because it takes a beloved franchise back to its gothic roots by crossing over with what is arguably D&D's most popular adventure, it feels… well, nostalgic. That's why I've been more excited to try Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons – Ravenloft than most of its predecessors. It's a homecoming.

The Mists take you

As the name would suggest, Horrified leans hard into horror tropes – but you aren't tackling them alone. This is a co-op game first and foremost, meaning you win or lose together. There have been numerous versions since the series launched in 2019 (ranging from the original which focused on Universal Monsters like Dracula to a Greek Myth-inspired spin-off), but the core mechanics remain the same regardless; complete unique challenges to defeat monsters who roam the board, all while trying to stop them from eating villagers. If a monster successfully attacks you or kills a villager, the 'terror' meter rises. Hit a certain 'terror' level and it's game over.

This leads to some fiendish Catch 22 moments. Sometimes you'll be stuck between a rock and a hard place by choosing whether to save a villager or let them die so that you can secure a vital advantage against your enemy. Time is of the essence, after all, and sometimes the ends justify the means.

Horrified Ravenloft uses the same framework, but brings back the class system introduced in the D&D-themed sequel. This time you're able to use the Warlock, Paladin, Druid, Ranger, or Sorcerer, each with special abilities activated by using a d20 die.

Seeing as it's based on D&D's iconic Curse of Strahd campaign where the party finds itself trapped in a grim world ruled by monsters, it also pits you against four foes from that setting: Baba Lysaga and her walking hut, the demonic Gulthias Tree, a creepy Carionette (which doesn't appear in the adventure but has since been added to Ravenloft), and the vampire lord Strahd von Zarovich. Each one possesses unique powers to ruin your day, and they can only be defeated by completing a special challenge.

These challenges are pulled directly from D&D, so fans will get a real kick out of the process. Randomly-drawn tarot cards determine the location of three items needed to kill Strahd, for example, and you must go to fortune-teller Madam Eva's tent to learn what they are… just like in the tabletop RPG.

Dark Pacts

That reverence for the source material is clear throughout Horrified Ravenloft. Whether it's seeing familiar faces amongst the villagers, exploring major and minor locations on the board, or drawing cards featuring obscure characters from lore, this game has clearly been made by fans.

It makes full use of the setting to introduce some wrinkles, too. While we've seen class abilities before, this version of the game shakes things up with Dark Pacts – the kind you can dabble in throughout Curse of Strahd. These provide a permanent bonus (like being able to take a free move action) but come with significant drawbacks. Visually 'corrupting' your player card is the least of it; my Ranger would damage any other player character sharing my space if I ended my turn there, for example.

Because you can use these Dark Pacts at any time, the tricky bit is knowing when to deploy them.

Similarly, the monsters are nuanced – and different – enough to provide a lot of entertainment. As a case in point, you've got to complete a maze puzzle to defeat Baba Lysaga, clearing her minions from each path so you can slide a gem token to the bottom. Meanwhile, the Gulthias Tree stays in place… but sends out malicious Tree Blights across the board in its stead.

All this combines with the already rock-solid Horrified formula for a compelling twist of the tale. Yes, the same issues still lurk beneath the surface. Luck plays a significant part in where monsters move and how hard they hit, for instance. You can also be screwed over by chance – villagers spawning on top of a monster or the item you need not appearing, say. Nonetheless, all the good bits are still here too. If anything, Ravenloft's additions only enhance them. It's engrossing from moment to moment, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

It's one of those games that's paradoxically harder yet more fun with more people, too. While monsters don't get 'extra' turns (they always act after every player, no matter whether that's two or five), it takes longer for your turn to come around in a multiplayer match so there's a greater chance of trouble. Seeing a monster march inexorably toward you when there's nothing you can do about it is tense to say the least.

Again, some may become frustrated by the fact that you can't plan too far ahead because you never know where the monsters will go. But for me, that's part of the fun. You're battling the unknown and Horrified Ravenloft is always hurling curveballs your way, so you constantly have to think on your feet. That's where the strategy comes in; it's about triaging priorities and being able to pivot.

Should you buy Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons - Ravenloft?

Whether it's worth grabbing Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons – Ravenloft will depend on how familiar you are with the franchise. If you've played many of the previous versions, you're unlikely to be bowled over by these additions (unless you skipped the last D&D Horrified, anyway). This is the same game with a few minor updates, not an overhaul.

If you don't have much experience with Horrified, on the other hand, you'll have a blast. This is a great introduction to the series and returns to its classic horror roots. I still think the original (Universal Monsters) is top dog, but Ravenloft gives it a good run for its money. Even if you have no idea who Strahd is, you'll enjoy this for its gothic feel and twisted baddies.

Love Curse of Strahd, on the other hand? Well, that's enough to circumvent most of the problems I raise above. You'll get a real kick out of battling foes you've spent hours opposing in D&D, and this is a vertical slice of everything that makes the campaign sing. It's nostalgia for Strahd in a box, so you'll often find yourself saying "oh, I remember that!" with much fondness.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

For more recommendations, why not check out the best 2-player board games or the best tabletop RPGs?

This review was conducted using a sample provided by the publisher. For more on our process, check how we test board games or the GamesRadar+ reviews policy.

If you've played a trading card game in the last 10 years, chances are good that you'll understand much of what the Cyberpunk Trading Card Game (henceforth referred to as simply Cyberpunk TCG) from Weird Co is doing. It's pretty common for a new TCG to use bits and pieces of successful formulas elsewhere – resource management a bit like Lorcana, unit combat close to the Gundam TCG – while introducing some new complexity or change we don't tend to see with the best card games.

For Cyberpunk TCG, that's a whole entire (and unusual) dice mechanic. The dice are tied to the game's win condition and a bunch of other mechanics that care about the numbers on them, but don't be fooled: after playing it for myself at Gen Con 2026, it looks a lot more complicated than it actually is.

There's a whole Cyberpunk TCG gameplay guide that you can read through, if that's your speed, but the short version is that you have to start your turn with at least seven "Gigs" to win with each die representing a single Gig. Because you gain one of your own dice at the start of your turn, but only have six of your own, that means you have to attack with units to take at least one from your opponent, but that's where you start getting into the deep end.

For every 10 power a given unit has, it steals an additional Gig. For if you have a unit attacking successfully with 11 power, you take two dice. But maybe there are blockers intercepting you, or maybe you want your Street Cred – the sum of all the Gig dice in your area – to be above or under a specific number or you want your rivals to be above or under a specific number.

What do you do then, choom? That's what separates the Cyberpunk TCG from the rest.

It's not perfect, and a 40-minute demo with decks explicitly crafted to provide the best experience in which to learn the Cyberpunk TCG can hardly be considered reflective of what the game will look like when it does eventually release later this year. Increasingly, however, it is my belief that the ability of a new TCG to break through years of calcification has more to do with shipping logistics and stock availability than it does any kind of game design.

But, for what it's worth, I am very much looking forward to seeing more of the Cyberpunk TCG ahead of its release later this year.

It's an exciting time to be a fan of TCGs; alongside news on Pokemon TCG Delta Reign, the Palworld TCG dev promises more stock with a 2nd Edition printing, and Disney Lorcana is getting an MTG Arena-style digital game.

• Pre-order Cyberpunk TCG at Game Nerdz

I don't think it's outrageous to say that Warhammer 40K Orks stole the limelight for this new edition of the game. The Space Marines are good-looking, by all means. But compared to those greenskins, they shrink into the shadows – and this new range of WAAAGH! warriors continues the trend.

A horde of Warhammer 40K Orks wound up on my doorstep ahead of their early September release, and as the first wave of models for 11th Edition, I was eager to put these ladz through their paces and see what Dakka they could muster. With that in mind, I've built every model I can and pored over the new Codex to give you a full lowdown on what they're like to make, as well as whether you should add them to your army based on hard stats. Each one offers something specific that'll suit certain playstyles more than others, so it's worth considering your options.

Short on time? Here's the Cliff Notes version: these guys hit incredibly hard, and I don't think there's a duff note amongst the new models. No matter whether you're building an army from scratch or are looking to plug new units into an existing force, there's a lot of choice depending on your preferred strategy (essentially boiling down to fast-moving murderhobo or slow and steady murderhobo). When combined with the new Ogor Mawtribes range for Age of Sigmar, might definitely makes right in Warhammer right now…

Note: Even though it's easy enough to pre-order these models straight from the source at Warhammer, it's worth considering indie stores like Miniature Market in the US and Wayland Games in the UK. They usually provide between 10-15% off all new Warhammer models. (If they haven't popped up yet, give it a moment – they should drop soon.)

Nazdreg

It's been literal decades since the last Nazdreg miniature, and… well, it's not polite to comment on someone's age, but the years haven't been kind to the original. The bloodthirsty Warboss of the Bad Moon clan deserved a new model, and this fresh take doesn't disappoint. It towers over most Orks as a walking wall of iron, and it's an ode to all things 'traditional' Ork - we're talking grinning moons, skulls, furs from vanquished monsters, wicked-looking claws, and guns that appear to be multiple weapons strapped together. (You can't beat the classics, after all.)

Gameplay

As you'd probably expect for such a hulking monster, Nazdreg is unbelievably strong and very tough; his weaponry will overwhelm not just with the number of attacks rolled every time, but thanks to their armor-piercing values and a weapon/ballistic strength that reaches 12 at its highest. In short, he can make a mockery of almost any foe. Throw in Deep Strike and the fact that his ranged weapons ignore cover for a particularly nasty combo. If your opponents don't fear him at the start of a match, they will before long.

Then there are his abilities. Once per battle round, Nazdreg can make sure a unit within six inches removes battle-shock and becomes "riled up" (a very handy buff for your greenskins). Once per phase, he can also move extra if an enemy unit dares to come too close.

Basically, Nazdreg is an all-round terror but is especially nasty in close-combat. If that's your style, you'll want to add him to the lineup (or build a horde around him).

Build

• Complexity: Moderate
• Build time: 10-15mins
• Customization: None

Despite this just being a single model, I was taken aback by how many pieces there were; you get a couple of sprues chock-full of parts. Luckily, these weren't difficult to assemble and slot together nicely with minimal effort.

Warboss

Seeing as we already got a new Ork Warboss in the Armageddon box (which was like Christmas for fans as is), I wasn't chomping at the bit to try the new one. Funnily enough, though, it's ended up being one of my favorites in the new Warhammer 40K Ork range. As well as being far more customizable than the Armageddon version, this badass is generally more impressive to look at at the head of a horde.

Gameplay

Very respectable – but not overwhelming – stats may not seem like much to write home about after Nazdreg, but it's this model's flexible loadout and abilities that make them a force to be reckoned with. An "Ammo Runt" who follows the Warboss around can add +1 to hit rolls once per battle, while the "Might Makes Right" power significantly increases both attack and strength if he charged this turn. (In other words, get him into melee ASAP.) Much like Nazdreg, he can rile up troops and remove battle shock once per round too.

While the named heroes are always going to steal the spotlight, this Warboss is no slouch as a result. Want an army with your own character leading it? The moster is a great choice.

Build

• Complexity: Moderate
• Build time: 15-20mins
• Customization: Multiple heads, weapons, etc

Although things didn't start well (there are some unnecessarily fiddly bits right off the bat, like a section of the torso that was awkward to fit), I was quickly won over by how much I could personalize this guy. While you've only got a few weapon options, there are plenty of heads so you can give them a distinct personality. I went with a military hat that makes my Warboss – who I named "The Captain" – look like an '80s prog rocker.

Mek

Sometimes, life imitates art. I have a suspicion that the Mek is often overlooked by his greenskin buddies who are more taken with the bigger, stabbier heroes in their midst, and I was the same. I totally forgot he existed until I got to this section of the guide. Poor lad.

That isn't to say he's a bad model, of course; far from it. He's just a little more modest compared to the other newcomers, is all.

Gameplay

Being the mechanics of the Ork army, you'd think that Meks are support players. And to an extent, they are; their "Clever Know-wotz" ability lets them heal vehicles and buff the things with a +1 on to-hit rolls. However, they're no slouch in battle either. Besides ignoring cover, their Kustom Mega-Slugga gun is surprisingly hard-hitting thanks to a -2 armor-piercing score.

If you like to use Speed Freekz units or have an Evil Sunz army like me, you need one of these guys on your lineup.

Build

• Complexity: Low
• Build time: 5-10mins
• Customization: None

This was incredibly quick and easy to make. Even the most complicated bit, the backpack, goes together very nicely. The downside? There's no way to make it your own without breaking out some serious kitbashing skills.

Trukk

Alright, here we go – the real star of the show, and the most visually impressive of the new Ork range. The Trukk may not be the army's biggest model, but it's one of the most intricate and feels like a diorama in its own right. That made it the most difficult thing here to construct, but also the most satisfying.

Gameplay

Despite how cool it looks, the Trukk is pretty simple in terms of gameplay; it's a straightforward transport that can ferry up to 12 of your Orks around the tabletop. Well, I say "straightforward." That's an oversimplification. Even though it's a glorified taxi, it can make a right mess thanks to its ranged weaponry (either a Dual Big Shoota or Rocket Launcha turret with a couple of firing modes) and close combat nastiness. Besides being able to ram into enemies with the spikes on its front, the Trukk also packs either a buzzsaw or claw on a winch it can lower into passing foes. Nasty.

Build

• Complexity: High
• Build time: 1hr+
• Customization: Multiple configurations, weapons, etc

This was by far the most complex of the Ork miniatures to make, largely because there are so many tiny pieces to fit and extras to make (that ramshackle look requires a lot of legwork, funnily enough). These were often tricky to place, and it wasn't always clear where they should go. Set aside a lot of time for the Trukk; you'll need it.

Oh, and a PSA: make sure you paint the Orks and Trukk separately, if you can. It'll be much easier to add the painted passengers later.

Warbikers

These gearheads are some of the coolest in the new Warhammer 40K Ork range, and while you're only getting three per pack, they make quite the impact. Seeing how dynamic and customizable they are really makes me bummed out about how static the current Space Marine Outriders are.

Gameplay

As you'd expect from a unit like this, the Warbikers are all about getting in fast, making a mess, and leaving sharpish. They get a bonus if they charged this turn, and even though their ranged weapons will be a nuisance rather than causing outright panic, their melee weapons are enough to cause serious mischief.

Build

• Complexity: Moderate
• Build time: 45-50mins
• Customization: Alt heads, weapons, and bike pieces

These lads took a lot longer to build than I expected; they're surprisingly complex. While there isn't an overwhelming amount of fiddliness, and they become less complicated once the leader is out of the way, each figure is still divided up into numerous little pieces that take a good swath time to combine.

If I can give any advice, it'd be to make damn sure your pieces are set before moving on to the next stage – I fell foul of this a few times, and chunks began to fall apart while I was assembling them.

For more recommendations, why not check out our guide to the best board games and the best tabletop RPGS?

The next expansion set, Pokemon TCG Delta Reign, now has a release date; it's due to launch at the beginning of November. In addition, we now have a better idea of what the set will offer fans.

Hitting shelves a couple of months after the the 30th Celebration set, Pokemon TCG Delta Reign is eyeing a November 6, 2026 release date - but fans will be able to get early access at special prerelease events starting from October 24. The expansion also introduces 'Legendary Stadiums' (two Stadiums played alongside each other), and more Mega Evolution Pokemon ex. That includes Mega Rayquaza ex, which is returning for the first time since the game's XY era.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from the set:

• Four more Mega Evolution Pokemon ex (Mega Rayquaza ex, Mega Golurk ex, Mega Malamar ex, and Mega Golisopod ex)
• 6 standard Pokémon ex
• New Legendary Stadium mechanic that combines two Stadiums together, with three Legendary Stadiums available in the set (boosters with Stadiums include both required cards)
• 14 illustration rare Pokemon
• 17 ultra rare Pokemon and Trainer cards
• Six special illustration rare Pokemon and Supporter cards

Pre-orders aren't available for Pokemon TCG Delta Reign yet, but it probably won't be long before they start to appear. While the Pokemon Center will sell this set in November, it's probably going to run out of stock fast. With that in mind, I'd keep a close eye on third-party retailers like Miniature Market in the US and Wayland Games in the UK. Both typically offer the range at standard (or close to normal) prices, though this does mean the cards sell fast.

That's certainly been the case with the current set; it's incredibly difficult to buy Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration right now. As such, I'd keep a very close eye out for Delta Reign pre-orders in the coming weeks.

While we're on the subject of poor availability, Palworld TCG dev promises more stock with a 2nd Edition printing and apologizes again for poor availability.

• See the latest Pokemon card offers at Amazon

I'm feeling sorry for myself, and it's all because of China's exclusive Pokemon TCG figures.

China already has a reputation for getting some very cool Poke-merch, but the latest drop takes the cake. In honor of the 30th Celebration (which is grand enough to feature 27 products as is), the territory has pulled out all the stops for exclusive figurines to go with special Pokemon TCG cards.

While there's been a lot of fuss in the community over 13 adorable Pikachu models that match some of the 30 unique Pika-cards dropping alongside this set, an incredible Charizard commemorative figure based on the original card artwork is just as impressive. Actually, looking at it makes me feel weirdly nostalgic; it's the spitting image of the 1999 card, despite being a 3D model. Due to cleverly-placed linework, it feels like a cartoon come to life.

It's unclear if we'll get any of the above in the US or UK (and if we did, my guess is it'd appear somewhere like Walmart before being snapped up instantly), but I don't feel hopeful. While there's a chance these collectors' items could make the trip across the ocean, I'm not overly hopeful. We've seen figures such as these before, and they've remained China-exclusive. The only exception is in the UK at very select Forbidden Planet stores, which occasionally get Chinese Poke-merch in... but again, it's a small batch so I wouldn't say it's a super reliable method.

Not that they're completely out of reach. These items will launch in China this September 16, and I have no doubt you'll be able to get ahold of the figurines via secondary channels such as eBay… but you'll probably be paying way over the odds for them, not to mention painful shipping costs. Considering how it's already difficult enough to buy Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration, this may be a step too far for many. In other words, these models may stay a daydream for most of us.

Back to feeling sorry for myself I go.

It's a day of ups and downs for card game fans; while it sucks that we probably won't get those cool Pokemon figures here, Palworld TCG dev promises more stock with a 2nd Edition printing.

• See the latest Pokemon cards at Amazon

The Palworld Trading Card Game team has apologized for poor Dawn of Palpagos availability, but more stock is apparently on the way.

It's no secret that the Palworld TCG is fiendishly difficult to get your hands on right now as unprecedented demand and scalpers make enjoying the Pokemon rival next to impossible. Cards are already selling for up to $4,000, and things aren't getting easier after the arrival of the game's first expansion, Dawn of Palpagos. However, fans shouldn't give up hope. In a post on Twitter/X, the team promises that "additional stock is already on the way, and we are currently planning a 2nd Edition print run to ensure more players can get their hands on the game."

There isn't a timeline for this wave yet, but more details will apparently be available soon.

The question is, how will the developers mark out the 2nd Edition print run? While giving these cards a clear demarcation rewards early adopters (AKA not resellers) who were able to find stock with a one-of-a-kind collectors' item, it also encourages resellers to keep at it on the likes of eBay or even Walmart. Plus, it drives up the cost of the first edition whilst simultaneously allowing resellers to do it all again with the second.

If these new cards are identical to the originals, though, it totally steals the wind from resellers' sails – it's hard to control the market with inflated prices if there's a sudden influx available to everyone at a reasonable cost. I doubt it'll happen that way, but c'mon... let me have this one.

Until we get those new cards, we've put together a guide on where to buy Palworld TCG sets. It's chock-full of advice on which stores to prioritize and the ones to avoid.

Speaking of resellers, they are currently charging up to $100 for empty Pokemon Krispy Kreme boxes, and I'd love to be able to say I'm surprised.

• See all available Palworld TCG packs at Walmart

Trick-taking games are enjoying a moment in the tabletop space right now, with several top games exploring cooperative trick-taking elements. Typically, trick-taking games are highly dependent on the draw of the cards. Some games have ways to mitigate weak hands, but very few games can totally negate the power of a strong hand. For better or worse, luck remains a key element of the trick-taking genre, no matter what the surrounding rules are.

Crits & Tricks doesn’t shy away from the randomness and luck of trick-takers. However, players are ultimately left to build their own luck. Players combine a hand of cards that represent suit only and couple them with differently sized dice. Each suit has its own win condition, meaning that rolling low at the start of the game isn’t necessarily a game-ender. Plus, if you’re unhappy with the value of a die, you can always play it and choose to re-roll it, giving you a second chance to change your luck.

Although chance plays a big role in Crits & Tricks, the game invites players to constantly test their luck for better or ill.

Crits & Tricks features & design

Crits & Tricks is a combination card and dice game that wears its Dungeons & Dragons influences on its sleeve. Each player has a set of dice from D&D and the best tabletop RPGs ranging in size from a D4 to a D20, which they will roll at the start of the round. Each player also has a miniature screen reminiscent of a DM Screen that they use to obscure their unplayed dice from other players.

The Crits & Tricks game deck consists of six different suits of cards, four of which will be used in every game. Each suit is named after a different D&D class and two sets of rules – one dictating their CRIT ability and one dictating the suit’s win condition when played to lead the round. Critically, only the CRIT ability is displayed on the card, so players will have to remember the suits’ win conditions or refer to their DM screen. One suit – the Bard – will always be used, but the other three suits can either be chosen at random or deliberately selected to create different gameplay variations.

In addition to the individual dice and the shared suit of cards, players will also use a deck of quest cards and a set of four barkeep challenges. The quest cards are individual challenges that players can try to complete for points and range from collecting a specific number of cards for a specific suit to avoiding certain cards for the entire round. Some quests can be completed during a round of play and can immediately be turned in for points. Other quests require the full round to play out. The barkeep challenges represent an additional win condition that all players can complete for additional points.

Victory points are represented via loot, which comes in the form of both coins and various magic items. Collecting a magic item doesn’t result in additional benefits, but they’re more fun to collect than a standard stack of coins.

Each round lasts six tricks, with players collecting loot throughout play and at the end of the round. The game lasts for three rounds, and the player with the most loot ultimately wins the game.

Gameplay

Anyone who’s ever played a trick-taking game will understand the basics of Crits & Tricks. Your general goal in Crits & Tricks is to score the most loot, which is collected by winning tricks and completing quests. Some quests are counter-intuitive to winning tricks, such as playing a D4 dice with a specific suit of cards, so it’s highly unlikely that a player will be motivated to win every trick. Of course, the various values of the dice and the variable win conditions for tricks makes it highly unlikely that a player will win every trick anyways, but sometimes it makes more sense to “lose” a trick to complete a quest because it nets more loot.

At the start of each round, players “summon their strength” by rolling all of their dice behind the screens. Once a dice is rolled, its value is fixed until it is played. However, when the dice is played is left up to the player. Because of the variable win conditions (which reward high values, low values, and even second-highest values), there’s not necessarily a poor set of dice rolls, depending on the suits active during a game. Once everyone rolls dice, four quests are dealt to each player. Every player selects a quest and then passes the remaining quests to the player next to them. This draft selection continues until each player has four quests. Then gameplay starts, with the lead player either being the player with the most loot or the player that rolled the highest on an initiative-determining D20 roll.

From there, gameplay largely plays out as any trick-taking game would with a couple of key differences. For one, when a player chooses what card to play, they also select a dice and play it on top of the card. If they don’t like the value of their dice for some reason, they can choose to re-roll it and have to take the new result. The lead suit determines the win condition – the Barbarian wants the highest dice value, while the Rogue wants the lowest value. Wizards want a value closest to 5, while Druids want the second-highest value. Paladins want the highest value, but only of whatever dice type was played by the lead player. As a wild card, Bards have no specific win condition but instead take the win condition of whatever card they’re meant to represent.

In addition to choosing what card and what dice to play, players can also choose to activate a CRIT ability. Each player can activate up to two CRIT abilities during a round of play. Some CRIT abilities increase or decrease dice values, force other players to re-roll dice, or guarantee a win during a tie. My personal favorite CRIT ability is the Wizard’s Transmute ability, which allows you to swap a player’s current dice with another dice they’ve already played. This allows a player to really maximize a well-rolled dice.

I also like the decision that comes from activating CRIT abilities. They are pulled out of a player’s hand, ultimately removing a card from future play. Not only does a player need to decide when they play a CRIT ability, they also need to decide whether to play a CRIT ability at all, as it ultimately limits their future options on hands. Playing a CRIT ability early might mean they can no longer have the suit they need for a future hand.

Should you buy Crits & Tricks?

Crits & Tricks uses the trappings of a trick-taking game to hide something that involves lots of quick decisions and strategy. Players aren’t really limited by their hand or dice results. Since players score more points by completing quests rather than taking tricks, it’s all about figuring out what plays will net players the most amount of loot in any given round.

The downside to Crits & Tricks is that there are a lot of moving parts, all of which can make a mess of properly preparing a strategy. A CRIT ability can be negated by another player’s counter, and of course there are times where you simply don’t have the lead suit, which automatically eliminates you from a win. There’s no such thing as a dominant hand in Crits & Tricks, but players can easily be prevented from implementing their strategy, which can lead to them scrounging for loot throughout a round.

Crits & Trick is also a fast-paced game, lasting only three rounds, so players who simply don’t have luck on their size can play another game pretty quickly without much problem. I like that gameplay can differ greatly based on which suits are selected for a deck, and I could see future expansions adding new suits into play without much difficulty or cost. Overall, Crits & Tricks combines strategy and luck in a very satisfying way, making for a game that tests both.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

This review was conducted using a product sample provided by the publisher.

For more recommendations on what to play next, be sure to check out the best board games or the best tabletop RPGs.

Two new Discworld board games are inbound, and one of them gives a fan-favorite a Terry Pratchett-inspired makeover.

Revealed by developer Modiphius Entertainment (which is also responsible for the Discworld TTRPG), 'Kill Sam Vimes' and 'Readers Digested' allow players to mess with some of the setting's most beloved characters. While the first sees you attempting to outscore your rivals and murder the eponymous City Watch Commander, the second reimagines award-nominee Blue Moon City by legendary designer Reiner Knizia. Both Discworld board games will be available to pre-order soon.

Originally released in 2006, Blue Moon City sees you rebuilding a destroyed fantasy metropolis and was a nominee for numerous honors when it first launched - including the coveted Spiel des Jahres, which is arguably the industry's most prestigious award. Readers Digest is a licenced reworking of the idea that shifts the action to Ankh-Morpork's Unseen University. Players work as assistant librarians to restore order during chaotic reading week, and they've got to escort students to the exam hall. It's made for two to four players and will take approximately an hour per match.

Meanwhile, Kill Sam Vimes is a competitive strategy game for two to six players where you work as a trainee assassin to outsmart both Vimes' traps and your opponents.

Knizia is something of a legend amongst the tabletop community with plenty of awards to his name (one of his most recent projects was the excellent Hobbit: There and Back Again roll and write game, which you can find for just under $40 at Amazon), so the fact that Readers Digested adapts his work is enough to put it on the radar so far as I'm concerned. If you missed the original Blue Moon City, this is also an opportunity to try a game that is still warmly received amongst the community 20 years after it first hit shelves.

It's unclear when the two Discworld board games will release, but they'll be up for pre-order via Modiphius from August 20, 2026.

Speaking of new ways to enjoy old favorites, this Disney Lorcana digital game sounds like a cross between MTG Arena and Pokemon TCG Pocket.

• See all Discworld offers at Amazon

A digital version of the Disney Lorcana trading card game is on the way, and it's being joined by a host of new sets for the classic tabletop version.

Unveiled over the weekend at D23 (Disney's biennial fan event where it reveals new info on movies, products, and theme parks), the Disney Lorcana digital game will be playable on mobile and desktop via an app. While details are scarce right now, it sounds as though this may be similar to MTG Arena and Pokemon TCG Pocket.

Regarding the project, publisher Ravensburger's Head of trading card games Elaine Chase says that "our mission in the Ravensburger TCG studio is to reach as many Disney fans as possible with our amazingly hand-crafted artwork and attention to storytelling detail. By allowing fans to experience each Disney Lorcana TCG card wherever they are logged in, I’m positive even more Disney fans will want to jump into one of the most open communities in all of gaming."

That was just one announcement of many, though; before Disney Lorcana hits our screens, it'll be adding plenty of new cards via a trio of expansions due to launch toward the end of 2026 and early in 2027, following on from the current set (Attack of the Vine, which you can order now from Amazon). I've rounded up everything you need to know about these sets below, they range from an all-new city "where metro meets fantasy" to a trip around the cosmos. We're also getting an in-universe lorebook this September, a visual guide to the world of Lorcana in 2027, the debut of Collector Booster packs, a brand-new rarity, and a Curator's Collection line with special artwork.

Here's everything announced for Disney Lorcana at D23.

"We've learned a lot from the fan reaction," MTG The Hobbit designers say as they battle dwarves and narrative constraints. Meanwhile, Palworld TCG devs "sincerely apologize" as unprecedented demand and scalpers make enjoying the Pokemon rival next to impossible.

• See all the latest Disney Lorcana sets at Amazon

The Ogor Mawtribes were always seen as endearing yet dumb murderhobos with very little brains but enough raw power to make anyone regret pointing that out. And with the new 2026 range, they… well, they're still endearingly dumb murderhobos. However, they finally look the part and have killer rules to match killer appetites. I'm not sure how the faction went decades without an overhaul, but I'm sure glad we have one now – it really does the army justice.

Wondering whether this is the right force for you? I've been able to get my hands on the entire Ogor Mawtribes range ahead of time, so have broken down how every single new unit/hero works here… including what it's like to build them. When paired with the recent Army Set (which won me over with how foul it was), these models should create one of the hardest-hitting melee-focused Warhammer Age of Sigmar armies out there.

Note: While you can pre-order these models straight from Warhammer, you can get a discount if you go to indie stores like Miniature Market in the US and Wayland Games in the UK. They typically offer between 10-15% off all new Warhammer models, including the refreshed Ogor Mawtribes range. (If they haven't appeared yet, give it time – they should drop soon.)

Morga the Mighty/Tyrant on Glutthorn

As "Overtyrant" of the largest Ogor Mawtribes clan, it may not come as a surprise that Morga gets one of the most impressive miniatures in the range. It's an imposing model that will make all but the most foolhardy nervous, and it has stats to back up the brawn. Besides being able to deal out wounds with ease, this is a leader with the ability to buff troops while stubbornly clinging to life thanks to a healing mechanic.

Not that you have to make Morga. This kit also builds a generic Tyrant warlord on a Glutthorn, and because I like to give my armies a personality of their own, that's the option I chose. It's just as intimidating; if anything, I think it may be fiercer.

Build

• Complexity: Moderate
• Build time: 30-40mins
• Customization: Two possible builds

This is one of the most time-consuming projects of the range, and it's the biggest single miniature too. That makes it relatively complex, but not so bad as to cause a headache. I've definitely had worse, and so far as cavalry goes, it's plain sailing.

Gameplay

So far as leaders go, this is a very respectable choice if you value smacking your foe as hard as possible – e.g. the true Ogor way. For starters, Morga and her Glutthorn can make a real mess of foes with wounds on a 2+ roll… and that's ignoring her ability to eat one foe from a unit during combat if she rolls higher than the target's health. When combined with her ability to buff nearby warriors and stay the course thanks to some cheeky regeneration (she recovers D3 wounds if she killed a model with combat attacks), Morga demonstrates why she's the boss.

As for the Tyrant variant, it lacks the same special abilities but still deals one hell of a punch in combat. Additionally, it can help your Ogors make their charges with a reroll. However, I'd still recommend choosing Morga unless you particularly want a unique warlord like I did.

Redd the Maw

Even though this guy isn't the leader of the army (Redd the Maw is their high priest, for want of a better word), he's by far and away the coolest model. Actually, I'd argue he's the Ogor range's showstopper piece; it's ambitious and complex enough to draw all eyes to it on the tabletop, even if Morga the Mighty is accompanying your force. He can also urge your troops into ever-greater acts of violence, so is the perfect choice if you value your heroes more for how they interact with your army than how nasty their attacks are.

Build

• Complexity: Moderate
• Build time: 45-50mins
• Customization: None

As the most complicated-looking model, I was expecting Redd the Maw to be a real pain in the butt – yet he's surprisingly straightforward. With the exception of certain pieces like the cauldron legs that require some jimmying to fit, everything else is labelled clearly, is easy to understand, and goes together beautifully.

Gameplay

If Morga is your "lead from the front while smashing everything in sight" kinda leader, Redd is more of a quarterback. Despite being able to deal a lot of damage in his own right, his value comes from how he's able to get more from your rank and file. Alongside a passive ability that provides them with greater Ward saves, he allows any unit in 12 inches to use the (very useful) "Eat 'em Alive" power at any time rather than at the end of a turn. In addition, he can cast a spell that either lets your Ogors move D3+3 inches out of sequence or deal D3 Mortal damage while in combat before healing D3.

Because Redd doesn't have an option to heal like Morga does, you'll want to keep him on the fringes of combat rather than in the thick of it.

Grell Firefist

As one of the smaller heroes, you may be tempted to overlook Grell – but that'd be a mistake. Besides boasting a unique, pirate-themed design that really differentiates her from the crowd, as does her ranged attacks and a mechanic that lets you counteract enemy commands. A great choice if you feel your army lacks ranged oomph, in other words.

Build

• Complexity: Low
• Build time: 10mins
• Customization: None

This one came together pretty quickly, and while there were some tricky bits like the gear hanging from her belt sash, it wasn't too bad overall. Grell made a welcome respite from the more complicated models in the Ogor Mawtribes range.

Gameplay

Grell stands out by virtue of using a dirty great cannon to blast her foes rather than relying on melee like most other Ogors. That gives her a unique position in the army as a result, and it's only strengthened by the opportunity to increase your cannon's attacks if you focus on a single unit.

Personally, I love her "Oi, Pay Attention, Slobs!" power that forces you to damage a nearby unit for D3 within three inches but also stop an enemy command dead in its tracks. This represents her hard-won knowledge of other factions' tactics from being a mercenary, so it's great flavor as well as being useful.

Butcher

If you want an example of what makes the Ogors different from the similarly violent-minded Orruks, just look at the Butcher. This hero is a cross between a chef and a wizard, combining the two ideas into one foul synergy. It's not the most useful champion in the range, but provides a helpful buff to your army that shouldn't be passed up.

Build

• Complexity: Low
• Build time: 10 mins
• Customization: Alternate head option

This was the first Ogor Mawtribes model I made for the new range, and it was one of the easiest. I put it together almost on autopilot, which goes to show how easy it was to make.

Gameplay

The Butcher isn't gonna come close to fellow magic-wielding heroes like Redd the Maw, but it does provide a very diluted version of the same experience. Namely, it's able to provide troops with a better Ward save if it successfully rolls 3+.

True to the theme of it being a gastro-wizard, it also becomes more dangerous the more it kills. If it destroys an enemy unit, it gains an extra power level for the rest of the match.

Cleavers/Gutseers

While I like the Cleavers, I'm far keener on the mysterious, hooded Gutseers – I think these chef-shamans are my favorite models of the range. No matter which one you choose to make, they're very useful to Ogor generals; they either use nearby wizards to boost their combat prowess (Cleavers) or act as conduits for your spellcasters (Gutseers).

Build

• Complexity: Moderate
• Build time: 25mins
• Customization: One of two unit types

No matter which version you choose to build, these models are more complicated to make than your average Gluttons… as is only right for their elite status. When I made the Gutseers, I found there was a bit of fiddliness here. Fortunately, things slotted together nicely even if I wasn't sure how they connected at first.

Gameplay

The version you choose depends on what you need in your army. Do you want a unit that can pack a punch and serve as anti-wizard elites? Go for the Cleavers. They get Crit (2 Hits) and/or Crit (Mortal) if close to spellcasters on a 3+ roll, so actively become more dangerous in proximity to magic.

Want to boost the power of your own mages? Choose the Gutseers. Besides boosting a wizard's casting roll by one if within 12 inches, they can also be used as a conduit for casting spells – thereby letting you take advantage of even greater range.

Hunters with Saberfangs

Yes, I know they look really damn cool. They're valuable additions to any Ogor army too. But hold up just a second. These guys are a nightmare to make, so even though I'd say they're worth it, be aware that getting them on side is a trial in itself.

Build

• Complexity: High
• Build time: 40mins
• Customization: Alternate heads

This unit was by far the most complex to make, and honestly, I don't know why there had to be so many small fiddly bits. It's not entirely clear where pieces go based on the pictures so you'll end up guessing, and even when you get it right things slide around at first rather than staying securely in place. It's a frustrating build that I didn't enjoy.

Well, apart from the Saberfangs. They were easy, and very good bois.

Gameplay

Once you've got these warriors built, you're laughing. As well as being one of the few ranged units in the Ogor Mawtribes army, they're superb anti-monster/anti-cavalry choices that have a very tasty mechanic that allows them to redeploy… ideally behind enemy lines.

Plus, those Saberfangs are nasty. If a unit charged your Hunters, you can roll two dice per Saberfang. On a 3+ the Saberfangs inflict a Mortal damage.

Looking for something else to play this summer? Be sure to check out our guide to the best board games, or the best tabletop RPGs.

• See the latest Warhammer Age of Sigmar deals at Amazon

Palworld stock is incredibly difficult to get hold of right now, but there are some Set 01 pieces in play. Whether you slept on pre-orders or you're only just hearing of the Palworld TCG, grabbing a regular-priced booster pack or box is going to prove particularly difficult right now. Those wondering where to buy Palworld TCG, though, have two spots to hit.

In the US, Walmart is the only retailer with physical cards on the shelves, though it should be noted these prices are looking pretty inflated and come from third party marketplace sellers. It's important to check who you're actually buying from here, and whether their reviews stack up.

In the UK, Magic Madhouse is the only store with Pals in tow. The site is out of stock on booster packs and bundles, but has the Red / Blue Trial Deck on the shelves. Again, this is at a higher price than you'd find at RRP.

We're still waiting on a number of retailers to receive their Palworld TCG stock. Amazon is the most notable in both the US and UK, after many assumed the online giant would receive early shipments in plenty of time. Amazon regularly stocks new Pokemon, One Piece, and MTG releases from launch, protected from resellers by an invite-only system in many cases. It's well worth keeping an eye here in your hunt to buy Palworld TCG then.

US stock

UK stock

FAQ

We're also showing you where to buy the Pokemon 30th Anniversary Collection and where to buy Pokemon TCG Pitch Black.

Palworld recently saw the release of its very own Pokemon-style trading card game, and it's going as well as one might expect – so well, that it's sold out practically everywhere.

And, you know – scalpers. Lots and lots of scalpers, with some cards having gone up for a whopping $4,000 thanks to resellers. So, as is the case with Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, and many other TCG experiences out there, legitimately getting to collect, play, and trade the Palworld spin-off is proving no easy feat.

Producer Bushiroad is well aware of this and is addressing it, as revealed in a new post (as translated by Automaton, DeepL, and Google).

The creators of the TCG first "sincerely apologize" to fans who have been waiting to play the tabletop Palworld game, explaining that they're experiencing a "continued shortage of stock" and are "internally discussing" how to get the cards into the hands of more eager players.

Although they don't have any specific restock dates to share just yet, it sounds like we'll get an update when they have one ready – whenever that might be in the "near future."

Bushiroad thanks fans for their dedication and patience, concluding that they look forward to continued support.

As for the Japanese release of Dawn of Palpagos (which has also been sold out), the producer's got a new shipment coming to pop-up stores today. These will be sold without any shrink wrap, likely to counter scalpers and resellers hoping to snag the set to post it online for, erm, much higher than its retail value.

Honestly, while I'm not surprised that the Palworld TCG is going the way it is (I mean, we do have Pokemon as an example, don't we?), I'm glad its producer is on the case and seems to actively be pushing back against scalpers.

The tabletop market is a tough enough one to crack as it is, with many retail-value products selling for a lot even before they're picked up by resellers. It's a tale as old as time, anyway.

Palworld lead tells fans they "simply do not realize the sheer number of collabs we've rejected" because they didn't make sense for the survival game

For anyone hoping to buy Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration cards, prepare yourselves' it's a jungle out there. Absolutely everyone is trying to get their hands on these cards, so stock is very hard to come by. However, it is possible to find them if you know where to look.

That's why I'm tracking down all the stock I can find for this hard-to-get release. I've spent a long time monitoring availability for the best card games so have plenty of advice on where to buy Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration if you don't want to break the bank. More specifically, I've listed my go-to stores below. Even though they still struggle with inflated costs, they're your best shot at securing cards at the most reasonable rate.

No matter what, just move quickly; these packs are highly sought-after so get snapped up fast. Don't hesitate if you see cards at a reasonable price, because they might not stay that way - or in stock - for long.

Where to buy Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration in the US

Things are starting to look up! Reliable indie retailer Miniature Market is back with a small amount of stock this week, and those prices aren't so hideously inflated as you'll find elsewhere. This does mean they'll get snapped up quickly, though, at which point our best bets are Walmart and Amazon. The former has the better range, but it should be noted that both are sporting radically higher costs than normal.

Miniature Market

Walmart

Amazon

Best Buy

Target

TCGPlayer

eBay

Where to buy Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration in the UK

Although it's still fiendishly hard to buy Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration in the UK, things are starting to look up. To begin with, Zatu Games got stock last week. Yes, it promptly sold out, but that suggests it could happen any day for other retailers. Keep a very close eye on Wayland Games or Magic Madhouse, in other words.

Make sure you're watching out for Amazon as well. OK, sure, that may seem like an obvious answer. But unlike so many other retailers, it offers an "invite by request" system to foil resellers, which means you have a chance of buying the items at a normal price.

Wayland Games

Amazon

Magic Madhouse

Zatu Games

Smyths Toys

Where to buy other Pokemon TCG sets

While all eyes are on places to buy Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration, that's sometimes easier said than done. Fortunately, demand doesn't mean you have to go without cards. Plenty of older sets are widely available, and stock (as well as prices) for them is stabilizing.

I've set our dedicated software to rounding up the best offers as and when they appear, so you'll find the lowest prices on the latest sets below.

Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration FAQ

Wondering what makes this set so special? As the name would suggest, it celebrates three decades of the trading card game with throwbacks to 30 years of sets. This includes an adorable suite of collectible Pikachu cards, an all-new rarity, and box sets that include everything from figures to themed 'Day' and 'Night' packs with a host of accessories.

If you're looking to play something while you wait for stock, don't miss the best board games or the best tabletop RPGs.

• See all Pokemon TCG offers at Amazon

Of all the Final Fantasy 14 collaborations and crossovers out there, I never expected to see the game make its way to Magic: the Gathering – but boy, has it.

Not only does Magic: the Gathering now feature a set of very nice Final Fantasy 14-themed cards, but there's one in particular that's downright dominating the scene currently: none other than that of Y'shtola, Night's Blessed, of course.

Now, I might not be a big MTG fan myself, but I just so happen to be a Warrior of Light and, yes, an Y'shtola enjoyer. So, I'm not all that surprised to hear that her card is proving to be incredibly popular.

So popular, in fact, that EDHREC confirms it's "the #1 most popular commander" on its site. And, perhaps even more impressively, "This is the fastest rise to glory of any commander in the format's history, by the numbers."

Truly, this might have to do with how strong the card's abilities are. Per our tabletop and merch editor Benjamin Abbott: "Mechanically speaking, Y'shtola is... well, let's just say this card isn't pulling its punches. Being able to deal 2 damage to an opponent when casting a noncreature spell with mana value 3 or more is already spicy, but healing you for 2 at the same time? Ridiculous. Add a host of artefacts, enchantments, and the like to your deck for later-game casting and you've got a very nasty screw-you-engine that'll be rightly feared."

But! There's also the fact that, erm, this is mommy cat lady we're talking about here… and folks love her. EDHREC seems to agree, too.

The platform makes a good point – Final Fantasy 14 is "the only major MMORPG" in Square Enix's JRPG series "that many people were exposed to." So, "if you went to a video game convention dressed as Y'shtola Rhul and you asked a random con-goer who you were dressed as, many would probably recognize you as more than just a 'catgirl.'"

Honestly, that checks out. Every time I'm at Comic Con, I do see at least one Y'shtola cosplayer.

If you're craving a bit of cat girl goodness yourself, the best way to get her card right now seems to be TCGPlayer, and the cheapest option for the Commander Deck itself is Miniature Market. Elsewhere, it's (unsurprisingly) largely overpriced.

Am I now wondering how to play Magic: the Gathering myself? Yes, perhaps I am… and perhaps I'm eyeing some online listings, too. This is the push into tabletop gaming I needed.

Now, if only I liked the Stardew Valley cards as much as I do these – although I suppose you can't win 'em all, eh?

Metal The Gathering: From ripping packs in a moshpit to a secret all-star metal MTG group chat, Atreyu explain why Magic is the most metal TCG. We were also able to chat with the designers for MTG Hobbit, who say "we've learned a lot from the fan reaction" to Universes Beyond.

A new and improved edition of the Fallout: Wasteland Warfare wargame is now available to pre-order, and it looks as though it could be a great alternative to the likes of Warhammer if you struggle to get regular games going (or simply don't have time for anything competitive).

Designed as a solo-first wargame, Fallout: Wasteland Warfare builds on "years of insights from the community" for a more streamlined and narrative-heavy experience. However, it can also be played cooperatively or competitively with an opponent controlling your foes. It's available to pre-order via the Modiphius store, and will ship in November 2026.

The original Wasteland Warfare dropped almost a decade ago, so this second edition update has been a long time coming (a bit like another fan-favorite that just emerged from hiding - a beloved, long out-of-print Arkham Horror board game is getting a revamp). The press release says that players will emerge from their home settlement to explore a randomized Wasteland, "creating a campaign map of locations and enemies as they move around the map." They can then choose how to handle combat encounters, upgrade their warband, or recruit fresh warriors along the way.

Not that you have to stick with the basics. Alongside the core starter set, you can also pick up packs that include miniatures for other factions like the Brotherhood of Steel or a range of foes from across the Wasteland.

Lead game designer Evie Moriarty (who also oversees the Wolfenstein RPG, complete with an OTT hail Mary system) says that "Fallout: Wasteland Warfare has a new lease of life with this edition, and we've worked hard to make solo and cooperative gaming the focus and better than it ever has been. With a streamlined ruleset, massively expanded campaign rules, and an innovative enemy AI system, we can't wait for you to get to grips with it and let us know about your stories out in the Wasteland."

There aren't many explicitly solo wargames out there in spite of the occasional box set like Kill Team: Exodus or Terror on Devlan, so it feels smart for Modiphius to lean hard on that niche with Fallout: Wasteland Warfare. Actually, I think that's the best thing it could do; the studio has proven time and again that it excels in this area, as shown by Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms. Judging by the fact that the upcoming XCOM game includes an upgradeable base and co-op campaign, this isn't the end of it either.

Fallout: Wasteland Warfare's second edition is aiming to ship in November 2026.

Speaking of fantastical worlds, the designers of MTG Hobbit say that "we've learned a lot from the fan reaction" as they battle dwarves and narrative constraints to create the most faithful adaptation yet.

• Shop Fallout miniatures and tabletop RPGs at Amazon

If you look at online chatter surrounding Magic: The Gatherings Universes Beyond IP collaborations, it’s easy to believe that they’re universally hated. Yet as people queue up to take photographs with Marvel standees at Magic Con and fans enthusiastically pay top dollar for Final Fantasy MTG sets, the on-the-ground reality seems to tell a different story.

"We've learned a lot from the fan reaction," principal game designer Gavin Verhey notes when reflecting on the evolution of Magic: The Gathering Universes Beyond. "We're always learning, listening to people, and taking in feedback. Universes Beyond is still in its relative infancy... so we're putting out all kinds of things and learning from them."

No matter where you stand on sci-fi and superheroes entering the best card games, however, one MTG Universes Beyond set was enthusiastically embraced by all corners of the Magic community – 2023’s Lord Of The Rings: Tale of Middle Earth. It was somewhat inevitable then that Wizards of the Coast would be returning to Middle-earth with The Hobbit. Now as Wizards gear up to release their anticipated The Hobbit collaboration on August 16th, I sat down with three of the game’s creative leads to see how they transformed Tolkien's literary classic into a rich and compelling TCG set.

When Tales of Middle-earth launched, the design team told me that they deliberately held back material from Tolkien's prequel novel, hoping that there’d be enough demand to make a Hobbit-specific-set.

“Magic in many ways pays direct lineage to Tolkien and the work that he did. That's why Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are such natural fits for Magic: The Gathering,” explains Verhey. "When [LOTR] launched as a huge hit, almost immediately it was like, 'We've got to start working on The Hobbit!'"

After fans' enthusiastic reaction to the Lord Of The Rings set, it would have been easy to dig deeper into the Lord Of The Rings, yet for set lead Annie Sardelis, it was important that they treated The Hobbit as its own self-contained entity. “I saw a lot of people theorizing, 'Oh, they'll have this from Lord of the Rings.' But no, we stuck to The Hobbit,” says Sardelis.

"Really, The Hobbit is its own thing—it stands on its own," agrees Verhye. "It comes much more like a sequel years later, like a sequel to Strixhaven."

Finding Magic in narrative constraints

While on paper The Hobbit may seem a less rich narrative pool to draw from than LOTR, the story’s shorter scope instead enabled the team to focus on the specificity of each beloved story moment, dialling into nich characters and moments from the beloved novel.

"Anytime we made up a creature, we would search through the book for a characteristic we could evoke because we can get so specific with it." Explains Sardelis. "We don't need to broadly say, 'This is a Mirkwood elf.' We can say, 'No, this is the one that served drinks specifically,' or 'that guarded the gates of the cells.'"

"The Hobbit is not that long of a book—but on the flip side, I think it's actually an advantage," agrees Verhey. "Basically, if it's in The Hobbit, it's in the set somewhere. There's very little that happens in that book that does not show up in the set in some capacity."

Avoiding the films entirely, the team drew only from the original novel. Retaining the core team from the LOTR set also dramatically streamlined The Hobbits’ production. Executive producer Zakeel Gordon noted that typical Universes Beyond cycles typically take five years, but because this time they could retain the same art directors and narrative leads, they managed to shave off a year and a half of development time.

While the two sets will be narratively separate, Sardelis says she thought carefully about how fans might combine their LOTR and Hobbit sets into killer Tolkien-inspired decks, and the magic that she could help create there.

"That was a tough balancing act, honestly, because we know people like to put cards from different sets together," reflects Sardelis. "Making sure we kept the color alignment the same between the factions was tricky, because I didn't want to use the exact same mechanics; I wanted to make sure I was reinterpreting them."

"We don't really have this giant army of orcs pouring out of Mordor in this case, and the word 'orc' isn't even dropped in the book once," she adds. "But people still love that Amass deck—they're still playing that Grixis Sauron. So I decided to deliver Amass, but just make it goblins. The technology was already there to append [creature] types to Army."

A new form of storytelling

As the popularity of MTG-inspired novels and narrative podcasts grows, each set's designers are taking more care to ensure that their set tells an equally rich story.

"One thing that got me into Magic was being able to follow a story with the set," reflects Sardelis. "The Hobbit hands us an extremely popular story that someone might be familiar with, serving as a good jumping-in point. We made sure in the card set to really acknowledge that story every step of the way, in case someone just wants to absorb the set through the story."

Many fans feel that Dwarves have been underrepresented in the world of Magic: The Gathering. Thankfully, the little guys play a huge role in The Hobbit, and have been recreated lovingly in the new set.

"If you look at Magic dwarves historically, there's a lot of stuff that interplays perfectly with the dwarves in this set," reflects Verhey. "A lot of the dwarves in Magic history have done things that Tolkien dwarves like. Being aggressive, liking Treasure, liking artifacts—those are all things Magic has done, and they are also true in Tolkien's world. So that melding made a lot of sense. Putting a lot of dwarves in this set lets us do stuff we were never able to do before and lets you build out more of a dwarf deck."

Balance was a real focus for this set, too, with publisher Wizards of The Coast attempting to avoid unwanted power-creep in Commander-only releases.

"One thing that we've been very careful to try and do—especially recently—is not make cards in Commander-only products way better than the cards in the main set," Verhey adds. "That doesn't serve anyone well; you want to make sure they're about equal."

While Magic has long cultivated a devoted following, there’s no denying that Universes Beyond brings in vast audiences of new players. For The Hobbit, Verhey explains that designers prioritised keeping the rules accessible without ever diluting the tactical depth that experienced players expect.

"Making sure that your set is approachable for a newer player is an important priority, but at the same time, we don't want it to be a beginner set. This has to have all the complexity and richness that fans of Magic love and fans of the IP want, too. You want to feel like you're playing real Magic: The Gathering."

For more tabletop recommendations, why not check out our guide to the best board games or the best tabletop RPGs?

• See all MTG Hobbit packs at Amazon

Cooperative campaign tabletop games are getting leaner and more abstract. Traditionally, campaign games have acted as stand-ins for Dungeons & Dragons, complete with big boxes that contain a multitude of parts and an equally thick rulebook. However, we’ve seen a handful of campaign games skimp on the components recently in favor of really digging into the game system and squeezing out every last variance that it can support.

Take Time, a new title designed by Alexi Piovesan and Julien Prothière, is a very unique cooperative campaign game that makes the most of a simplistic system. Over the course of 40 rounds (divided into 10 chapters), players will attempt to work together to solve a relatively simple puzzle using the same deck of 24 cards. Each round features a unique set of challenges to overcome, with players either succeeding or failing as a group. The result is a campaign game that’s easy to pick up, with rounds that pass by in a few minutes and chapters with unique challenges that will leave players frustrated at times but exultant when they’re finally conquered – normally a preserve of the best board games.

Take Time features & design

Take Time isn't necessarily telling a story; it's abstract, like Azul. Publisher Libellud describes it as a limited-communication game that "invites players to slow down, reflect, communicate, understand one another, and build mutual trust."

Gameplay is split into three phases – a strategy phase where players discuss potential gameplay, a placement phase in which cards are played, and a resolution phase in which players see if they’ve passed that round's requirements. To win, players must play cards (generally facedown) next to segments of a clock, aiming to have the value of each segment arranged in an ascending order. However, you can't discuss which cards you have during play. You'll need to come up with a plan beforehand and attempt to guess what your team is hoping to do next based on their actions.

For a campaign game, Take Time is remarkably simple. There are 10 chapters, each of which contains a sleeve filled with four 'clocks' (e.g. four rounds) made of solid quality paper cardstock. Each clock consists of six segments, some of which have particular rules that must be followed during the course of the game. While there is some commonality between types of rules (which usually limit which cards can be played in specific segments), every clock is unique and the rules become increasingly granular and complicated as you progress through the chapters.

Gameplay

The goal of each round in Take Time is the same – players play cards in segments, aiming to have the value of all cards played on a segment either equalling or exceeding the value of the preceding segment. Basically, players are trying to arrange their cards so they resemble the face of a clock. The catch? Players can’t discuss what cards they’re playing on their turn and the cards generally have to be played facedown, much like Sky Team. Each round essentially becomes a guessing game where you’re trying to figure out what cards are in play and trying to figure out the optimal segment to play your cards.

Complicating matters is that each clock has at least one segment with a rule limiting what cards can be played on it, represented by various symbols. Some rules are simple – such as stating that a segment has to have two cards played on it or that a card can only have Solar or Lunar cards on it. Other rules are more complex, such as stating that a segment can’t have cards of a certain number played to it or stating that the highest card in play needs to be played in a certain segment.

The other complication is that players will only use half of the deck during any round, so there’s no guarantee as to what cards will be in play. The random selection of cards particularly comes into play when dealing with segments that have high or low card requirements. While you can assume that a "low" segment will contain low cards, you can never be sure if you’re getting a 1, a 2, or something even higher.

Players will never go into a round of Take Time totally blind though. Each round starts off with a Discussion Phase in which players can discuss general strategy options, such as where to play cards of a general value range. However, while cards are distributed to players before the discussion phase, they can’t actually look at them. So, players can only come up with a general strategy, and nothing specific to their actual hands.

Once a round starts, players have one more proverbial arrow in their quiver. On their turn, players can choose to play their card face-up. These face-up cards provide valuable information to the other players, often dictating how subsequent cards will play out. For instance, if a player plays a 7 on a segment that requires a value of 10, other players know that they need to play a 3 (or cards that add up to 3) to satisfy that requirement. At minimum, players will have three face-up cards to utilize on each round, but players get an additional bonus face-up card each time they fail a round.

In short, it's a fun challenge – but there are some niggles. One important thing to remember about the clocks is what constitutes a segment. While it might be easy to assume that a "segment" is the area between two points, it’s actually a portion of the clock consisting of a point and two line dividers. The line dividers are stylistically incorporated into the artwork of each clock, so it’s not quite intuitive. My gaming group wrongly assumed that a segment was the area in between each point, so we were confused about which segment a rule corresponded to. A good rule of thumb is to remember to play cards on points of the clock.

Should you buy Take Time?

Take Time is a fun cooperative game that mixes campaign elements with a set of simple mechanics that’s easy to learn but hard to master. Since players are never guaranteed to have the “right” cards for a specific clock, a lot of the fun comes from coming up with a strategy and then trying to implement it with an imperfect hand. However, it can be a little frustrating to play Take Time, as you’ll occasionally come up with a solid strategy but have to wait for the right hand to get dealt to implement it.

Although they’re very different games, Take Time reminds me a bit of one of my favorite games of recent years – The Two Towers Trick-Taking Game. Both games opt to dig into their respective game mechanics, exploring every nook and cranny of a rather simple set of rules as opposed to trying to overtune a game with a complex rulebook. Players will have an understanding of Take Time quickly, but mastering the game will come from understanding how to adapt their knowledge of gameplay into a series of increasingly complex scenarios.

Ultimately, Take Time is a fantastic game, which is why it ended up on the recommended list for the Spiel des Jahres. Every clock is a puzzle to conquer, and half of the fun comes from guessing how the other players are making decisions over the course of a quick-paced round. What’s even better – a failed round doesn’t cost a lot of time. Since each round takes just a few minutes to complete, a bad hand or a bad strategy won’t leave players feeling frustrated. At worst, it just takes time to beat Take Time. Well… time and a good strategy.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

The One Ring tabletop RPG is getting a major update, and this will launch alongside multiple expansions for the award-winning Lord of the Rings game.

Revealed via a crowdfunding campaign on Backerit, this wave of content is being pitched as a "new age" for the tabletop RPG that allows you to adventure across some of the most iconic Lord of the Rings locations – as well as crossing swords with its best villains. Besides the updated One Ring rules, a campaign book is being produced that takes us to Gondor and Rohan along with a bestiary that lists the many foes of Middle-earth. Both will be launched with D&D-compatible versions as well.

I'll be honest with you; The One Ring is hands down one of my favorite roleplaying games, and it takes pride of place in our list of the best tabletop RPGs because it's so well done. Its mechanics are elegant and easy to learn, yet impactful. The books are also jam-packed with lore, gorgeous artwork that hews close to J.R.R Tolkien's vision for Middle-earth, and an aesthetic which feels as though it's been taken straight from the novels. It truly feels like Lord of the Rings in a way not all tie-in projects do, so this revamp has me doing a Gollum-style "my precious" impression right off the bat. If you're a fan of the series, you need to check it out.

It feels like there's never been a better time. While the updated core rulebook won't change a lot, it apparently clarifies certain mechanics to make learning them easier. Plus, this fresh drop provides an entirely new campaign (The White Tower and the Hall of Gold) that takes us somewhere we've not seen in the tabletop RPG before – the southern kingdoms of Men, Rohan and Gondor. It's unclear what this will involve, but judging by the interior artwork shared on Backerit, our journey may lead us into the Dimholt… AKA the halls of the dead that Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli brave during Return of the King.

Throw in a bestiary (Creatures Strange and Foul) with foes like the Ringwraiths and you've got the tools you need to create any kind of adventure set across the breadth of Middle-earth.

It's unclear when these books will be released, but we should have details before long – the Backerit campaign is "coming soon." Fans can also apparently get beta PDF copies "months ahead of the official release" if they back the project.

While we're lacking details at the time of writing, I've seen enough projects from developer Free League to be confident in it. These are the folks behind the superb Alien RPG and numerous other very well-received systems like Vaesen, for example, so I'd be surprised if this Lord of the Rings update wasn't good. Basically, I'd recommend watching this one closely.

This isn't the only tabletop game earning an upgrade; a beloved, long out-of-print horror board game is getting a revamp, and I can't wait.

• See all The One Ring products at Amazon

The fan-favorite second edition of Arkham Horror is coming back with improved rules, all-new art, and totally different graphic design for the cosmic horror board game.

Revealed as part of developer Fantasy Flight's "Vault Series" that revives classic titles, Arkham Horror Remastered takes the long out-of-print second edition board game and gives it a drastic makeover for an October 2026 launch. While the visuals are different, its gameplay is still the same; the project has simply been "upgraded with new quality of life components."

Crucially, this game seems to resurrect Arkham Horror 2nd Edition's full suite of expansions. While the core experience is beloved, the complete collection has a reputation to match the best board games amongst cosmic horror fans. Unfortunately, we don't have any details on these expansions yet – but the fact even some may be included in the revival should cause a stir, because these are even harder to find in the wild than the core 2nd Edition game.

If you're new to the Arkham Horror franchise, it's based on H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. That means it's a cosmic horror adventure where you play investigators trying to stop cults or eldritch beings like the Old Ones from taking over. Expect a race against time and horrific, gribbly monsters that challenge your character's sanity as they grapple with concepts the human mind simply isn't equipped to comprehend.

As for Arkham Horror Remastered itself, this new version sticks to the same vibe but drastically updates (and improves, in my opinion) the visuals from that original game. It'll be familiar to longtime fans, but feels more high-budget and atmospheric. It also brings the visuals more in-line with modern Arkham Horror instalments or spinoffs like Unfathomable.

This project should land in October 2026, and we'll get more details soon via its crowdfunding campaign on Gamefound. We'll hopefully learn what other old-school games will be included in the "Vault Series" as well. Personally, I'd vote for a revamp of Star Wars: Imperial Assault. It's increasingly difficult to get hold of but still provides a great RPG experience like Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, complete with an ongoing story and character upgrades as you progress through the campaign.

What would you vote for? And are you excited for Arkham Horror Remastered? Shout about it in the comments below.

It's a good time for fan-favorites coming back; D&D Icons resurrects Greyhawk and Dragonlance. Meanwhile, post-apocalyptic D&D world Dark Sun is also returning in the not-so-distant future.

• See all Arkham Horror games and expansions at Amazon

As Atreyu takes to the stage in Amsterdam, the metalcore five piece have no idea what to expect. 28 years into their career, they’ve toured the world and played everything from gargantuan European festival stages to grimy dive bars. Yet tonight they find themselves playing a career first – a Magic: The Gathering convention.

With the 1,500 capacity afterparty venue packed to the rafters with Atreyu fans and Magic Con attendees alike, once the first notes of bruising opener ‘Dead’ ring out, any doubts of the gig’s legitimacy fade away. As booster packs for one of the best card games rain down from the stage like confetti, circle pits open unprompted, and fans crowd surf while ripping open packs of cards, the unholy union of metalcore and Magic: The Gathering has received its booster-strewn blessing.

“If our usual shows are a 10 out of 10, that was a 15 out of 10,” beams Atreyu bassist, Porter McKnight. With no barrier separating the audience and the band, the joyous gig saw fans soaring onto the stage and opening boosters while Porter inspected their pulls mid-riff. While the rest of his bandmates' constant grins speak for themselves, for the MTG-obsessed Porter, tonight’s show wasn’t just a fun performance – it was a dream come true.

“I didn't know what kind of crowd we were going to get – whether they would be many Atreyu fans or just convention-goers – I just knew we were going to do our thing, make it a safe space, and have fun,” reflects Porter, “What I didn't expect was circle-pit Magic, crowd surfing and opening packs on stage... that show will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Discovering the card game at a young age at a sleepover in rural Alabama, Porter tells me that Magic was his “first love”, beating music to the punch. “The art, the themes, and the way the game is played immediately got me,” recalls Porter, “Each color has its own style, feeling, and environment. Seeing all this cool art and being immersed in this magical world stirred something deep inside my soul as a creative person.”

Porter and his childhood friend only had a limited number of cards and no internet – so they’d make up the rules for the complex card game as they went, imagining stories and synergies for their cool-looking collection of creatures. Yet once Porter picked up his bass, deckbuilding took a backseat. While Porter briefly played again at college, as Atreyu kicked into gear, the band became his focus and he swapped tapping lands for tapping frets.

Years later, however, Porter’s two passions unexpectedly collided. “Four or five years ago an awesome band from Slovenia called Within Destruction was opening for us,” says Porter. “Their drummer was very shy and we never really talked beyond friendly hellos. Our drum tech asked me, 'What's that game you play on your iPad?...Magic Arena? …I think their drummer is playing it over there.'It turns out he competes and is so good.”

With the musician introducing Porter to Commander decks, the once-intimidating world of warlocks and wards suddenly clicked. With Magic’s artwork pulling from dark fantasy, depicting skeletons, dragons and demons, it’s easy to see why there’s such an overlap between metalheads and the card game. Yet Porter still believed that meeting another Magic-loving metal head was a fluke, until he played the UK’s biggest metal festival in 2024.

“At Download Festival about two years ago, I met Tuck, the bassist from Fit for a King,” recalls Porter, “He was wearing a Magic hat, and I complimented it…. And he told me, 'I'm in this group, 'Metalcore Magic.' and it's the wildest group chat! The number of bands on it could sell out a world tour."

With the WhatsApp group boasting members of I Prevail, The Ghost Inside, We Came as Romans, Currents, Neck Deep and Don Broco, Porter suddenly discovered a travelling network of fellow Magic nerds. “I meet up on tour with people from Metalcore Magic all the time….," beams Porter, “I've found it brings people together in a physical, off-screen way that we rarely get in this digital age.”

While it’s not uncommon for bands to bond on tour, once the shows come to an end Porter admits that so too do most of their friendships. Yet thanks to this group chat, these bands have a shared passion that extends beyond a 12 date tour. “I've existed in the metal and hard rock community for a while, which brings people together through shows and meeting fans – but this is a different level of connection,” says Porter. “It forces you to sit down face-to-face with people and connect. As an introverted person who needs an activity to socialize, having a shared love for this game builds an instant bond. It's cool as fuck."

It’s something I see playing out in real time as I bump into a smiling Rob Damiani of Don Broco at Atreyu’s Magic Con gig. “[With] Don Broco – I didn't know Rob personally, but we were both at Rock am Ring [festival] in June…He recognized me from the Metalcore Magic chat, so we hung out,” says Porter. “Later, when Don Broco played in Cologne, I drove an hour and a half to a sweaty game store during a heatwave… and we played Magic for four hours with local fans and the store owner. Now we're genuine friends.”

A day later at a bustling Magic Con, Porter and his bandmates host a packed signing session where hundreds of fans queue up to meet the band and buy exclusive Atreyu-themed playmats. “People were bringing packs to the signing today asking, 'Can you sign the pack you gave me at the show?' or 'Can I open this with you?',” beams Porter. “ I loved that.”

As well as squiggling over fans’ cards, Porter is also an artist in his spare time, inspiring him to design his own set of custom Magic cards that correspond to the artwork and theme of each Atreyu album. “Each one is a 'game changer' card that vastly influences play, so they are functional and usable,” smiles Porter as he proudly shows me his cards, “but they also thematically connect to the feeling of each album.”

As grinning fans stream out of a sweaty venue and thousands of players pack into the bustling convention center the next day, it’s hard not to be won over by the sheer joy this hobby exudes. The camaraderie I witness among Magic fans undoubtedly mirrors the passion that unites a roaring crowd of strangers as their favorite band takes the stage. “Music is the universal language – it’s deeply embedded in the human soul. When you meet someone who loves the same music, you share an instant bond talking about those songs,” Porter says. “Magic operates similarly, but instead of just sitting and listening to an album, you actively engage in a shared universe for hours. You can go to concerts with friends, and you can play Magic together – one shouldn't exist without the other.”

“Music and Magic mesh in perfect synergy,” Porter concludes, “Last night's show was living proof—it was one of the best shows of our career. Magic is better played with music, and apparently music is better played with Magic, too."

Plenty of cool new sets are on the way to MTG, from brand-new settings to crossovers like Star Trek. To get a heads up on what's coming, check out our guide to everything announced at Magic Con 2026.

• See the latest MTG sets at Amazon

Gen Con 2026 visitors were treated to their first glimpse of an official Final Fantasy board game that recreates the original three video games, and damn, it's looking beautiful so far.

Developed by KessCo, Origins of Light: A Final Fantasy Board Game draws inspiration from the Pixel Remaster series which ressurects classic FF titles with new 2D visuals. Judging by the Gen Con preview posted on Reddit by xander574, this licensed Final Fantasy board game brings that same aesthetic to tabletop. Based purely on how it looks, mission accomplished; it's gorgeous.

I'll be honest; although I spend a lot of time covering the best board games, this one completely passed me by. Aside from a quick announcement toward the beginning of 2026, there's not much information out there about this Final Fantasy board game beyond what I've seen on reddit and the game's tease via Kickstarter.

We don't have any details about gameplay either. However, looking closely at the Gen Con preview shows off truly bizarre – but very fitting – crystal dice alongside character and boss cards that may as well have been dragged straight from the 16-bit screen. It appears there's also an overworld map and a town board with space for quests, but the resolution is too low for me to see much else.

Basically, it may be worth keeping an eye on this one if you're an FF fan. Just apply some tempered expectations here; while KessCo has a vast library of IP games to its name, their reception can be mixed.

Still, KessCo's Sonic Knock puck-based board game sold out at this year's Gen Con and appears to have generated the right kind of buzz amongst the community. Hopefully its new Final Fantasy game follows suit.

From what I've been able to find, Origin of Light: A Final Fantasy Board Game will launch toward the end of 2026. Meanwhile, the Kickstarter promises to get going soon. In other words, we should hopefully be able to find out more before long.

This is the second cool Final Fantasy reveal I've found over the last couple of days; a fan's made an incredible Lego Final Fantasy set, and now I'm hoping it becomes a real model.

• See the full MTG Final Fantasy range at Amazon

Palworld released its first set of TCG cards just yesterday (July 30, 2026), but some of the rarest cards are already selling online for up to $4,000. This includes cards that were sold on auction websites like eBay before the set was available to the public.

Pocketpair announced the first set of the Palworld tie-in TCG called Dawn of Palpagos in January 2026, but the first cards didn't go on sale until recently.

The brand-new TCG set reportedly sold over 3.5 million packs on release day, but certain cards, notably the rarest ones, began popping up online for breathtaking prices before the packs were even on sale.

The rarest card in the set is the Cattiva Gold Soul card. The first copy of this sold on eBay for almost $4,000 three days before the set officially launched.

Since the set's launch, a few more cards have sold for around $1,000 on the site, though some of these selling prices are obscured by accepted offers.

A copy of Chillet Dragon Whisperer sold for $1,400 the day before the set's launch, but copies have sold since then for around $1,100. You may see prices even higher than this online, but the sold price is the one that truly reflects what people are actually willing to pay.

Palworld has faced consistent criticism for following in the footsteps of the Pokemon franchise, and the massively inflated prices resellers are asking for aren't helping matters.

Over the last few years Pokemon cards have been increasingly difficult to legitimately purchase instead of giving in to scalpers' pricing, for reference. Hopefully, the Palworld TCG won't go the same way.

Palworld lead shrugs off "dead game" suggestions as Pocketpair's survival hit continues to bring in half a million concurrent Steam players mid-week, weeks after 1.0 launch

D&D Star Wars is on the way in 2027, but fan response seems divided.

Revealed in a surprise announcement at Gen Con 2026, D&D Star Wars is the second 'Universes Beyond' crossover after D&D World of Warcraft kicked off the initiative. Although we don't have many details yet, the idea was shown off via Darth Vader taking to the stage and it's being teased as part of a "Season of Rebellion." Both would strongly suggest we're going back to the original trilogy.

While there's a lot of excitement for the project (D&D's announcement post on Instagram has 30K+ likes, for instance, while the YouTube stream live chat was full of gleeful disbelief when Vader strode into view), feedback has been mixed so far. A lot of comments on the aforementioned Insta reveal voice concern that it's not a particularly good fit for either brand, while others are heartbroken that D&D Star Wars may spell doom for another well-loved RPG – Star Wars Roleplaying by Edge Studios.

"That all but confirms that the FFG/Edge product line is officially dead and buried," writes DraethDarkstar on reddit. "Star Wars has had many RPGs over the years, but it's never been licensed for more than one ongoing at once."

I can't help but think they're right. Edge Studios doesn't seem to have released anything Star Wars-flavored for a long time; it's mostly focused its attention on Arkham Horror and Twilight Imperium systems (yes, these turn some of the best board games into RPGs). I've wondered before why it was steering clear of a galaxy far, far away, and this could be the reason.

In terms of D&D Star Wars itself, I'm cautiously optimistic. While I appreciate the sour taste left by Universes Beyond right now (especially after Magic: The Gathering's head designer said fans must adapt or "walk away" if they don't like crossovers for the card game, which uses the same Universes Beyond title), I think it's the best fit so far as sci-fi goes. A science fiction/fantasy book is a niche D&D's been missing for a long time, and while I'd prefer an original IP to fall in love with, Star Wars does meet the criteria. It's a world of magic, monsters, and swashbuckling adventure – just like Dungeons & Dragons.

Plus, it shouldn't be as in-your-face for Dungeons & Dragons. In MTG, Universes Beyond crossovers are impossible to avoid; they're legal in most formats so it's very difficult to dodge Spider-Man teaming up with Cloud from Final Fantasy.

Sure, it'll need some heavy editing just like Lord of the Rings did when it was brought into the D&D fold. Magic will need to be stripped away from most classes because it's simply not that common, for example (I guess many spells should be re-flavored as technology). Ship combat mechanics will need a lot of work as well, because the ones in Spelljammer: Adventures in Space left something to be desired. But otherwise, the possibilities are exciting. There's a whole galaxy of species to play with, the potential for unique subclasses tailored to tropes like the Han Solo-esque scoundrel or hot-shot pilot, and the thrill of planet-hopping on your shared hunk-o-junk ship. That sounds like a great combo to me.

I'm not worried about it being hung out to dry either. My exclusive interview with D&D World of Warcraft principal game designer James Wyatt made the level of passion and care for these crossovers clear, so I'm confident it'll get the love it deserves.

Would I rather Star Wars be kept as its own thing? Yes, because I think it'd be easier and more to create a unique system than jury-rigging D&D to fit. But this seems to be what we're getting for now, and it's sure to draw countless new players to the game (which, let's be honest, is part of the reason why it's being done).

What do you think about D&D Star Wars? Sound off in the comments.

It's been a busy Gen Con for D&D already, and the show's only just started; D&D just revealed its long-awaited Dark Sun revamp, and it's resurrecting classic settings with beloved creators.

• Check the latest D&D products at Amazon

D&D World of Warcraft isn't trying to be like the MMO.

Alright, so that may sound counterintuitive. After all, the book – which was just announced at Gen Con 2026 – takes us back to Azeroth with all the familiar classes and species you'd expect. But D&D World of Warcraft isn't interested in slavishly recreating the video game. That isn't ever going to work, so principal game designer James Wyatt took a different approach.

"So much of what I love about WoW is really intangible," Wyatt tells me when we sit down for an exclusive deep dive into D&D's trip to Azeroth. "That's very hard to put into a book, and the process of doing something like this is not about translating mechanics on a one-to-one basis. It's about evoking the feel of playing one of these characters of this class and this species, even fighting this boss in a dungeon."

The promos we've seen so far are exciting, but avoiding that temptation to simply play the hits is what tips me into 'fully seated.' You're never going to capture everything that makes WoW so beloved on pen and paper, and it's a fool's errand to try. But you can nail how it feels, as well as straying off the beaten path the video game never allowed.

"This is your chance to explore Azeroth as you never have before," Wyatt promises.

From Teldrassil to Darkshore

While the crossover will be launching with 11 new species for us to play, six brand-new subclasses alongside three updated ones, a chance to explore major locations from across Azeroth, and seven dungeons drawn from the video game's most beloved raids, this isn't the best bit for Wyatt.

"It's the stuff you can't do in the MMO that I'm most excited about," he says. "My Night Elf character can have a completely different origin story than any Night Elf character in World of Warcraft, because they all have the same origin story [in the MMO]. I can choose any background from the D&D Player's Handbook. I can be a Night Elf sailor. What does that even mean? Turns out I ran the ferry from Teldrassil to Darkshore until Darkshore blew up. That is my origin story. So, just opening up the possibilities is the most exciting part."

Not that revisiting classic dungeons isn't exciting, of course. In terms of size, these are "more than mini and less than maxi." These range from two pages long for Onyxia's Lair to around six pages for the rest, and each one comes armed with everything a Dungeon Master needs to lead their party into the dark – a map, boss stat blocks, encounter tables, treasures, inhabitants, and inspiration for why adventurers might go there in the first place.

Long-time fans won't have any trouble recognizing these famous settings. Aside from Wrath of the Lich King's Azjol Nerub, all of them are classic dungeons – including Blackfathom Deeps and Dead Mines. Actually, the problem was knowing where to stop.

"Our original list was a lot longer, and then we realized that we needed more space for each one than we originally planned," Wyatt admits.

Delving into the past

With all this talk of 'classic' dungeons, will the book take place during a specific time period? No, Wyatt tells me – and that's because it focuses on the themes that define WoW instead. This in turn dictated which dungeons made the cut.

"The adventures chapter starts off by talking about the main conflicts of Azeroth, which are the conflicts that have driven all the expansions of the game," says Wyatt. "In the same way that the Dungeon Master's Guide talks about choosing three conflicts to drive your campaign, that's the way we're presenting these. You could choose to build your campaign around the Burning Legion and the Dragon Flights and the Scourge, and so the dungeons were chosen to have some connection to those major themes."

With that in mind, some dungeons include sidebars that let you tweak its foes based on time period. The book's take on Blackfathom Deeps uses the Naga version, for example, but there's a section detailing how to tweak it for when Twilight's Hammer moves in.

While I'm sure navigating 20 years of in-game history like this was a headache, nothing compares to the tangled knot of jury-rigging D&D classes to fit WoW. This ended up being a unique challenge for Wyatt and the team, because there's no one-size-fits-all solution – some builds could be represented accurately with added Feats, while others required all-new subclasses. This is what made the project "really fun from a design perspective."

Something new, something old

To help you recreate WoW's distinctive classes, the book begins by recommending certain combos to reflect those ideas. (The Mage could be created using D&D's Evoker Wizard with a handful of specific Feats, say.) This isn't always what you might expect; if you want to create a Shaman, for example, you're pointed toward D&D's Barbarian class "which surprises people," Wyatt says with amusement.

New subclasses are then introduced if the build requires more work, like the Oath of the Ebon Blade for Paladins which represents a Death Knight. Some of these update previous ideas, such as the Warrior of Mystic Brews subclass for Monks that tweak the Drunken Master we saw in Xanathar's Guide to Everything. (The Barbarian's Path of the Elements does something similar but on a more radical scale – it's 90% new compared to its inspiration, Path of the Storm Warrior.) Others are entirely new, like the Paladin's Oath of the Holy.

You'll certainly have enough to fight using these builds. Wyatt explains that the bestiary is crammed with foes who fit the book's themes, from demons and dragons to representatives of the Horde and Alliance. That stretches to famous faces like Arthas the Lich King, Anduin, or Thrall.

Crucially, though, these adventures will be distinctly yours. Rather than sticking to the linear path laid out by the MMO, your shackles are off and your leash is cut.

"This is where you can interact with anything you can see, you can talk to anyone you meet, you can learn about the world first person in a whole new way," Wyatt says when I ask what he thinks will tempt WoW fans to try this D&D crossover. "It super excites me. I think it's gonna excite everybody."

D&D World of Warcraft has an early access launch on November 3, 2026. A full retail release follows on November 17.

It's been a busy Gen Con for D&D so far; alongside revealing a long-awaited Dark Sun revamp, a new imprint called D&D Icons resurrects Greyhawk, Dragonlance, and more with new books from legendary creators.

• Check the latest D&D products at Amazon

Actor and tabletop RPG fan Joe Manganiello just revealed D&D Icons, a new slate of content that pairs legendary creators with their most beloved settings.

Serving as chief creative officer for the imprint, Manganiello teed up the first D&D Icons books at Gen Con 2026: Dragonlance from creators Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, The Legend of Drizzt by author RA Salvatore, and a Greyhawk project by Luke Gygax (son of D&D creator Gary Gygax) using his father's unfinished content. We don't have a release date for these yet, but the Greyhawk book will potentially hit shelves as early as 2027. Considering this project, the long-awaited return of Dark Sun, and the reveal of D&D Star Wars, it feels like next year is already shaping up to be a busy one for Dungeons & Dragons fans.

It's not the only return to Greyhawk we can expect in the not-so-distant future. Publisher Wizards of the Coast also showed off new adventure Greyhawk: Crown of the Witch Queen at Gen Con, and it pits us against the returning villain Drelnza, a vampire who is trying to claim their birthright. Seeing as Drelnza is the daughter of Tasha (a longtime D&D character who is set to become our patron in the Warlock video game), that doesn't bode well for us.

Greyhawk: Crown of the Witch Queen will launch in late 2027. According to the team, in a press briefing attended by GamesRadar+, this is a visually grand, operatic story that feels like classic Greyhawk but updated for the modern day. You can see concept art for the project below, with Castle Greyhawk itself appearing prominently alongside the majestic Yatil Mountains, rivers, and ruins. It feels like traditional high fantasy fare, which probably isn't surprising seeing as the official D&D roadmap places it in the middle of the "Season of Swords & Sorcery."

As for those other projects, we don't have much to go on just yet. The Dragonlance tabletop RPG book is the first one using that setting in 20 years to be overseen by creators Weis and Hickman, and it promises decades of lore crammed into one tome. Meanwhile, Luke Gygax using unfinished work from his father means we're getting a Greyhawk adventure with close ties to its original architect. Seeing as Gary Gygax was literally one of D&D's creators, it's a rare opportunity for players to go back to basics.

It's certainly been a busy Gen Con so far; besides Icons and Crown of the Witch Queen, the D&D World of Warcraft crossover finally broke cover. We were able to catch up with designer James Wyatt on bringing the MMO to tabletop in an exclusive deep dive, and he promises that this "will be your chance to explore Azeroth as you never have before."

What's been your favorite announcement so far? Be sure to let us know in the comments.

For recommendations of what to play while we wait, don't miss our guide to the best tabletop RPGs or the best board games.

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Late last year, Dungeons & Dragons publisher Wizards of the Coast revealed that it's working on a new open-world game, the ever-mysterious Warlock, and its cast has now added a well-known games star.

The Hasbro company didn't unveil too much about the exciting title, aside from the fact that it is not, in fact, a turn-based game like Baldur's Gate 3 (much to many fans' disappointment, I'd say) – no dice rolls, and a less "tabletop" vibe. It's also evidently magic-heavy, if the name didn't give it away, and an entirely single-player experience.

Warlock almost strikes me as a mashup of Skyrim and D&D so far, but it's difficult to tell… yet.

What we do now know, however, is that Tasha – the archmage and demonologist you might recognize from various adventures in the Forgotten Realms – is featured in Warlock, and she's voiced by none other than Lady Dimitrescu actor Maggie Robertson.

Yes, the very same Maggie Robertson who plays Orin the Red in Baldur's Gate 3. She'll be taking care of Tasha's motion performance capture as well, if her voice wasn't exciting enough.

Kaatri, the protagonist of Warlock, also has quite the star backing her voice: Tricia Helfer of Battlestar Galactica and Lucifer.

It's shaping up to be one heck of a cast, that's for certain – and if other D&D games like Baldur's Gate 3 taught us anything, it's that the cast can shine very brightly in such titles. Something tells me that Warlock will serve as a great example of this, too, when it arrives sometime in 2027.

I'm excited to see how Tasha fits into Warlock and what the dynamic is like between Kaatri and the historically chaotic evil mage – there's a lot that Wizards of the Coast and developer Invoke Studios could do here lore-wise, but they're not being too open with what we can expect to see just yet.

Searching for other new games to hop into? Here are the best tabletop RPGs you and your pals can enjoy this year – there's more than D&D out there, after all.

Post-apocalyptic D&D world Dark Sun is being revamped in early 2027, and it'll be the first 18+ setting for the tabletop RPG.

There's a good reason for that mature age-rating. The returning D&D franchise (which takes place in a world devastated by magic) is going all in on the gore, sex, and bleak atmosphere of its inspiration. Unlike many of the best tabletop RPGs, you don't save the kingdom in Dark Sun; you're simply trying to survive it.

This has led to D&D's lawyers insisting that new Dark Sun books must be shrink-wrapped on shelves to avoid anyone younger than 18 seeing it. That… well, it probably says a lot about the tone of this reboot. The teaser trailer is a blood-soaked gore fest that'd make Warhammer 40K nod in approval, for example, and the content warning will advise reader discretion due to depictions of violence, nudity, bloodshed, and sexuality. It's certainly a far cry from the newly revealed D&D World of Warcraft crossover, which works to evoke the feel of that beloved MMO.

There will be two books launching when Dark Sun makes its comeback in February 2027; the Blood and Power Gameplay Expansion alongside the Edge of Oblivion Setting Expansion. These will be joined by a Dungeon Master Screen and a map pack tailored to the setting, not to mention an alt-art Player's Handbook based on Dark Sun.

With Blood and Power, you'll get everything you need to carve a path through this broken world with subclasses and player options. However, the thing that may interest fans most is its addition of a new class – the Psion. This psychic warrior wields innate magical power with their mind, and if last year's Psion playtest is anything to go by, they'll stand out due to their use of Psionic Energy Dice and the Psionic Spellcasting feature. They should also wreak havoc on the battlefield using subclasses like one that allows Psions to morph their body as if it's clay (something seen in the trailer, where it's used to turn a warrior's arms into deadly spikes).

No matter what, this is notable for beign the second new class to be added to the current, fifth edition of D&D since it began in 2014. (The first was the Artificer.)

By the looks of it, Edge of Oblivion will focus on the setting itself with locations, lore, a bestiary, and, if last year's Forgotten Realms duology is anything to go by, short adventures. The accompanying 'Season of Survival' should provide more campaign fodder too if you want to get the most from Dark Sun.

Fans have long suspected that the grim world would be making its return to D&D; official playtest material (dubbed "Unearthed Arcana") for post-apocalyptic characters dropped months ago. This strongly suggested that we would be going back to Dark Sun because it fits the bill so neatly, but playtests for the previously mentioned Psion class sealed the deal – that class is closely associated with Dark Sun, so a book revolving around the setting seemed guaranteed.

Personally speaking, this is the D&D Gen Con announcement that has me most excited. Sure, the fact that D&D Star Wars is on the way made my week. But the gritty, post-apocalyptic world of Dark Sun fills a niche that we really haven't had an answer for before now. It's drastically different in tone, setting, and story to almost anything else in the Dungeons & Dragons pantheon, so I'm looking forward to exploring this world with my group next year.

We'll be able to take Dark Sun for a spin ourselves when it launches in February, 2027.

It's all happening at Gen Con if you're a Dungeons & Dragons fan, because the game is resurrecting Greyhawk, Dragonlance, and more with new books from legendary creators.

• Browse the latest D&D products at Amazon

You'll soon be able to wander Azeroth on the tabletop, because D&D World of Warcraft is on the way.

Revealed by publisher Wizards of the Coast at Gen Con's 2026 Dungeons & Dragons show, the surprise crossover allows fans of the best tabletop RPGs to explore the MMO's world in pen-and-paper form for the first time since 2005. D&D World of Warcraft is also the first entry under the "Universes Beyond" label, a title borrowed from another Wizards of the Coast product known for its crossovers – Magic: The Gathering. The second looks as though it might be the newly-revealed D&D Star Wars.

D&D World of Warcraft will launch in November 2026. The crossover, which principal game designer James Wyatt promises will let you "explore Azeroth as you never have before" features a "Gameplay Expansion" sourcebook, a Dungeon Master screen, and a map pack crammed with tokens and battlemaps (much like the treatment for D&D's long-awaited Dark Sun revamp, which was also shown off at Gen Con).

In terms of what you're getting inside the sourcebook, 11 new species are up for grabs, allowing you to play any race in World of Warcraft (including ones that are merely cosmetic in the MMO). Six brand-new subclasses are also making their debut here, like the iconic Death Knight, alongside three updated subclasses. You'll be able to use these across many notable Azeroth locations and seven dungeons based on beloved raids. Some of the MMO's biggest names are included with stat blocks too, from Arthas the Lich King to Jaina Proudmoore.

It's a development that I'm willing to bet WoW fans will get hot under the collar for. In my conversation with designer James Wyatt, the enthusiasm for the project – and everything it'd let players do that they couldn't in the MMO – was palpable. Wyatt's been playing World of Warcraft for years so is a passionate fan himself, and that really comes across.

The thing that may give fans pause is the inclusion of the "Universes Beyond" moniker, though. This has been a source of controversy in the Magic: The Gathering community due to their prevalence and these crossovers not always gelling thematically, with the debate rearing its head again when MTG head designer Mark Rosewater said fans must adapt or "walk away" if they don't like Universes Beyond. I can see the name being carried across to D&D raising hackles as a result.

Still, there is an upside. Unlike MTG where different sets from various IPs are much more likely to encounter one another in a game (most modern Universes Beyond sets are legal in the majority of formats, so they're hard to avoid), D&D is more insular by design. Arthas isn't going to be found wandering the taverns of Baldur's Gate in your home game, for example, and you've got to opt in to those worlds when playing. As such, I don't think it'll be nearly so jarring. Plus, the D&D team also noted during a press pre-brief Q&A session that there isn't a quota for the number of Universes Beyond books that will be produced – not like half of all MTG products a year being Universes Beyond.

What do you think about exploring Azeroth at your tabletop? Be sure to let us know in the comments.

In other news from Gen Con, D&D Icons resurrects Greyhawk, Dragonlance, and more with new books from legendary creators.

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There's a long-running joke about finding really valuable stuff squirreled away at your grandparents' house, but for one Pokemon cards fan, that's actually come true – and the value of what they uncovered is probably around six figures.

In a post on reddit, InkedSketch describes how "Grandma [had] been asking us to come find her Pokemon cards for years." What they didn't expect was just how valuable this collection was. Once it'd all been gathered together, they found dozens of booster packs from the game's launch worth hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars, incredibly rare sealed 'Fossil' box sets, and even a bunch of high-value toys like a pristine, still in-packaging Pokedex.

"She told us she had some packs from along time ago, and that she had a few 'sharjarzds.'" InkedSketch writes in their post. "We finally decided to look for them at the end of last year. She's in her 80s and has been recently talking about them more, we just thought it was like our own trashed pokemon/yugioh collection that was leftover from when we were super young."

Turns out, not so much. Even a quick glance reveals over 70 sealed 'Fossil' booster packs which are worth hundreds of dollars each on the likes of eBay, three sealed Fossil boxes that clock in at $7K+ individually on some price tracking sites, and 60 original booster packs from the game's launch. I quickly checked PriceCharting and these earn anywhere between a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand depending on their grading.

If that was it, grandma would still be sitting on a goldmine... but we're not finished yet. The haul includes everything from original theme decks and starter sets to individual cards too. I count three holo Charizards, a shiny Gyrados, Raichu, multiple shiny Zapdos, and more. There are even a couple of Mew cards in a binder.

The haul goes far beyond Pokemon cards, too; there are also action figures, the sealed '90s Pokedex toy I mentioned from before, a themed mini skateboard (remember those?), and even a still-in-packaging interactive Poke Ball game that really brought me back to my childhood. It's enough to ilicite an "oh damn" at the very least.

The fan community is suitably stunned. "Literal treasure trove," FisherKelTath00 replies with 2.1K upvotes. "Seriously this is prolly like $250k in product. That’s a ROUGH estimate too," War-Daddie adds.

Some in the comments are even suggesting that this estimate is too modest. "Sincere lowball estimate I think," lucky_719 writes. "The one shadowless Charizard can go for five figures alone if it's in decent shape. The 1st edition fossil booster boxes go for $15-$30k each and the lady has 3."

Either way, it's one hell of a haul that would probably make me evolve into "Nervous Wreck" with a special "breakdown" attack if I found it - this is a literal fortune.

What would you do if you stumbled upon that kinda stash at your grandparents' house? Let me know in the comments below.

For recommendations on what to play next, don't miss the best card games. As for what's happening in the community right now, the war on Pokemon resellers now includes facial recognition checks in some stores in Japan.

• See today's best Pokemon card prices at Amazon

The owner of a Gifu, Japan-based trading card shop is asking the public for help finding its alleged robber, but they're cautioning any would-be vigilantes against straight-up killing the perpetrator for the crime.

Spotted by Automaton, the folks behind the Kaitorip Game shop, which sells Pokemon and One Piece trading cards, took to Twitter to reveal footage of what appears to be a single hooded robber breaking into the store and stealing product before fleeing the scene. In the caption, the owners offer a monetary reward for delivering justice to the thief. Per Automaton's translation of the call to action, the store owners specify that a reward of 1 million yen, or about $6100, is up for whoever "captures and brings the robber alive."

If it weren't for that ominous level of detail, this probably wouldn't be a story outside local news. $6100 is a generous enough reward for bringing a burglar to justice, but the suggestion that the Japanese public would be ready and willing to murder someone for robbing a toy store caught the attention of several Twitter users, one of which asked if the bounty would be reduced if the robber is returned damaged, a joking reference to the TCG ecosystem.

"As long as the culprit is breathing," it stays at 1 million yen, the store owner replied.

Thankfully, it seems no one was hurt in this specific case, but the trading card economy in Japan is no joke, involving cards valued at many millions of dollars, which is a big reason crimes like these happen. The Pokemon Company has been aggressive in combatting scalpers, which artificially inflate demand by depleting stock and then reselling at a mark-up, with facial recognition being implemented at some stores in Japan.

Pokemon card resellers are ruining the hobby, but making my own Pokedex got me back in the game

A big change is happening at Dungeons & Dragons owner Wizards of the Coast. John Hight, current president of the company, is leaving his position soon, and the process of finding his replacement has already begun.

As revealed in a filing for the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Hight is stepping down on September 1. This comes just two years after he took on the role, in August 2024, and a tenure where he oversaw some contentious strategizing.

He's overseen the transition to D&D 5.5 edition and put a big emphasis on the Universes Beyond initiative, helping launch crossover after crossover within Magic: The Gathering. Although some of these partnerships were well-received, like The Lord of the Rings, the general push for novelty isn't completely beloved within the wider community.

Wizards has been aware of this, but believes it's better to lean into evolving the card game rather than backing away. "Once the toothpaste is out of the tube, it's just not going back in," Mark Rosewater, head designer on Magic: The Gathering, wrote on a personal blog earlier this month.

"Whether you like or dislike Universe Beyond, it has fundamentally changed the nature of what the game is," he added. "It’s taking the game to a whole new level, in both scope and awareness, much like Commander forever changed how people saw and interacted with the game."

Hight brought a lot of experience with fantasy IP, since he moved over to Wizards from Blizzard, where he served as general manager of Warcraft for over a decade. According to comments provided to GamesIndustry.biz, Hight will continue with Wizards in an "advisory capacity," and the search for his successor is now ongoing.

"There is no change to the strength of the Wizards business," says the statement. "Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons continue to perform incredibly well, consistent with our most recent earnings release, and our upcoming 2027 video game slate, including Exodus and Warlock remains on track."

That last line stands out too, since Hasbro reported a $56 million loss on canceled games just recently. Warlock and Exodus represent a considerably trimmed down slate of releases from the corporation, amid growing uncertainty about its investments in the industry.

Skyrim and Stardew Valley mods weren't enough: rotund icon Jimothy the viral raccoon invades D&D as a Wizards-approved "cryptid" who is "hurling garbage and making friends."

Wingspan Pocket is like one of the apex predators it depicts; it swoops in, claws outstretched, and carries you away before you even know what's hit you. I love the original version, but after getting my hands on this travel-sized follow-up… well, a new board game rules the roost in this house.

Based on the mega-popular Wingspan, this smaller, nimbler variant is designed to be played in just 25 minutes or so. Because it's made up of cards and a few tokens, it also requires much less real estate. (The original board game had some spectacular plumage, but it ate up table space like a gannet.) However, the most crucial difference with Wingspan Pocket is that it's so much easier to play… but is arguably just as fun. I spend a lot of time testing the best board games so would like to think I've got a good idea of what works, and I've got a very good feeling from this. My family enjoys Winspan but can feel overwhelmed by it if we haven't played for a while, so I appreciate that this one streamlines the system into something much more manageable.

You're still collecting birds here, but you don't need an entire menagerie; you just have to get six. Once half a dozen are arranged in a flock on the table, that's it – game over. Players then get another turn until everyone has had an equal number of goes, and you tally up your score. This means you can be done in a fraction of the time.

The way you get birds is the same too, but has been similarly tidied up. Rather than relying on dice rolls to earn resources, each bird card has a random resource symbol printed on the back. These are laid out in a row of four decks you can draw from each turn, and they'll be used to pay for any feathered friends you'd like in your flock. It's so much more deliberate than the original, because even though you're still at the mercy of chance based on what's at the top of each deck, there are always four to choose from at any given time. Plus, there seem to be a lot of 'double' resources available, with certain bird abilities allowing you to swap or ignore specific values. Canny players have options as a result.

The key is when to strike. Actually, that's true of everything about Wingspan Pocket. You have limited space for birds so must balance how many points they'll earn you at the end with their abilities. In addition, those abilities can only be used when the bird card is locked into your flock… so get ready to make some tough, quick-fire decisions on what to use, and when. Should you deploy something that allows you to use a resource in place of anything else, even though the bird itself earns you fewer points when all is said and done? Or are you better off going for a bird with a higher score, but less interesting abilities? I've only just started scratching the surface of this board game, and there's already a lot to consider.

This extends to the fact that your match draws to a close when anyone has added six birds to their flock. It adds a ticking clock to proceedings, because you don't want to be caught out by the endgame without having done everything you want… and by the same token, it adds pressure to keep an eye on what your foes are doing in case they're planning to end the game early to stop you in your tracks.

Even if it all goes awry, this only adds to the "one more match" element of Wingspan Pocket. There's always some new tactic or approach you'll want to try, and that's catnip to me. I can see it being a great travel board game as a direct result, because it'll keep you amused across many evenings of play on vacation.

It reminds me of Catan On the Road, which sunk its hooks into me nice and early too. Both condense their inspiration into something much more bitesize, all without losing what made the originals special.

Just proceed with caution, though; if you're anything like me, Wingspan Pocket may sweep you off your feet too.

For something else to play on the go, don't miss the best card games. As for something you can enjoy with your loved ones, be sure to check out our guide to the best family board games.

• Browse today's best discounts on board games at Amazon

The Pokemon Company will begin using facial recognition at official Pokemon Card Stores in Japan in an effort to discourage scalpers.

The publisher already announced this summer that it would use standardized, but not mandatory, Japanese ID called My Number Cards to verify some transactions made through the official Japanese Pokemon TCG website. Soon, it'll be harder to buy a TCG pack than board an international flight.

The company explains its intentions to use facial recognition in a post on its Japanese website (h/t IGN) revealing the start of Pokemon Card Stores, which will be dedicated to selling Pokemon Trading Card Game packs and related merch, as well as hosting free classes to learn the ways of Pokemon TCG. All five initial stores located across Japan will, according to machine translation, be outfitted with facial recognition "to prevent crime."

The Pokemon Company says anyone elementary school age and older will have their facial data slurped up by their recognition system, but preschoolers will not, as 3-year-olds are presumably deemed low-risk. After all, everyone knows you never start cranking up the price on resold TCG packs until the ketchup-and-mayo grime of second grade starts gettng to you.

In Japan, certain new products launch under a lottery system, and store workers give everyone who lines up outside a number that lets them buy the product when it's called. So, with its new facial recognition system, The Pokemon Company is hoping it can prevent nefarious resellers by correctly allocating one number per buyer, preventing people from showing up on line multiple times, or padding the line with multiple buyers.

The company also instructs potential buyers to alert staff if they have to leave to use the bathroom. Who knows, they could be planning to stick on a fake mustache and googly-eye glasses while they're in there.

Clearly, based on the intense defenses The Pokemon Company is raising, scalping and stealing is a serious international problem in the Pokemon TCG community. Earlier this year, an unofficial store in New York was even robbed at gunpoint of $100,000 worth of merchandise.

Though, I don't know if The Pokemon Company turning its stores into a surveillance state makes me feel especially safe, either.

Pokemon dev Game Freak says its history informed Beast of Reincarnation's feeling of "becoming partners through gameplay" despite looking totally different.

As soon as Kill Team: Exodite was announced, folks went nuts for its dinosaur riders. And you know what? That's fair. Space elves on the back of dragon-esque velociraptors is one hell of a sales pitch. However, this hides the most appealing thing about the box set.

Aeldari cavalry are all good and well, but the real gem is what they're sitting on – a kickass singleplayer or co-op campaign. This is far more in-depth than I'd expected, and while it's not going to dethrone Warhammer Quest: Darkwater, Kill Team: Exodite feels more like the best board games than I'd anticipated.

If you haven't been keeping up with the grimdark future, this is the latest installment for Warhammer 40K's smaller, leaner spinoff that brings back the eponymous Exodites – isolationist Aeldari who fled to "maiden worlds" before the collapse of their civilization. These guys are famous for riding dinosaurs (or "dragons," as they call them) into battle, so you're getting three here alongside a couple of what I like to think of as emotional support dinos. This Kill Team is being pitted against the Beast Snagga Boyz – Orks that love the thrill of the hunt.

As you might expect, this puts the two on a collision course. The Orks are keen to hunt those maiden worlds for their wildlife, while the Exodite Dragon Masters are honor-bound to protect those same planets. There's no chance of a peaceful solution here, so players must saddle up as dino-knights to see off the Orkish invaders across a sprawling campaign of missions. These greenskins are controlled by a clever matrix of behaviours, meaning you don't need anyone to control them.

Much like Armageddon, the launch box for Warhammer 40K's latest edition, Kill Team: Exodite does a great job of making you feel as though the weight of an entire world rests on your shoulders. A lot of time is spent building up the lore of the maiden world that the Orks have invaded, and the campaign itself features branching paths based on the approach you want to take or your success. This really puts you in the driver's seat and makes you feel in charge of this story.

However, unlike the previous box set, Kill Team: Terror on Devlan, your characters earn upgrades as they progress. This only helps enrich that sense of ownership.

Is it odd that Kill Team has focused on two singleplayer/co-op campaigns rather than its traditional competitive match-type? Yeah, a bit – and I'm now eager to see what the next 'season' holds, because we're due a head-to-head box set with a new Kill Zone to fight over. (I can't believe it's already been a year since we last got that with Kill Team: Tomb World.) But I shouldn't complain, because this fits a niche that 40K didn't really have – a legitimate singleplayer mode. We don't all have regular gaming groups or friends who like to play, after all, so this is a great way of getting matches in solo.

Plus, you do get some awesome dragon-riding space elves. So there's always that, if nothing else.

Looking for other recommendations? Don't miss our guide to the best tabletop RPGs. As for more Warhammer, the Ogor Mawtribes have won me over with how gross their mechanics are.

I used to love the heroes in a half-shell as a kid, but I didn't really remember how much until I cracked open some MTG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle booster packs. This crossover is such a love letter to the series, with deep cuts that had me going "oh yeah, I remember them!" and generally geeking out.

Designed to be fully compatible with core Magic: The Gathering, MTG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cards can be played with most match types… and they're currently a lot cheaper to get hold of than usual thanks to Best Buy's Black Friday in July sale. Numerous box sets – from the co-op Turtle Team-Up to fast-paced Draft Night – are on offer right now, and the prices here are far better than I'm seeing at the likes of Amazon. Because Magic's one of the best card games, such massive savings aren't as common.

Now, there is some consternation amongst the community about crossover sets like these because of whether or not they 'fit' Magic's aesthetic… not to mention how they're taking up increasingly more space on the release schedule. Indeed, the issue recently blew up when MTG head designer Mark Rosewater says fans must adapt or "walk away" if they don't like Universes Beyond. While I agree with those concerns (it's jarring to see Donatella fighting alongside high fantasy goblins, for example, and I'm bummed out at them taking up 50% of the lineup), I don't think you could ever claim that Magic isn't putting 100% into the design of releases like MTG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Besides boasting sumptuous art, they have clever mechanics – like Sneak, which allows you to swap out cards and hit your opponent with a nasty surprise – that genuinely enrich the game. As such, I do understand the appeal.

Particularly if you're a diehard fan of the franchise in question. Like I say, I was instantly transported back to being a kid in front of the cartoon on Saturday morning when opening packs, and that's the kind of feeling I wish I could bottle.

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For more tabletop recommendations, be sure to stop by our guide to the best board games and the best tabletop RPGs.

Jimothy, the viral raccoon from Seattle with suspected short spine syndrome, has been added to numerous games by modders, and many developers have paid tribute on social media with art featuring the raccoon in their games' style. Wizards of the Coast has gone one step further, though, by creating an official Dungeons & Dragons stat block for the "beloved cryptid."

Companies often try to jump on viral trends as part of their marketing, and few things have gone as viral as Jimothy's long legs and rotund frame. The raccoon with the rare mutation can be found all over the internet, not just in the few clips of him frolicking around the neighborhood.

The teams behind Cult of the Lamb, World of Warcraft, Old School Runescape, P.I. Mouse For Hire, Dead by Daylight, Among Us, and undoubtedly many more have all released pictures on social media of Jimothy rendered in their games' art styles. Modders who are enamored with Jimothy have also added him to Skyrim and Stardew Valley.

Triptherift's mod will let you interact with and talk to Jimothy in Skyrim. Kirbysteaks has added Jimothy to Stardew Valley as a type of livestock, and plurffle has made a mod that allows you to purchase Jimothy from Marnie, once you have your pet license, of course.

However, to our knowledge, only one company has been brave enough to officially add our latest overlord into its game. Wizards of the Coast has released an official stat block for Jimothy in Dungeons & Dragons and has bestowed upon him the title of "Beloved Cryptid." His special skills include 'Compact Frame,' which allows him to squeeze through gaps less than four inches wide, and 'Hurl Garbage,' a ranged attack that bludgeons and poisons the target.

Jimothy hasn't officially shown up in a video game yet, but we're sure it's only a matter of time.

Hasbro CEO says "you should expect more" crossovers for D&D

MagicCon Amsterdam 2026 had a lot to say, to the point that I'm still reeling. Between announcements for brand-new sets in 2027 and a host of Secret Lair drops, it was a flurry of reveals that didn't stop hitting across the weekend. Fans of the best card games were eating well, let's just put it that way.

Because so much was unveiled, and keeping up with it all is something of a headache, I've rounded up the biggest news from MagicCon Amsterdam 2026 (an annual celebration of Magic: The Gathering with big news and community events) right here. That includes a bite-sized summary, so you can catch up on the latest happenings quickly.

2027 release schedule

As well as giving fans the lowdown on 2026's releases, we got the lowdown on next year's lineup – and it feels pretty stacked. There are three new sets dropping in 2027 that introduce new settings or bring back old favorites, interspersed with three Universes Beyond sets that have yet to be revealed.

Nauctis: The Sunken Realm – February 7 2027

Magic is finally getting its underwater setting! This has been one of the most requested planes for a while, and players will be able to explore the oceans from shallows to abyss in this set. Humans are the outlier here and must use diving suits to get by in a world of sea-dwelling species like lobster folk.

Kamigawa: Titanbreach – June 4, 2027

The Japan-inspired plane of Kamigawa returns next year, but it isn't alone; it's being invaded by Ikoria, the plane of monsters. Basically, that means a Magic spin on Pacific Rim – we're talking mechs vs giant kaiju.

Zhalfir – October 1, 2027

One of Magic's oldest settings is returning at last after a long absence, this time in its own plane. The Afrofantasy Zhalfir is getting a full set for the first time, split between a world of endless day that's lit by five suns and the spirit realm of eternal darkness.

Universes Beyond

Although Wizards of the Coast announced that we would be getting three crossover sets in 2027, including when they'll arrive, there's no word on what they'll be. You can start theorizing now, in other words.

• Universes Beyond set – April 9, 2027
• Universes Beyond set – August 6, 2027
• Universe Beyond set – November 19, 2027

Reality Fracture

This year's final mainline set (Reality Fracture) was a major focus for Magic Con 2026, and we finally know what we're up against. Narratively, it's the culmination of longtime hero Jace's fall from grace. After suffering some pretty rotten luck over the last few years, such as being assimilated/'compleated' by the evil Phyrexians, he decided that enough was enough; this multiverse sucks, he thought, so it's time for a new one.

That's his mission in the set: replace the real world with his 'improved' multiverse (the "Echoverse") that removes villains like the Phyrexians. The downside is that it'd destroy the MTG world we've come to know and love. Because most people don't like the idea of being erased from existence, MTG's heroes are opposing him… but the Echoverse has created twisted reflections of each hero, so they'll be met by bizarre doppelgangers. Cue a massive fight.

Mechanically speaking, these Echoverse characters mirror their inspiration. The fire-wielding Chandra Nalaar is challenged by a frost-powered version, for example, while others flip the character's classic color association. As a case in point, standard green Garruk wants creatures to enter, while Echoverse black Garruk wants them to leave.

However, it's not just Planeswalkers who are getting mirror images. Every booster pack for the set features an 'echoed pair,' showing the normal version alongside a twisted variant. Similarly, a lot of classic MTG staples have also received Echoverse versions that flip the script.

Reality Fracture is available from October 2, 2026.

Secret Lair

All eyes may have been on Reality Fracture and 2027's lineup, but Secret Lair was quietly churning out surprise after surprise.

• Stardew Valley Superdrop: This is a crossover I never expected, but it's bringing the goods. A staggering number of cards have been created for the drop (as shown on MTG's blog), and they include a new-to-Magic Stardew Valley land card alongside a mechanic for gifting cards. It's out on July 27, 2026.
• Hatsune Miku: As of August 10, 2026, a Secret Lair Commander Deck themed around the virtual singer will take center stage.
• Hobbit Superdrop: It's not enough for The Hobbit to be getting its own set, because Secret Lair is getting in on the action with a range of different cards on August 14, 2026. That includes some very handsome food tokens detailing a hobbit's meal plan (from breakfast to supper) along with some gorgeous alt treatments that use drastically different styles like claymation.
• Masters of the Universe: Yes, He-Man and co are making their way to MTG as of September 14, 2026.
• A Perfectly Normal Superdrop: This range is available as of September 1, 2026 and features an incredibly random lineup of cards from Marvel characters like Joe Fixit to the return of classics such as the Shivan Dragon.
• Chaos Vault Het Moment Is Daar: Five cards bedecked in beautiful classic Marvel art became available during MagicCon, ranging from Scarlet Witch's Hex Magic to Spidey villain Hammerhead.
• Festival in a Box Amsterdam 2026: This drop went live during MagicCon and sold out pretty much instantly. A green-themed treasure trove, it featured a Mystery Booster 2 Display, four exclusive promo cards, and the Wild in Bloom drop.

The Hobbit

As the next set on the release schedule, MTG's Hobbit got plenty of love at Magic Con Amsterdam 2026. The focus was primarily on new cards, with an emphasis on those that introduce new or returning mechanics. The most notable ones are "Storied," which provides permanent bonuses if you control three or more artifacts, legendary permanents, and/or Sagas, and "Recruit," which lets you pick up a card, discard a card, and create a 1/1 white Human Soldier creature token if it was a nonland.

We also got our first look at some of the alt-art treatments for the set, which include old-school book cover cards and dwarvish language cards.

Community events

It wasn't just new sets and card reveals for Magic Con 2026; Wizards of the Coast also showed off the litany of community-focused events that'd be coming our way next year. Here are the headlines.

MagicCon 2027

Rather than just having a couple of MagicCon events for 2027, there will be four scattered across the globe next year.

• MagicCon Detroit: February 26-28, 2027
• MagicCon Tokyo: May 14-16, 2027
• MagicCon Las Vegas: August 27-29, 2027
• MagicCon Amsterdam: December 3-5, 2027

Mystery Booster Commander Edition

The Mystery Booster format is wildly popular despite only being available from in-person events like MagicCon, and it features both old favorites and weird playtest cards for a one-of-a-kind experience. So popular, in fact, that the idea is now being given a shakeup with a Commander-themed version. Besides the usual mix of previous cards, it's adding over 50 brand-new ones not seen anywhere else. A great example is Tolabow, Loch Rascal, which creates 1/1 otter tokens whenever you cast an instant or sorcery.

Hall of Fame

Think you have what it takes to become one of the best Magic players around? Now's your chance, because Wizards of the Coast is looking for new additions in 2026 and 2028. You can get the full details via the MTG blog, but you've got to have five "Top Finishes" in major events – e.g. you have to be in the top eight for the Arena Championship or have won the Magic Online Showcase over the past few years.

Want something to play while you wait for all this juicy Magic goodness to drop? Don't miss the best board games, or the best tabletop RPGs.

They say a change is as good as a rest, and by the end of Warhammer 40,000 10th Edition, I was in dire need of either.

Not that 10th Edition wasn't great – it had just gotten a little samey. Well, that's all out the window now because Warhammer 40K 11th Edition is here and I've smashed my way through a tournament's worth of games over the past two weeks to get the lowdown on the new version of the wargame.

We didn't get a full rules overhaul this time around – which means all our 10th edition Codexes still work and most of the core rules remain relatively familiar – but that doesn't mean that there haven't been some significant changes to the way we play Warhammer 40,000.

The good

Off the bat, I'll say this: I like Warhammer 40,000 11th Edition. It feels like a refined version of the game that we've all been playing for the past three years, with a lot of quality-of-life upgrades baked into it.

The overhauls to both terrain and objectives – which resulted in terrain becoming the objectives – have massively shaken up what a 40K board looks like, while the new army dispositions and asymmetric primary missions have given a similarly seismic shuffle to how we build our lists and play the game itself.

Secondary missions feel fairer too, because you can stockpile them, so you're never punished for drawing "Behind Enemy Lines" in the early game or pulling "Assassinate" when all your opponent's characters are hidden.

Getting to build your army towards a specific goal instead of generic missions adds a ton of flavour; my Necrons don't care much for reconnaissance, but they do love to stand in a place and proudly declare dibs, and I can build a list almost exclusively with that in mind now. I love the new detachment system, which lets you glue multiple detachments together to buff different unit types. It helps massively in the flavour department, something that was often lacking in 10th.

Battleshock is more impactful; attached characters no longer forget half of their rules when their unit dies; flying units can actually fly over buildings again… the list of improvements goes on and on.

To top it all off, this feels like the most balanced start to an edition of Warhammer 40K that I can remember, and, most importantly, the game is fun to play. I'm having a great time, and so are my opponents. What more could you want?

The bad

OK, now for all the "more you could want".

I said this is the most balanced start to an edition of Warhammer 40K that we've ever had, and while I stand by that, some balance issues are creeping up already, specifically around the five dispositions. Take & Hold, Priority Assets, and Reconnaissance all seem to be broadly in line with each other, but the other two have some issues.

Purge the Foe is just too strong and too singularly focused as it stands. While other dispositions need to vary up their game plan a little, Purge the Foe just needs to kill you stone dead. There's a danger it pushes the game into a "who can table who first" competition, which is rarely a fun time for Warhammer.

Disruption has the opposite issue; it asks too much of players, and the rewards are just a bit weaker than those in other detachments. You need an ungodly number of trash units to make it work, which means you can find yourself bleeding resources just to keep up, while your opponent has a much simpler and less costly objective to achieve. The missions can be tweaked, so I'm not too worried here long term, but it's an issue to acknowledge.

Some matchups also feel a tad noninteractive – games where players can avoid getting into a serious brawl with each other and still score 80+ points each. This can lead to some boring-ass games of 40K, so I'd like to see tweaks to these mission combos to force some engagement.

Another elephant in the room is that "toeing into terrain" is back. In 10th edition, if you touched a unit (like a tank) partially into a building, you could see into it, but not out the other side – you needed to be entirely within that terrain piece to shoot out the other side. That's no longer the case in 11th, and when combined with the new terrain layouts, it results in some frighteningly long sight lines across the board.

Fast guns are always strong in 40K, but this rule change is stacking the deck further in their direction. 10th Edition was smart enough to avoid this mistake. Again, this is an easy fix, and I suspect 11th will eventually revert to the old ways, but for now, prepare to get blasted from downtown.

The unknown

We're less than a month into the lifespan of Warhammer 40K 11th edition, and we have no idea what's in store for us as the edition progresses.

The codexes remain a mystery, beyond a brief glance at the contents page for the debut book – Codex Orks – from the Big Summer Preview, and they're certainly going to shake up the foundations of the game in a big way. We've seen a taster of how they'll work with the swathe of 1DP detachments that were added to the game alongside the Armageddon launch box, but these are bolt-ons to make the 10th Edition books work with 11th Edition.

The codexes will be built with this new edition in mind, and that offers a lot of opportunities for great (and terrible) things. GW are no strangers to releasing an overpowered codex at the best of times, but now they need to balance books built for 11th against a bunch of hangers-on from the previous iteration.

Hell, even some of the 1DP detachments they've already added are a little too strong, with the Librarius Conclave and Sekhetar Cohort both springing to mind. We've got our first balance pass due any day now, and I'm sure they'll get some appropriate nerfs, but it's a constant game of whack-a-mole that we've seen before.

For something to play in between matches, why not check out the best board games?