A Step-by-Step Guide to Preordering Magic: The Gathering's The Hobbit Universes Beyond Set
Introduction
Attention, Planeswalkers and Tolkien fans alike! The next Universes Beyond set for Magic: The Gathering is finally here—The Hobbit is now available for preorder, with an official release date of August 14. Following the massive success of The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle‑Earth (the first Universes Beyond set to be Modern‑legal), the prequel novel gets its own cardboard treatment. Expect cards that stay faithful to J.R.R. Tolkien's intricate worldbuilding, featuring multiple versions of iconic characters, locations, and story moments. Each card is carefully designed to work mechanically in a game of Magic while honoring the source material. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to secure your sealed products before they sell out.
What You Need
- A reliable internet connection
- A valid payment method (credit/debit card, PayPal, or store gift card)
- An account on Amazon or Best Buy (or both, for backup options)
- Optional: A wishlist or price tracker to monitor restocks
Step-by-Step Preorder Guide
- Understand the Product Lineup
First, familiarize yourself with the sealed products available for The Hobbit set. Unlike previous expansions, this release does not include preconstructed Commander decks—a notable omission likely due to the high volume of Legendary Creatures (some characters will even get multiple cards). The available products are:
- Play Booster Box (30 packs) – $209.70. Best for building a collection or hosting a draft night. Each pack contains 15 cards with a chance for Rare or Mythic pulls.
- The Hobbit Bundle (9 packs) – $70. Includes 9 Play Booster Packs, an alternate‑art traditional foil card, 19 traditional foil basic lands (9 full art), 15 basic lands (5 full art), an oversized spindown life counter, a card storage box, and 2 reference cards.
- Draft Night Kit (13 packs) – $130. Specifically designed for a 4‑player Pick‑Two Draft pod (faster than regular booster draft). Contains 12 Play Booster Packs + 1 Collector Booster Pack, 90 basic lands, and 10 double‑sided tokens.
- Crack the Plates Scene Box – $42. A 6‑card collection of alternate‑art cards that form a large interconnecting image when placed together.
- Choose Your Retailer
As of now, preorders are available at both Amazon and Best Buy. Check both sites for availability and pricing—sometimes one retailer may offer free shipping or have a sale. Keep in mind that some products may already be sold out, but with the release date still a few months away (August 14), restocks are likely.
- Visit the Product Page
Go to your chosen retailer's website and search for "Magic: The Gathering – The Hobbit" or the specific product name (e.g., "The Hobbit Play Booster Box"). Make sure you're on the correct page—look for the official Wizards of the Coast logo or Universes Beyond branding to avoid scams.
- Add to Cart and Review
Click the preorder button (usually labeled "Preorder Now" or "Add to Cart"). On the cart page, double-check the quantity, price, and estimated release date. Most preorders will not charge your card until the item ships, but confirm the retailer's policy.
- Complete Checkout
Proceed to checkout. Sign in to your account if needed. Enter your shipping address and select a payment method. Many retailers offer options like free standard shipping or expedited delivery—choose whatever works best for you. Review the order summary and confirm.
- Monitor Your Order Status
After placing the preorder, you'll receive a confirmation email. Save it for reference. Closer to August 14, check your order status to ensure it hasn't been canceled or delayed. If the product goes out of stock, set up a restock alert or check back regularly.
Tips for a Smooth Preorder Experience
- Act fast. Popular Universes Beyond sets (like Lord of the Rings) sold out quickly during preorder. Don't wait too long to secure your box.
- Compare bundles. The Bundle offers great value with promo cards and a life counter, while the Draft Night Kit is perfect for group play. Choose based on your needs.
- Check multiple retailers. If Amazon is sold out, Best Buy may still have stock. Bookmark both pages.
- Set a calendar reminder. Mark August 14 as the official release day. Some retailers ship early, but most will deliver around that date.
- Consider the long game. Play Booster Boxes often appreciate in value. If you're not in a rush to open packs, keeping a sealed box can be a good investment.