Warp Speed Activated: Magic: The Gathering Beams A Spanning Star Trek Universe Onto Cards in 2026

The highly anticipated collaboration between Wizards of the Coast and Paramount, bringing the vast universe of Star Trek into the legendary card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG), has been officially confirmed as a full, Standard-legal set under the Universes Beyond banner. Scheduled for release in November 2026, the set promises to be an exhaustive tribute to the franchise, encompassing characters, starships, and key moments from the original 1960s series right through to the latest streaming hits like Strange New Worlds and Picard.

This commitment to covering the full six-decade span of the franchise is a significant move, ensuring maximum appeal across all generations of Trekkies. Initial art reveals have already confirmed the presence of iconic figures like Captain Kirk from The Original Series (TOS) and the formidable Klingon Chancellor Gowron, signaling a deep dive into the rich, single-continuity tapestry of the Star Trek canon.

A Deep Dive Across All Eras: From TOS to the Next Generation and Beyond

The inclusion of characters from every major iteration—rather than focusing solely on the universally recognized crews of TOS and The Next Generation (TNG)—is a strategic decision aimed at maximizing the set’s revenue potential and ensuring a high-value collector’s experience. Fans can expect a massive roster of legendary creatures and locations, translating Starfleet’s philosophy of exploration and diplomacy into powerful game mechanics.

• The Founding Crew: The pioneering spirit of TOS will be well-represented, with Captain James T. Kirk, Spock, and the original U.S.S. Enterprise serving as foundational Legendary cards, likely incorporating combat and exploration themes.
• The 24th Century Titans: Expect key figures from TNG, Deep Space Nine (DS9), and Voyager, including Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Commander Riker, Captain Janeway, and the moral complexities of characters like Elim Garak and the Borg Collective. The political intrigue of DS9, in particular, offers fertile ground for unique control and negotiation-style mechanics.
• The Modern Frontier: Content from the modern streaming era—including Discovery, Lower Decks, and the prequel-turned-hit Strange New Worlds (SNW)—will ensure the set is relevant and cross-promotional. This modern inclusion will likely introduce high-value cards and showcase characters like Captain Pike and Ensign Mariner.
• Iconic Antagonists: The set will feature the franchise’s most memorable villains, from the Klingons and Romulans to the Dominion and the omnipotent Q, translating their narrative strengths into challenging card effects and game-winning strategies.

The extensive scope mirrors the success of other large-scale Universes Beyond projects, such as the critically acclaimed The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth set, which shattered sales records for Wizards of the Coast.

Mechanical Opportunities: Warp Speed, Hacking, and Tech Upgrades

The vast technological and thematic elements of Star Trek offer unique avenues for innovative game design within the MTG framework. While specific mechanics are yet to be fully detailed, the early artwork suggests the return or introduction of abilities tailored to a sci-fi setting, which will be crucial for competitive play and Commander format appeal.

• Return of Spacecraft and Stations: The success of recent Universes Beyond sets dealing with space themes suggests that a revamped “Station” mechanic—representing starbases, planets, or other locations—and “Spacecraft” cards (like the various iterations of the U.S.S. Enterprise) will be central. This often allows for unique global effects and powerful mid-to-late-game resource management.
• Warp and Impulse Abilities: The concept of “Warp Speed,” which appeared on an early card art tease, is a prime candidate for a custom mechanic, potentially allowing for faster deployment of threats or “time travel” effects that manipulate the game state.
• The Technological Edge: Starfleet’s advanced technology—from transporters and phasers to holographic systems—will be translated into artifacts and instant/sorcery spells, offering players unique tools for removal, utility, and ramp (accelerating mana production).
• Tribal Synergy: With numerous species—Vulcans, Klingons, Ferengi, and Andorians—the set is perfectly positioned for powerful Tribal strategies, rewarding players for building decks around a specific species or faction. This fosters both high-level deckbuilding and nostalgic fan engagement.

The full set will be available in November 2026 on both the tabletop and MTG Arena, marking a major addition to the Universes Beyond lineup. The sheer breadth of the Star Trek timeline being covered ensures that the set will be one of the most mechanically and thematically complex crossovers to date, and a guaranteed hot commodity for both collectors and serious Magic players.