Secret Lair cards are a unique sub-brand of Magic: The Gathering that offers a series of limited-edition, collectible “drops.” These drops feature existing cards with brand-new, often wild, art styles and themes. While some of the most sought-after Secret Lair cards can command a hefty price tag due to their limited print runs, many others offer a fantastic opportunity for collectors and players to acquire beautiful and popular cards without breaking the bank.
This list does not include some of the most valuable cards on the market, such as The Hatsune Miku card, Encore Electromancer, Snapcaster Mage #808 or Mana Vault #796 from Fall Out, which are considered to be among the most valuable Secret Lair cards right now. This article focuses on ten Secret Lair cards that are both highly desirable and relatively accessible, making them a great entry point for new collectors or a valuable addition to any player’s collection.
10. Maskwood Nexus #1904 (Double Rainbow Foil)
Maskwood Nexus is a powerful artifact that makes all your creatures every creature type, a perfect fit for tribal decks. The “Double Rainbow Foil” version from a Secret Lair drop is a visual spectacle, and while it’s a popular card, it remains more affordable than many other high-end Secret Lair foils. Its unique foiling and strong playability make it a great pickup.
9. Westley, Dread Pirate Roberts – Fynn, the Fangbearer #1449
This card is from the “Princess Bride” Secret Lair, a “Universes Beyond” drop that brought characters from the classic film into Magic. The card features Westley, Dread Pirate Roberts, on the frame of Fynn, the Fangbearer, a popular commander. The card is a perfect example of a flavorful Universes Beyond crossover that remains accessible while being highly collectible due to its unique theme and art.
8. Skullclamp #1112 (Borderless)
Skullclamp is a notorious and powerful equipment card in Magic, and this version from the “Special Guest: Yoji Shinkawa” Secret Lair drop is a standout. The art, by legendary video game artist Yoji Shinkawa, is instantly recognizable with its black-and-white, ink-washed aesthetic. This drop brought a truly unique style to Magic, and this printing of Skullclamp provides an aesthetically pleasing option that is surprisingly easy to acquire for such an iconic card.
7. Mystic Remora #406 (Borderless)
A staple for blue decks that want to draw cards, this printing of Mystic Remora is from the “Special Guest: kelogsloops” Secret Lair drop. The borderless art by artist kelogsloops (Hieu Nguyen) showcases a whimsical, fish-like creature in a mesmerizing, watercolor style. While the card is a powerhouse in competitive formats, its Secret Lair printing remains a strong but still accessible choice for players who want a beautiful and collectible version.
6. Teysa Karlov #1235
Teysa Karlov is a legendary creature from the “Culture Shocks: Orzhov” Secret Lair drop. This drop celebrated the art of Japanese artists and featured art from the Magic Manga, giving Teysa a unique anime-inspired look by artist Tsubonari. The card’s ability to double “death triggers” makes her a powerful and popular commander, and the Secret Lair art is a fantastic, collector-focused alternative to her original printings.
5. Silver Legion #1149
This printing of Sliver Legion is from the “Extra Life 2022” Secret Lair drop, which featured two different versions of the card. The drop included a version with art by Steve Prescott (age 48) and a separate version with art by Said (age 6), both of which are highly sought after. However, the Steve Prescott version often sells for a higher price, making it a particularly valuable piece from this unique and charitable Secret Lair.
4. Azusa, Lost but Seeking #1234
This printing of Azusa, Lost but Seeking comes from the “Secret Lair Drop Series” and features art by Tsubonari. Tsubonari is the same artist who illustrated the Teysa Karlov card on this list. This art style gives Azusa a unique and memorable look, and the card itself is a staple in land-based Commander decks. The combination of a highly-playable card with this striking art style makes this a great find for collectors and players alike.
3. Mental Misstep #1179
Mental Misstep is a powerful “free” counterspell and a staple of competitive Legacy and Vintage formats. This Secret Lair drop, “The Meaning of Life, Maybe,” features an abstract and mind-bending art style by Ori Toor. The unique aesthetic and competitive playability of the card make it a great choice for players who want to show off a unique version of a powerful, format-defining card.
2. Thassa’s Oracle #1280
A key card in many combo decks across multiple formats, Thassa’s Oracle is a game-ending threat. This Secret Lair printing is from the “Artist Series: Lauren YS” drop, and the art gives the card a beautiful, watery, and serene feel, a stark contrast to its often-brutal win condition. The artistic take on this powerful card makes it a valuable and popular piece for both competitive players and collectors.
1. Dark Ritual #1170
This iconic printing of Dark Ritual comes from the “Artist Series: Frank Frazetta” Secret Lair. The art on this card is a classic Frazetta painting, making it a piece of fantasy art history as much as a powerful Magic card. The combination of an iconic artist and a staple card makes this Secret Lair Dark Ritual a must-have for collectors and players alike, and its relative accessibility makes it the perfect entry for a Secret Lair collection.
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