Magic: The Gathering is going to be visiting the realm of Middle-earth later this year with Tales Of Middle-earth introducing characters from Tolkien's Legendarium to the mechanics of the hefty collectable card game. Starter Decks and more are on the way.

Tales Of Middle-earth Starter Kit // Magic: The Gathering

At the core of the new releases is going to be the new Starter Kit which will give you everything that two players need to get started with the game. It will come with two decks that should allow you to play out that classic struggle between Good and Evil that folks know from Middle-earth.

There will also be the standard Universes Beyond Prerelease set coming down the pipeline as well which will be something your local store will want to pick up and use to get folks excited ahead of the proper release of the card set.

Tales Of Middle-earth Pre-Release Set // Magic: The Gathering

One thing that is immediately apparent from the previews that we've been seeing so far is that the artwork is looking particularly gorgeous. It seems like Wizards have picked a whole host of great artists to help bring their vision of Middle-earth to the tabletop.

I must admit that whilst it seems like we're going to be getting a solid set of releases for this Universes Beyond expansion to Magic, it does feel a little overwhelming. There are a lot of different sets and packs on the way that you might need to get your head around.

Tales Of Middle-earth Draft Boosters // Magic: The Gathering

I'm sure for those who are veterans of Magic: The Gathering, this is all standard operating procedure! There are breakdowns as to what means what over on the Tales Of Middle-earth Page which is quite helpful including a look at the way in which you can get your hands on Boosters and the like.

Tales Of Middle-earth Set Boosters // Magic: The Gathering

I've dipped my toe into the world of Magic: The Gathering a few times over the years but it hasn't ever been a stalwart of my gaming life. The theme of Middle-earth might draw me in though and I could very much be tempted by the Starter Kit at the very least. At least then, regardless of changes in the future, I would still have a set for me and a friend to play.

If you're interested in Tales Of Middle-earth then you can check out the pre-orders for the kits over on Amazon or (and you should do this really) check out where your nearest participating store is and grab your pre-orders through them.

Could you be tempted to give Magic a go thanks to the Middle-earth theme of this new set?