Wizards of the Coast Confirms Limited Reprint of 2022 Warhammer 40K Commander Decks

Key points

• Wizards of the Coast confirmed a small reprint of the four Warhammer 40K Commander precons (Necron Dynasties, Forces of Imperium, Tyranid Swarm, The Ruinous Powers).
• The original decks were released on October 7, 2022, and sold out quickly, leading to high resale prices on the secondary market.
• This is the first time a Universes Beyond product has been reprinted, setting a potential precedent for future reprints of popular crossover sets.
• The reprint run is described as 'small' and 'limited,' with availability varying by region and distributor.
• Collector’s Editions of the decks are not being reprinted at this time.
• The reprints are expected to help lower secondary market prices and provide new players with access to the decks at retail price.

Background

The Warhammer 40K Commander precons were among the most popular Universes Beyond products upon their release in 2022. Due to limited supply, resale prices for sealed copies have remained high, often reaching triple digits. The reprint addresses the ongoing demand and the lack of alternative reprint avenues for Universes Beyond cards, which are typically too specific to the setting to be reprinted in other sets. The broader Warhammer 40K universe has seen recent balance updates and new releases, but this reprint is a direct response to the MTG product's market performance.

How outlets are covering it

All sources (Draftsim, Star City Games, VICE, CGMagazine) confirm the reprint and its limited nature. Draftsim emphasizes the precedent-setting nature of the reprint for Universes Beyond products and speculates on future reprints for other popular sets like Fallout. Star City Games and VICE focus on the confirmation by Wizards of the Coast and the potential impact on secondary market prices. CGMagazine highlights the initial rumors on Reddit and the subsequent confirmation by WotC, noting the absence of Collector’s Editions in the reprint. There is no disagreement among the sources, but the emphasis varies between the precedent, the market impact, and the logistical details of the reprint.

Why it matters

This reprint is significant as it marks the first time a Universes Beyond product has been reprinted, potentially changing how Wizards of the Coast handles demand for popular crossover sets. It directly addresses the high secondary market prices and provides new players with access to the decks at retail price. The decision may influence future reprint strategies for other Universes Beyond products and could impact the secondary market for similar items.

What to watch

Fans and retailers should check with their distributors for availability, as it may vary by region. More information on the timing and quantity of the reprint is expected as the decks become available in stores. Wizards of the Coast may consider reprints for other popular Universes Beyond products in the future, depending on demand and market conditions.