Magic’s popular print-to-demand Secret Lair collections are here to stay.

Last month, Magic: The Gathering’s Secret Lair took a bold step by launching a Hatsune Miku Commander deck. To tackle the ongoing issue of highly sought-after drops selling out in a flash, the Miku deck introduced a 24-hour limited order window. Any orders placed during this timeframe would be fulfilled, ensuring that players had a fair chance to snag a deck. Matthew Hodgins, the head of Secret Lair, shared that this experiment was a resounding success and the team is paying close attention to the results.

In a recent update on the Magic: The Gathering blog, Hodgins elaborated that the drop “did exactly the job we wanted it to do. If you ordered inside the window, you’re getting a deck. That’s the whole point, and it’s the part I’m happiest about.” The 24-hour order window aims to help players secure decks that feature a unique blend of high demand and engaging gameplay. This new approach was implemented following feedback regarding the Goblin Storm and Dandân drops, which were gone almost instantly.

Despite the positive reception of the Miku deck, Hodgins acknowledges that there are still areas for improvement. Key challenges being addressed include queue management and refining shipping methods in North America. A significant issue that remains is backorder fulfillment. While everyone who orders during the limited-time window will receive a deck, Secret Lair processes this in two phases. Initially, a limited number of pre-printed sets are shipped right away. Once those are sold out, subsequent orders go on backorder and will be fulfilled later, which means some players might wait months for their decks. Hodgins noted that resolving this issue “will take time, but we agree it should be better, and we’re working on it.”

Looking ahead, Secret Lair plans to continue experimenting with the 24-hour limited order window, with the next opportunity arriving soon with the Secret Lair Commander Deck: Odds and Ends. Hodgins mentioned that more information about this release will be shared shortly. He also hinted at the possibility of a dedicated storefront for Secret Lair drops in the future, aimed at making the purchasing process smoother and more transparent for players. The Odds and Ends drop will serve as another opportunity to collect data that will guide future 24-hour releases and the development of the dedicated storefront.