The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Set Review
When The Lost Caverns of Ixalan released in late 2023, it marked one of Magic’s boldest thematic returns – diving deeper (literally) into the lost continent first explored in 2017.
With Aztec-inspired worldbuilding, dinosaurs, gods, and glittering treasures, Caverns fused flavor, mechanics, and collector energy into a true adventure set.
Overview and Context
- Set Name: The Lost Caverns of Ixalan
- Release Date: November 2023
- Set Type: Premier Expansion (Standard-legal)
- Total Cards: 291 main + 100+ variants (Extended Art, Showcase, Special Guests)
- Theme: Exploration, discovery, and ancient power
- Key Features: Double-faced cards, “Discover” mechanic, Special Guest reprints, dinosaur archetypes
Ixalan’s second visit traded sailing ships for subterranean kingdoms.
Wizards delivered lush art direction, strong limited play, and a rare balance between flavorful design and collector chase cards – highlighted by Special Guests like Mana Crypt and Cavern of Souls.
Caverns brought back fan-favorite tribes and gods — lush new artwork, deep flavor, and high collector appeal.
Market Overview (Q4 2025)
| Rank | Card | Avg NM / PSA 10 Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mana Crypt (Special Guest) | $350–$400 | The top chase reprint; premium frame variant anchors the set’s value. |
| 2 | Cavern of Souls (Special Guest) | $250–$300 | Cross-format staple; limited supply drives steady appreciation. |
| 3 | Itlimoc, Cradle of the Sun (Showcase) | $180–$220 | Commander powerhouse; alt-art frame adds long-term appeal. |
| 4 | Gishath, Sun’s Avatar (Full Art) | $150–$180 | Dinosaur icon; strong EDH demand. |
| 5 | The Mycotyrant (Borderless) | $120–$150 | New mythic with immediate Commander traction. |
| 6 | Ojer Axonil, Deepest Might | $90–$110 | Multi-format playability and striking showcase design. |
| 7 | Chimil, the Inner Sun | $80–$100 | Mythic rarity plus alternate foil drive collector interest. |
| 8 | Growing Rites of Itlimoc (Retro) | $70–$90 | Reprint synergy with earlier Ixalan; consistent demand. |
| 9 | The Ancient One (Extended Art) | $60–$80 | Flavor win; Commander sleeper. |
| 10 | Ojer Taq, Deepest Foundation | $50–$70 | Collector interest boosted by serialized variant. |
Prices have stabilized following early volatility.
High-end Special Guests remain the market drivers, while showcase mythics sustain long-term Commander value.
Collector cornerstones – the premium foils and reprints that define Caverns’ investment identity.
Design and Collector Legacy
- Return to storytelling.
Caverns succeeded by embedding narrative into every mechanic, echoing classic Zendikar adventure vibes. - Special Guests elevate modern sets.
The curated reprint slot — from Mana Crypt to Force of Will – became a proven template for future releases. - Visual mastery.
Borderless and showcase treatments pushed artistic quality to a new high; even commons feel collectible. - Commander first.
Nearly half the mythics play better in EDH than Standard – a deliberate design choice that fuels long-term demand.
Original mythics that gave the set its soul – ambitious designs destined for future Commander decks.
Long-Term Outlook
While it won’t rival Modern Horizons 3 in raw power, The Lost Caverns of Ixalan stands tall as one of the most collectible Standard sets of the modern era.
Its Special Guest framework, strong Commander resonance, and breathtaking art direction give it enduring value.
Expect slow-and-steady appreciation across sealed product and top mythics as supply tightens post-rotation.