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Is Modern Horizons 3 MTG Worth Collecting? 2026 Investment Review

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Modern Horizons 3 is a compelling set for collectors and investors in 2026. The top 8 cards have a raw investment floor of $5,941. Serialized Emrakul, The World Anew is $1,960 raw, and Kaalia of the Vast shows an 18.5% grading ROI at current PSA fees.

What makes a Magic: The Gathering card truly valuable versus just expensive? It’s a question that often gets lost in the hype of a new set release. For Modern Horizons 3, released in 2024, we’re seeing a clear delineation between playability, scarcity, and speculative demand. This set, designed to inject powerful cards directly into the Modern format, has also produced some eye-watering singles prices that demand a closer look. In this review, we’ll dissect the verified market data to determine if Modern Horizons 3 holds up as a viable collecting or investment target in 2026. We’ll break down the top chase cards, analyze the grading potential, and offer a clear verdict on whether you should be buying, watching, or skipping this particular release for your collection.

In This Article

• About Modern Horizons 3

• The Top Chase Cards (ranked table)

• 1. Emrakul, The World Anew [Serialized] (381)
• 1. Ulamog, The Defiler [Serialized] (383)
• 1. Kozilek, The Broken Reality [Serialized] (382)
• 1. Ocelot Pride [Borderless Foil] (322)
• 1. Ulamog, the Defiler [Borderless Foil] (383)
• 1. Kaalia of the Vast [Borderless Foil] (343)
• 1. Flooded Strand [Foil] (436)
• 1. Polluted Delta [Foil] (438)

• Investment Analysis

  • Grading ROI Across the Set

  • Complete-Set Cost Considerations

  • Short-Term vs. Long-Term Outlook

  • Potential Risks

• Worth Collecting? The Verdict

• Pro Tip: Leverage the Eldrazi Rush

• Frequently Asked Questions

About Modern Horizons 3

Modern Horizons 3, released in 2024, has affected the Magic: The Gathering environment. The set was designed to introduce powerful, new cards directly into the Modern format without traditional Standard rotation constraints. This design leads to increased demand for chase cards, as they often become immediate staples in established and emerging Modern archetypes. While the complete card count for Modern Horizons 3 is not publicly available, its focus on high-impact rares and mythics, alongside desirable special printings, has created an active market. For collectors, the appeal of powerful, playable cards with unique artistic treatments and serialized scarcity means that singles from this set can reach substantial prices. Understanding the set’s positioning and its key value drivers is important for collectors and investors.

The Top Chase Cards (ranked table)

Data sources: Prices cited above reflect eBay sold comps, PriceCharting market prices, and PSA public-API pop reports. All figures as of May 2026.

Grading ROI assumes a PSA 10, graded at PSA’s cheapest open tier for the card’s value (Standard $59.99 up to $1,000; Super Express $349 up to $5,000; PSA’s Value tiers are paused; fees checked October 12, 2026), sold on eBay (13.25% fee + $0.40) with an estimated $5 shipping.

1. Emrakul, The World Anew [Serialized] (381)

Emrakul, The World Anew [Serialized], is a primary card in Modern Horizons 3, demonstrating the impact of scarcity and iconic creature design. Its raw price of $1,960 is notable, while the PSA 10 median reaching $3,058 represents a 1.6x multiplier. This shows that collectors are willing to pay a premium for perfectly graded copies of this serialized chase card. At current fees, the grading ROI is 14.7%: a PSA 10 at $3,058 falls into PSA’s Super Express tier ($349 per card, declared value up to $5,000). After eBay’s fee and an estimated $5 shipping, a PSA 10 sold at the median clears $338.56 over the raw card plus grading. This represents a thin margin on $2,308.63 of outlay, and it depends on the card grading a 10. The card’s value is driven by its unique serialized nature, making it a significant item for high-end collectors and investors aiming to acquire the most valuable offerings of this set.

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2. Ulamog, The Defiler [Serialized] (383)

Ulamog, The Defiler [Serialized] stands as another cornerstone of Modern Horizons 3’s most exclusive offerings. With a raw price point of $1,878, it rivals Emrakul for the top spot among non-graded serialized cards. The absence of PSA 10 data means we cannot calculate its specific grading multiplier or ROI at this moment. However, its sheer proximity in price to the top card strongly suggests a similar demand dynamic driven by extreme scarcity and the iconic status of the Eldrazi titans. For collectors focusing on the serialized Eldrazi trio, this card is non-negotiable. Its market value, even without graded population data, speaks volumes about its desirability and perceived long-term value within the Magic: The Gathering collecting community.

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3. Kozilek, The Broken Reality [Serialized] (382)

Kozilek, The Broken Reality [Serialized], a part of the serialized Eldrazi trio, has a notable raw price of $1,525. Similar to Ulamog, The Defiler [Serialized], specific PSA 10 data is not yet available, which makes a direct grading ROI calculation impossible. However, its position as the third most expensive serialized card in the set shows a consistent demand for these unique, high-value printings. The high price point for this card highlights the Eldrazi’s enduring appeal and the significant collector interest in serialized versions of these powerful beings. For collectors aiming for a complete Modern Horizons 3 collection, securing all three serialized Eldrazi is likely the primary objective, establishing Kozilek’s status as a key chase card.

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4. Ocelot Pride [Borderless Foil] (322)

Ocelot Pride, in its Borderless Foil printing, emerges as a notable non-serialized chase card within Modern Horizons 3, priced at $129.98 raw. While not reaching the astronomical heights of the serialized Eldrazi, this price point signifies strong player and collector demand for its aesthetic and potential playability. The lack of PSA 10 data prevents an immediate grading ROI assessment, but its position within the top 8 suggests it’s a card that many players are actively seeking to acquire for their decks or collections. Borderless foils often carry a premium due to their unique visual appeal and are frequently sought after by those who appreciate the art and design of Magic cards.

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5. Ulamog, the Defiler [Borderless Foil] (383)

The Borderless Foil version of Ulamog, the Defiler, with a raw price of $127.81, highlights the significant demand for premium printings of powerful creatures. This price is remarkably close to the Ocelot Pride [Borderless Foil], showing that even non-serialized, but visually striking, versions of the Eldrazi titans can achieve substantial value. The lack of PSA 10 data leaves its grading potential an open question, but its current market value shows it is a desirable card for both players and collectors who desire a more accessible yet still premium representation of Ulamog. The Eldrazi’s iconic status extends to their more ornate printings.

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6. Kaalia of the Vast [Borderless Foil] (343)

Kaalia of the Vast [Borderless Foil] presents a compelling case for grading play, with a raw price of $117.69 and a PSA 10 median of $249. This yields a 2.1x multiplier, which at PSA’s $59.99 Standard fee translates into an 18.5% grading ROI: a PSA 10 sold at the median clears $32.93 after eBay fees and an estimated $5 shipping. That is a positive but modest return, and only if the card grades a 10. Kaalia is a popular commander, and this desirable borderless foil printing offers both playability and significant potential for appreciation when graded. The ROI is the best among the cards with PSA 10 data in this set, but it is slim enough that only near-certain 10s are worth submitting.

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7. Flooded Strand [Foil] (436)

Flooded Strand, in its Foil printing, checks in at $111.32 raw. As one of Magic’s original fetch lands, its inclusion in Modern Horizons 3 is significant. While fetch lands have seen reprints before, the demand for premium versions of these essential mana-fixing tools remains consistently high, especially in foil. The absence of PSA 10 data means its grading potential is currently unknown, but its strong raw price indicates significant player and collector interest. For players building competitive Modern decks, especially those looking to optimize mana bases, a foil Flooded Strand is a premium upgrade, driving its value.

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8. Polluted Delta [Foil] (438)

Similar to Flooded Strand, Polluted Delta [Foil] is a desirable staple from Modern Horizons 3, priced at $91.55 raw. This price reflects the enduring demand for efficient mana fixing in formats like Modern and Commander. As a foil printing, it carries an aesthetic appeal that complements its utility. Without PSA 10 data, its grading ROI remains speculative, but its high raw value firmly establishes it as a key card within the set. Fetch lands, in general, are cornerstones of many powerful Magic decks, and their foil versions are consistently valued by collectors and competitive players alike, affirming Polluted Delta’s position among the set’s top cards.

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Investment Analysis

Grading ROI Across the Set

The potential for profit through grading is a significant factor for many collectors. Modern Horizons 3 offers a couple of modest opportunities at current fees. Kaalia of the Vast [Borderless Foil] leads with an 18.5% grading ROI at PSA’s $59.99 Standard fee, based on its PSA 10 median price versus its raw value, so grading pays only on copies that reach a PSA 10. Emrakul, The World Anew [Serialized] shows a 14.7% ROI, on a much higher initial investment that includes PSA’s $349 Super Express fee. For cards like the serialized Eldrazi titans (Ulamog, The Defiler and Kozilek, The Broken Reality) and other borderless foils like Ocelot Pride, the lack of PSA 10 data means their grading potential is yet to be fully determined. However, if history is any guide, perfectly graded versions of these cards could command substantial premiums, opening up further avenues for ROI.

Complete-Set Cost Considerations

The sum of the top 8 chase cards provides a floor of $5,941 for acquiring the highest-value singles from Modern Horizons 3 in raw condition. However, this figure does not represent the total cost of completing the entire set. For TCGs like Magic: The Gathering, especially sets designed for formats like Modern, it’s prudent to estimate the complete-set cost as 1.0x to 1.2x this floor, accounting for commons, uncommons, and non-chase rares. This suggests a realistic budget for acquiring a full set of Modern Horizons 3 would likely range from $5,941 to $7,129. This estimate excludes any special variants, artist proofs, or extremely limited print runs that may exist, focusing instead on the primary checklist and its most desirable printings.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Outlook

In the short term (within the first 6-12 months of release), Modern Horizons 3 chase cards are likely to remain desirable, driven by immediate demand from players incorporating them into competitive decks and from collectors seeking to acquire the set’s most iconic pieces. The serialized Eldrazi, in particular, are expected to maintain significant price stability due to their inherent scarcity. Longer term, the value of these cards will be influenced by their continued playability in the Modern format and the presence (or absence) of power-creeping reprints in future sets. For cards like Flooded Strand and Polluted Delta, reprints are always a possibility, but demand for foil versions of staple lands generally remains strong. The serialized cards, however, are a different category entirely; their value is primarily driven by rarity and collectibility, making them less susceptible to reprint dilution.

Potential Risks

While Modern Horizons 3 presents strong collecting opportunities, several risks should be considered. Reprint risk is always present in Magic: The Gathering. While Modern Horizons sets are designed to inject cards directly into Modern, Wizards of the Coast could potentially reprint highly desirable cards from this set in future supplemental products, which could affect market prices. Another factor is the ongoing evolution of the Modern metagame; if chase cards become less powerful or are superseded by newer, stronger options, their playability-driven demand could decrease. Furthermore, the grading market itself carries risks. Changes in grading standards, increased turnaround times, or shifts in collector preference between grading companies (e.g., PSA vs. BGS vs. CGC) could impact the long-term value of graded cards. For serialized cards, the risk is primarily tied to the print run and the total number of copies ever produced; while scarcity is currently a driver of value, any unforeseen increase in supply would be detrimental.

Worth Collecting? The Verdict

Modern Horizons 3 is a BUY for collectors and investors in 2026, with specific caveats. The set’s design, focused on introducing powerful cards into the Modern format, has resulted in high demand for its most desirable printings, particularly the serialized Eldrazi.

• The TCG Collectibles Completionist: BUY. If your goal is to own a complete set of a significant, modern Magic release with highly desirable chase cards, Modern Horizons 3 is a prime candidate. The serialized Eldrazi alone make it a notable set for high-end collectors.

• The ROI-Focused Investor: BUY, but with focus. Cards like Kaalia of the Vast [Borderless Foil] offer a positive but modest grading ROI (18.5% at current PSA fees), so flips work only on copies that reach a PSA 10. For higher budgets, acquiring raw serialized Eldrazi with the intent to hold or grade them when data becomes available also presents a strong, albeit higher-risk, opportunity.

• The New Collector with $2970 to Spend: WATCH. With a raw price floor of $5,941 for the top 8, a complete set is likely out of reach for this budget. However, a focused approach on individual cards like Kaalia of the Vast [Borderless Foil] ($117.69 raw) or even the foil fetch lands (Flooded Strand at $111.32 raw) is feasible. The serialized Eldrazi are likely too expensive to acquire individually at this budget without significant compromise elsewhere.

Collector’s Note: Eldrazi Focus

The serialized Eldrazi titans—Emrakul, The World Anew, Ulamog, The Defiler, and Kozilek, The Broken Reality—are the primary cards of Modern Horizons 3. Their combined raw price of over $5,300 for these three cards highlights their scarcity and collectibility. For investors, targeting these cards, especially raw copies with the potential for high-grade submissions, offers a direct path to value growth. If an investor cannot acquire all three, focusing on one, particularly Emrakul with its available PSA 10 data, can be a strategic entry point into the set’s most valuable assets. Their iconic status and limited print run as serialized variants make them strong candidates for long-term value retention and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Modern Horizons 3 worth collecting for its financial potential?

Yes, Modern Horizons 3 shows strong financial potential, particularly in its serialized Eldrazi chase cards and cards with a positive grading ROI like Kaalia of the Vast [Borderless Foil]. The serialized trio alone represents a significant portion of the set’s value, driven by scarcity and collector demand, as evidenced by Emrakul’s $1,960 raw price.

How much does it cost to complete the Modern Horizons 3 set?

Based on the top 8 chase cards summing to $5,941, a rough estimate for completing the entire Modern Horizons 3 set in 2026 would be between $5,941 and $7,129 (1.0x–1.2x the floor). This accounts for commons, uncommons, and bulk rares, but excludes highly speculative special printings.

Which cards from Modern Horizons 3 have the best grading ROI?

Kaalia of the Vast [Borderless Foil] currently offers the best grading ROI at 18.5% under current PSA fees, with a PSA 10 multiplier of 2.1x its raw price of $117.69. Emrakul, The World Anew [Serialized] shows a 14.7% ROI, though at a much higher entry cost.

Are the serialized Eldrazi from Modern Horizons 3 a good long-term investment?

Given their extreme scarcity and iconic status within Magic: The Gathering, the serialized Eldrazi titans are likely strong long-term investments. Their value is primarily driven by collectibility rather than immediate playability, which typically leads to more stable long-term appreciation, especially for perfectly graded examples.

Should new collectors focus on Modern Horizons 3 if they have a limited budget?

With a limited budget, a new collector might find it challenging to acquire the top chase cards of Modern Horizons 3. However, focusing on individual, more affordable but still desirable cards like foil fetch lands (e.g., Flooded Strand at $111.32 raw) or cards with proven grading potential like Kaalia of the Vast is a more strategic approach.

Explore more insights in our TCG Collectibles hub, and for a look at budget-friendly options, check out our guide to Best Foundations MTG Cards Under $25 (2026 Budget Guide).