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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 in 2026, particularly for those targeting the serialized Eldrazi titans like Emrakul, The World Anew, which commands a raw price of $1,948. The raw value of the top 8 chase cards alone reaches $5,962, indicating a significant investment floor. For collectors focused on graded specimens, cards like Kaalia of the Vast [Borderless Foil] offer a 51.8% grading ROI at PSA 10, making strategic grading a viable path to profit.

If you had to pick one card from Magic: The Gathering’s Modern Horizons 3 to grade right now, which one would pay off the most? The math might surprise you. Modern Horizons 3 has firmly established itself as a high-stakes release in the TCG collectible market, drawing significant attention in 2026 due to its potent chase cards and the enduring appeal of its iconic creature types. The set’s initial data reveals a strong concentration of value within its rarest printings, especially the serialized versions of the legendary Eldrazi titans. At the forefront is Emrakul, The World Anew [Serialized], holding a commanding raw price of $1,948 and a PSA 10 median of $3,124. This substantial uplift suggests a healthy demand for perfectly graded copies. When considering the overall investment landscape, the sum of the top 8 chase cards alone, totaling $5,962 raw, provides a robust lower-bound for the set’s value. This figure doesn’t account for the vast amount of commons, uncommons, and regular rares, which would push the true cost of a complete set considerably higher. The inclusion of powerful staples and highly sought-after alternate art treatments further bolsters its collecting appeal. Last updated: June 2026.

In This Article

• About Modern Horizons 3

• The Top Chase Cards

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

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

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

• 4. Ocelot Pride [Borderless Foil] (322)

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

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

• 7. Flooded Strand [Foil] (436)

• 8. Polluted Delta [Foil] (438)

• Investment Analysis

• Grading ROI Across the Set

• Complete-Set Cost Estimate

• Short-Term vs. Long-Term Outlook

• Inherent Risks and Considerations

• Worth Collecting? The Verdict

• The TCG Collectibles Completionist

• The ROI-Focused Investor

• The New Collector with Limited Capital

• Frequently Asked Questions

About Modern Horizons 3

Magic: The Gathering’s Modern Horizons 3, released in 2026, was designed as a powerful expansion aimed squarely at the Modern format, but its impact on the collectibles market has been equally significant. While the exact card count for the full checklist isn’t publicly available, the set is known for its high density of powerful cards, many of which command premium prices due to their playability and unique aesthetics. This set represents a key release in the ongoing “Modern Horizons” series, which consistently delivers cards that either shake up competitive play or become instant chase items for collectors. The introduction of highly anticipated alternate art treatments, including serialized versions and borderless foils, has amplified its desirability. The presence of iconic creature types, particularly the colossal Eldrazi, has always resonated deeply within the Magic community, and Modern Horizons 3 leverages this fascination to create some of the era’s most coveted TCG assets. Its release in 2026 places it firmly within the current collecting landscape, where digital scarcity and graded collectibles are driving market trends.

The Top Chase Cards

The collectible value of any Magic: The Gathering set is often dictated by a select group of highly desirable cards, and Modern Horizons 3 is no exception. The data available for 2026 clearly highlights a concentration of value in the rarest printings, particularly the serialized versions of the Eldrazi titans. These cards, representing a pinnacle of both artistic design and perceived scarcity, are the primary drivers of the set’s high market ceiling. Beyond the serialized wonders, borderless foil treatments of other powerful creatures and essential lands also contribute significantly to the set’s overall appeal and price point. This stratification of value means that while the entry cost for a complete set can be substantial, focusing on these specific chase cards can offer a more targeted approach for collectors and investors alike.

Data sources: What The Slab checks eBay sold comps, PriceCharting market prices, and PSA public-API pop reports. All figures as of June 2026.

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

Emrakul, The World Anew, in its serialized form, stands as the undisputed king of Modern Horizons 3 chase cards in 2026. Its raw price of $1,948 reflects immense demand from collectors who value extreme rarity and the iconic status of the Eldrazi. The PSA 10 median price of $3,124, a 1.6x multiplier over raw, demonstrates a strong appreciation for professionally graded examples. With a potential grading ROI of 37.9%, this card presents a compelling opportunity for those willing to invest in grading. The sheer visual impact and game-breaking potential of Emrakul, even in its serialized variant, solidify its position as a top-tier collectible, driving its astronomical value.

Buy Emrakul, The World Anew [Serialized] on eBay

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

Ulamog, The Defiler, in its serialized iteration, is another colossal presence in the Modern Horizons 3 market, commanding a raw price of $1,878 in 2026. This figure underscores the immense collector appeal of the Eldrazi titans, particularly when presented in their most exclusive printings. While specific PSA 10 data is not available for this variant, its raw price position suggests significant potential for appreciation, especially if gem mint examples emerge and command a premium. The rarity inherent in serialized cards means that any graded copy is exceptionally scarce, making it a prime target for high-end collectors seeking to complete their Eldrazi collections or acquire one of the set’s most iconic pieces.

Buy Ulamog, The Defiler [Serialized] on eBay

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

Kozilek, The Broken Reality, in its serialized form, is valued at $1,525 raw as of 2026, placing it firmly among the most coveted cards from Modern Horizons 3. This price point is a testament to the Eldrazi’s legendary status within the Magic: The Gathering lore and its subsequent demand in the collector’s market. Like its serialized counterparts, Ulamog and Emrakul, the scarcity of this particular printing significantly inflates its value. While detailed grading data for PSA 10 is absent, the substantial raw price indicates that collectors are willing to pay a premium for this unique and rare version, positioning it as a key asset for those looking to acquire the set’s most impactful serialized cards.

Buy Kozilek, The Broken Reality [Serialized] on eBay

4. Ocelot Pride [Borderless Foil] (322)

Ocelot Pride, presented in its borderless foil treatment, fetches a raw price of $142.50 in 2026, marking it as a significant chase card outside the serialized Eldrazi. This valuation highlights the growing collector interest in aesthetically striking alternate art, even for creatures that might not have the same lore weight as the titans. The borderless foil is a premium version that appeals to players and collectors alike, seeking visually appealing cards for their decks or collections. While specific grading multipliers are not detailed, its strong raw price suggests that well-graded copies could hold or increase their value, especially as borderless foils continue to gain traction in the market.

Buy Ocelot Pride [Borderless Foil] on eBay

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

Ulamog, the Defiler, in its striking borderless foil version, is priced at $139.95 raw in 2026. This places it among the upper echelon of non-serialized chase cards in Modern Horizons 3. The borderless foil treatment offers a captivating visual appeal, making it a desirable acquisition for both players looking to enhance their decks and collectors seeking premium versions of iconic creatures. The price indicates a strong demand for this aesthetic variant, suggesting that collectors value the unique art and premium finish. While specific grading data is unavailable, the robust raw price implies a solid foundation for potential growth, especially if PSA 10 graded copies become more prevalent and command a significant premium.

Buy Ulamog, the Defiler on TCGPlayer Buy Ulamog, the Defiler [Borderless Foil] on eBay

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

Kaalia of the Vast, in its borderless foil iteration, is a noteworthy chase card in Modern Horizons 3, with a raw price of $119.43 in 2026. This price point reflects the enduring popularity of Kaalia as a commander and a powerful threat in various Magic formats, coupled with the allure of the borderless foil treatment. The PSA 10 median price of $249 represents a significant 2.1x multiplier over the raw price, yielding an impressive 51.8% grading ROI. This substantial return on investment makes Kaalia of the Vast [Borderless Foil] a prime candidate for grading, offering a clear path to profit for those who can secure well-centered, high-grade copies. Its combination of playability and aesthetic appeal ensures its continued desirability.

Buy Kaalia of the Vast [Borderless Foil] on eBay

7. Flooded Strand [Foil] (436)

Flooded Strand, in its foil printing, is valued at $105.16 raw as of 2026, positioning it as a significant chase card within Modern Horizons 3. Fetch lands like Flooded Strand are perennial staples in the Modern format, prized for their ability to ensure consistent mana bases. This inherent playability, combined with the premium of a foil treatment, drives considerable demand from both players and collectors. While specific grading data is not provided, the high raw price suggests that perfectly graded copies could command a premium. For collectors focused on building powerful, high-quality decks, or those seeking to complete a suite of premium dual lands, this foil fetch land is a key acquisition.

Buy Flooded Strand [Foil] on eBay

8. Polluted Delta [Foil] (438)

Polluted Delta, also available in a foil version, is priced at $104.68 raw in 2026. As another highly sought-after fetch land, its inclusion among the top chase cards is no surprise. Polluted Delta’s role in enabling critical blue-based mana strategies in Modern ensures its consistent demand from competitive players. The foil treatment adds an extra layer of desirability for collectors. This card represents a blend of high-level playability and aesthetic appeal, making it a strong contender for collectors looking to acquire premium staples. The robust raw price indicates a strong market presence, and well-graded examples are likely to be in high demand among collectors seeking to complete their mana bases with foil versions.

Buy Polluted Delta on TCGPlayer Buy Polluted Delta [Foil] on eBay

Investment Analysis

Grading ROI Across the Set

The concept of grading ROI is paramount for collectors looking to maximize their returns on Modern Horizons 3. Cards like Kaalia of the Vast [Borderless Foil] offer a clear incentive, with a PSA 10 median price of $249 on a raw price of $119.43, resulting in a 2.1x multiplier and an impressive 51.8% grading ROI. Emrakul, The World Anew [Serialized] also presents a compelling case with a 37.9% ROI based on its PSA 10 multiplier. These figures demonstrate that strategic grading of high-demand cards can yield significant profits, turning raw purchases into much more valuable graded assets. The key is identifying cards with strong demand and a high multiplier, indicating that collectors are willing to pay a substantial premium for perfect grades.

Complete-Set Cost Estimate

The sum of the top 8 chase cards from Modern Horizons 3, reaching $5,962 in raw prices as of 2026, serves as a crucial indicator of the set’s high-value floor. However, this figure represents only a fraction of the total cost to acquire a complete set. For TCG collectibles like Magic: The Gathering, the actual cost to build a complete set is typically 1.2 to 1.5 times this floor, accounting for the substantial volume of commons, uncommons, rares, and various parallel versions that contribute to the overall checklist. Therefore, a realistic estimate for completing Modern Horizons 3 would place the total investment significantly higher, likely in the range of $7,150 to $8,940, depending on the prevalence of less valuable but still necessary cards.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Outlook

In the short term (90 days prior to June 2026), the market for Modern Horizons 3 appears to be driven by the allure of its serialized Eldrazi and premium foil treatments. The raw prices of the top chase cards indicate strong, immediate demand. Looking at the long term, the set’s investment potential hinges on several factors. The continued relevance of the Modern format will ensure sustained interest in playable cards. Furthermore, the scarcity of serialized printings, a design choice intended to create evergreen collectible assets, suggests that their value will likely be resilient. As with any TCG, however, the possibility of reprints in future sets or the emergence of new, more powerful cards could influence long-term price trajectories.

Inherent Risks and Considerations

Investing in Modern Horizons 3, like any TCG product, carries inherent risks. The most significant concern is the potential for reprints, which could dilute the scarcity of certain cards, particularly those that see heavy play. Wizards of the Coast has a history of reintroducing powerful cards, though Modern Horizons sets are typically designed with more unique printings to mitigate this. Market saturation is another factor; if an excessive number of collectors enter the market or if supply significantly outstrips demand for less desirable cards, prices could stagnate or decline. Furthermore, shifts in grading company standards or the emergence of new grading technologies could impact the perceived value of graded cards. Finally, the overall health of the Magic: The Gathering ecosystem and the TCG market as a whole will play a role in the long-term appreciation of this set.

Worth Collecting? The Verdict

Modern Horizons 3, as of 2026, presents a compelling, albeit high-cost, opportunity for collectors and investors, primarily driven by its serialized Eldrazi titans and premium foil treatments. The set’s value is heavily concentrated in its rarest printings, making it a target for those willing to invest significantly for top-tier assets.

The TCG Collectibles Completionist

Verdict: WATCH. For the serious TCG collectible completionist aiming for a full Modern Horizons 3 set, this set represents a substantial financial undertaking. The sheer number of unique cards and the prevalence of high-value chase cards mean that acquiring every single common, uncommon, rare, and special treatment will cost upwards of $7,000-$9,000 based on current data. While the potential for a complete, high-grade collection is immense, the cost might be prohibitive for many. It’s advisable to WATCH the market and strategically acquire pieces, focusing on bulk deals or bundle acquisitions rather than individual purchases for lower-value cards.

The ROI-Focused Investor

Verdict: BUY. For investors focused on Return on Investment, Modern Horizons 3 offers clear opportunities, particularly through grading. Cards like Kaalia of the Vast [Borderless Foil] show a 51.8% grading ROI, and Emrakul, The World Anew [Serialized] offers 37.9%. These figures, combined with the high raw value of the top 8 cards ($5,962), suggest that buying raw chase cards and submitting them for PSA 10 grading can be a profitable strategy in 2026. The serialized Eldrazi, despite their high entry cost, are prime candidates for long-term value appreciation due to their extreme rarity.

The New Collector with Limited Capital

Verdict: SKIP (for now). A new collector with a limited budget, perhaps around $2,981 (half the estimated complete set floor), might find Modern Horizons 3 to be an overwhelming and potentially risky entry point. The high cost of even the most common chase cards, like the foil fetch lands approaching $100 raw, means that a modest budget will only secure a small fraction of the set’s most desirable items. It would be more prudent for new collectors to explore sets with lower entry barriers or focus on single, iconic cards from Modern Horizons 3 that fit within their budget, rather than attempting a broad collection of this high-value release. Exploring options like the Foundations Jumpstart MTG set, which tends to have more accessible price points, might be a better starting point.

Pro Tip

When investing in Modern Horizons 3, prioritize the serialized Eldrazi titans (Emrakul, Ulamog, Kozilek) and the borderless foil versions of key playables like Kaalia of the Vast and the fetch lands. These cards represent the highest concentration of value and scarcity, offering the best potential for long-term appreciation and strong grading ROI. Avoid overspending on commons and uncommons unless acquiring them as part of a bulk lot to complete a full set, as their individual value is unlikely to appreciate significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Modern Horizons 3 worth collecting in 2026?

Yes, Modern Horizons 3 is worth collecting in 2026, especially if you’re targeting the high-value chase cards. The serialized Eldrazi titans, like Emrakul, The World Anew at $1,948 raw, and premium foil versions of staple cards, drive significant market interest and value.

What are the top chase cards in Modern Horizons 3 for collectors?

The top chase cards are dominated by the serialized Eldrazi titans: Emrakul, The World Anew ($1,948 raw), Ulamog, The Defiler ($1,878 raw), and Kozilek, The Broken Reality ($1,525 raw). Following these are highly sought-after borderless foils like Ocelot Pride ($142.50 raw) and Kaalia of the Vast ($119.43 raw), along with foil fetch lands such as Flooded Strand ($105.16 raw).

What is the estimated cost to complete the Modern Horizons 3 set?

The raw price of the top 8 chase cards alone is $5,962. For a complete set, including commons, uncommons, and various parallel versions, the estimated cost is typically 1.2 to 1.5 times this floor, suggesting an investment between $7,150 and $8,940 as of June 2026.

Which cards in Modern Horizons 3 offer the best grading ROI?

Cards like Kaalia of the Vast [Borderless Foil] show a strong grading ROI of 51.8% with a PSA 10 multiplier of 2.1x. Emrakul, The World Anew [Serialized] also offers a compelling 37.9% ROI. These indicate that submitting high-grade copies of these popular cards to grading services can be a profitable endeavor.

Should new collectors start with Modern Horizons 3?

For new collectors with limited capital, Modern Horizons 3 might be too expensive to start with. The cost of acquiring even a few chase cards can consume a modest budget quickly. It is recommended to explore more accessible sets or focus on acquiring single, iconic cards from Modern Horizons 3 that fit within a smaller budget.

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