No Box Toppers in Torrential Tides — But New Products Are On The Horizon

No box toppers in Torrential Tides, but new SKU concepts and design philosophy were shared in the June 16 MetaZoo Monday chat with Charlie Hurlocker.

No Box Toppers for Torrential Tides — But They’re Not Gone for Good

When asked about the possibility of box toppers returning in Torrential Tides, Charlie Hurlocker confirmed that they won’t be part of the next set — but that doesn’t mean they’re off the table entirely:

There won’t be box toppers in Torrential Tides, but I’ve put a lot of work into ideas around developing things like box toppers. I think they make for a neat component. Finding ways to make them meaningful and engaging without just blowing out more play assets can be tough. I personally feel like Inks never got to be as cool as they could have been. Tell me what your favorite box topper examples are and why you loved them?

- Charlie Hurlocker

This signals a more thoughtful approach to product design going forward. Rather than using box toppers as throwaway chase items, MetaZoo seems interested in reimagining them as intentional, experience-enhancing pieces — possibly with narrative, collectible, or cosmetic relevance instead of competitive weight.

His open-ended invitation for community feedback also shows the door is still wide open: what box toppers become next may depend as much on community input as internal design goals.

The Booster Pack Paradox

Charlie offered a moment of self-aware humor about how many of MetaZoo’s experiments — from box toppers to promos — keep circling back to one thing: the booster pack.

One thing that I do think is funny is that a lot of stuff comes full circle to booster packs. Box topper > make it blind > contains alts of cards in set > randomize it – ope, we made a booster pack. Promo card > one of # of cards > randomly in a pack – ope, we made a booster pack.

- Charlie Hurlocker

In the end, the thrill of opening randomized packs remains a central pillar of the game’s identity — no matter what form it takes.

New SKU Experiments Are Coming

Although Torrential Tides won’t feature toppers, Charlie made it clear that future product experimentation is in motion:

There will be new SKU exploration for sure. You will see that coming up.

- Charlie Hurlocker

This openness to SKU experimentation suggests MetaZoo is actively seeking ways to diversify its product line without compromising game integrity. It reflects a dual mission: serve competitive players with clean, consistent gameplay formats, while still offering collectors and fans the novelty and variety they crave.

With growing international demand and an expanding convention presence, these new SKUs may also serve practical roles: making demo kits more accessible, easing entry points for casual players, or spotlighting regional exclusives. Whatever direction it takes, it’s clear MetaZoo is laying groundwork not just for the next set — but for how players and collectors experience the brand itself.