Community Spoiler Season in Full Swing, Plus Print Runs and Reprint Philosophy

As Torrential Tides approaches, this week’s MetaZoo Monday focused more on design philosophy and community discussion than headline announcements—but there was still plenty to unpack. From spoiler season and rarity policy to promo distribution and the question of print transparency, here’s what emerged from the June 23 community hour.

Final Countdown to Torrential Tides

Charlie opened the session by previewing what’s coming this week and beyond:

The Hunt II – After the Kraken launches TOMORROW, final distro deadline for Torrential Tides is in one week, and OP roadmap drops this week!!

- Charlie Hurlocker

While time was short, the outlook was busy. MetaZoo is juggling multiple moving parts behind the scenes - and fans can expect more structured updates as the week continues. We highly recommend checking out the newest chapter in MetaZoo: The Hunt which releases today! Click HERE to access the fun!

Spoiler Season as a Cultural Moment

When asked what he’s personally most excited for ahead of Torrential Tides, Charlie highlighted an evolving piece of the MetaZoo release cycle: spoiler season.

Most excited LEADING UP is probably the different ways we are dropping spoilers. I love spoiler season and this is our first attempt to make that a whole thing.

- Charlie Hurlocker

But it’s not just about the reveals themselves—it’s about building a rhythm that players can participate in and look forward to:

I love the idea of building a culture around spoiler season and finding ways that people will look forward to joining in over time. Setting a rhythm and a pace of participation. To me, that sounds really fun.

- Charlie Hurlocker

Charlie encouraged the community to keep offering feedback as this approach evolves, adding:

So keep telling us what you enjoy the most. So far it seems like The Hunt has been a fun time!

- Charlie Hurlocker

Want to see your favorite MetaZoo creator get a spoiler? Mention their name in the official discord and they just might get one! As for MetaZoo News? Well, keep your eyes peeled...

Base Set and Alpha Promos: Print Is Closed

Clarifying the availability of early product, Charlie confirmed that both the Base Set and Alpha Promo cards are officially out of print:

Oh, yeah, totally. No more to be produced.

- Charlie Hurlocker

However, he noted that players may still see some appear through alternate distribution paths:

Same deal where there are two more applications that I have in mind (some additional distro opportunity on Card Pro that a number are committed to, but those mostly go non-core market and an OP thing), so you might see some more appear. Out of print vs out of stock deal.

- Charlie Hurlocker

The distinction is important: these cards won’t be made again, but some quantity still exists and may be released through already-planned channels.

Hidden Rare & Alt Art Reprints? Don’t Count on It

Could Hidden Rares or Alt Arts ever return in future products? Not likely, according to Charlie—but he left just enough flexibility for the right idea:

Interesting question. I can’t imagine so? At least not as a 1:1. Hidden Rares seems entirely unimaginable to me. Alts seems extremely unlikely.

- Charlie Hurlocker

Still, he hesitated to give a blanket “never,” explaining:

So I feel like the answer is not unless you can convince me that there is a product that requires we do that AND that rewards consumers of the original product in the process somehow, which is what I can’t imagine a scenario for off the dome.

- Charlie Hurlocker

Some possible exceptions might exist for lower-tier reprints or special collector products, like:

Maybe like a 25th anniversary deck with some special treatment or something. I can imagine scenarios for that kind of thing.”

- Charlie Hurlocker

Will We Ever See Official Print Run Numbers?

Print transparency has always been a contentious topic in the TCG world, and MetaZoo is no exception. When asked if print run numbers might ever be revealed—especially for promos—Charlie responded with a cautious “probably not,” and explained why:

Generally speaking, I feel like the information isn’t great for the community because the info is primarily used to either try to corner specific cards (see: keep others from having them) which isn’t healthy.

- Charlie Hurlocker

He also pointed out that players often misinterpret scarcity data without proper context:

The community fails to understand the size of the TCG market globally and freaks themselves out and avoids cards that they would have otherwise enjoyed—which is also not healthy.

- Charlie Hurlocker

That said, there may be some exceptions:

I think there are limited applications where it is good. And I think that you will see some of that information around promo cards made more available where it makes sense. Probably cons. TBD. Not my call to make.

- Charlie Hurlocker

His conclusion? The ecosystem should prioritize real collector engagement over market manipulation:

Overall, real scarcity relative to demand is all that matters, and a healthy ecosystem rewards people who genuinely collect and enjoy the product over time... If the customer acquisition funnels are functional, the system works without false signals.

- Charlie Hurlocker

Mailbox Promo Giveaways Expand Access

In response to ongoing community requests, Charlie confirmed that MetaZoo will continue giving players ways to earn region-locked promos online. This week’s giveaway featured three Dallas Mailbox promos:

Bump for visibility. Literally free cards. Get in there. People asked for chances to get these outside of the cons. Delivering.

- Charlie Hurlocker

It’s a signal that MetaZoo is listening—and that physical location won’t always limit a collector’s reach.

Spoiler season is becoming a structured ritual. Base and Alpha cards are gone—but not forgotten. And as always, the MetaZoo team continues to walk a careful line between collector value and accessibility. More updates are expected later this week, especially with the Organized Play roadmap just around the corner.