A new trading card game from one of the most influential minds in tabletop gaming has officially arrived.
Mood Swings, the latest creation from longtime Magic: The Gathering Head Designer Mark Rosewater, is now available worldwide through Secret Lair. Described by Rosewater as a project nearly 30 years in the making, the game offers a fast-paced and approachable take on the trading card game genre while maintaining the unpredictability and replayability that card game fans love.
Unlike traditional trading card games that often require extensive deckbuilding and long play sessions, Mood Swings was designed with accessibility in mind. Matches can be completed in just five to ten minutes, players can jump in immediately without building a deck, and every game delivers a different experience thanks to randomized card combinations and shifting gameplay mechanics.
According to Rosewater, the release represents a deeply personal milestone.
“To describe Mood Swings as a labor of love is an understatement. This game has been part of my life for almost 30 years and to see it available for fans around the world to play conjures feelings I can barely describe. This is my love letter to trading card games.”
Watch the Mood Swings Trailer
A Trading Card Game Built for Everyone
Designed for two to four players, Mood Swings removes one of the biggest hurdles often associated with trading card games: deck construction.
Every deckbox contains everything needed to start playing immediately, making it an easy entry point for newcomers while still providing enough depth and variety to keep experienced players engaged. Each box includes 45 randomized game cards along with a rules card and play aid to help players get started.
The gameplay revolves around competing moods and emotional states represented by individual cards. During each round, players simultaneously play cards that influence the score while introducing effects capable of changing the game’s direction in unexpected ways. The player with the highest score wins the round, and the first player to win three rounds claims victory.
Because card effects can dramatically alter outcomes and strategies, no two games are expected to play exactly the same.
Watch How to Play Mood Swings
Fast Matches, Endless Variety
One of the most appealing aspects of Mood Swings is its flexibility.
Rosewater has shared stories about teaching the game to families, casual gamers, and longtime tabletop enthusiasts alike. The game’s structure allows players to adapt the experience to different group sizes and skill levels, creating a welcoming environment whether you’re introducing someone to trading card games for the first time or looking for a quick competitive experience between larger gaming sessions.
That versatility appears to be one of the central goals behind the project. Rather than replacing traditional trading card games, Mood Swings offers a streamlined alternative that emphasizes fun, accessibility, and replayability.
Available Now Through Secret Lair
Players can currently purchase Mood Swings in two different configurations.
Mood Swings – 1st Edition
MSRP: $24.99
Includes:
- One Mood Swings Deckbox
- 45 Randomized Cards
- Rules Card
- Play Aid
Mood Swings Emotional Support Bundle
MSRP: $124.95
Includes:
- Five Mood Swings Deckboxes
- 45 Randomized Cards per Deckbox
- Rules Cards and Play Aids
Where to Buy Mood Swings
Mood Swings is available exclusively through Secret Lair.
A New Chapter for Mark Rosewater
For decades, Mark Rosewater has helped shape the future of Magic: The Gathering, influencing countless mechanics, sets, and design philosophies that have become staples of modern tabletop gaming.
With Mood Swings, Rosewater steps into a new space while still embracing the creativity and strategic thinking that helped define his career. The result is a game that feels familiar enough for card game veterans while remaining welcoming to completely new audiences.
Whether you’re a longtime Magic player, a tabletop enthusiast looking for something different, or simply curious about what happens when one of gaming’s most influential designers creates a brand-new experience, Mood Swings may be worth adding to your collection.
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