<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="All Hallow&#039;s Eve" href="#" target="_blank">All Hallow&#039;s Eve</a> | Art by Christopher Rush
Hello, and welcome to October's Archidekt Deckbuilding Contest!
This is a monthly contest with a different theme each month. The goal is to build a Commander-legal deck that fulfills the prompt in a creative or unique fashion, and at the end of each month, three finalists will be selected for you to vote on.
Whoever gets the most votes will be crowned the winner, although all three finalists will receive a prize. Additionally this month courtesy of our friends at Dragon Shield we'll be giving out two special bonus prizes as well to a pair of randomly selected contest entrants!
One will receive Dragon Shield's new Día de Muertos 2026 Matte Dual Art Sleeves and one will get the Halloween 2026 Brushed Art Sleeves! These sleeves are already sold out on the Dragon Shield website but we're going to give them to a pair of random contest entrants for free!
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<td style="width: 50%;"><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/DS-1.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-194538 aligncenter" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/DS-1.png" alt="" width="370" height="360" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/DS-1.png 496w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/DS-1-300x292.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 370px) 100vw, 370px" /></a></td>
<td style="width: 50%;"><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/DS-2.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-194539 aligncenter" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/DS-2.png" alt="" width="332" height="369" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/DS-2.png 464w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/DS-2-270x300.png 270w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 332px) 100vw, 332px" /></a></td>
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For October’s super spooky deckbuilding contest, your challenge will be to construct a Commander-legal deck showcasing “tricks” and/or “treats”. 
What does that mean? No clue! Make it interesting and explain your interpretation either in the deck’s description or with your submission.
<h2>What’s the Contest All About?</h2>
Working within the parameters of the provided prompt, construct a deck list with your own creative and compelling spin. Three chosen finalists will be awarded <a href="https://www.cardsphere.com/?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">store credit to use on Cardsphere</a>.
For October's deckbuilding contest: build a deck showcasing "tricks" and/or "treats". That's intentionally open-ended!
<h3>Tips for the October contest prompt</h3>
For example, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zedruu the Greathearted" href="#" target="_blank">Zedruu the Greathearted</a> is a commander with a built-in activated ability that lets you force an opponent to take control of a permanent you control.
Traditionally this has been used to give players something they wouldn't otherwise want, like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Illusions of Grandeur" href="#" target="_blank">Illusions of Grandeur</a>.
While this would qualify as both a trick and/or a treat, this is also mostly the intent for Zedruu as well as the most common build path, and as such it wouldn't fulfill the creative and interesting portion of the contest requirement.
Still, it's an excellent example of a Commander that would otherwise support the prompt.
<h3>Important news on deck description details and the submission process</h3>
As we noted in previous contests, we have so far been very forgiving regarding picking finalists with meager deck descriptions in the past, but moving forward we're going to be a lot more discerning.
Every month, as contest submissions grow, it makes sorting through entries more and more of a time commitment.
If you don't have an effective description, we're going to find ourselves a lot less willing to try to connect those dots. We simply cannot due to time constraints.
Even better would be if you would open your description with an executive statement of the deck's plan and how it fulfills the prompt criteria.
To use the above Zedruu example, opening the description with the following would be helpful:
"This is a deck built around Zedruu the Greathearted gifting my opponents treats that wind up being tricks due to their staggering downside, cards like Illusions of Grandeur and Aggressive Mining."
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Syr Ginger, the Meal Ender"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zareth San, the Trickster"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tainted Treats"></div></div>
<div id="attachment_194467" style="width: 780px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://www.cardsphere.com/cards/72917"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-194467" class="wp-image-194467 " src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/cszedruu.png" alt="" width="770" height="362" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/cszedruu.png 1000w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/cszedruu-300x141.png 300w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/cszedruu-768x361.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></a>Zedruu sees some movement over on Cardsphere, which is thematically fitting.</div>
<h2>How to Participate</h2>
<ul>
<li>Brew a Commander-legal deck on <a href="https://archidekt.com/?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Archidekt</a> that satisfies the prompt.</li>
<li>Any unreleased cards spoiled during the contest’s duration are allowed.</li>
<li>Silver-bordered and acorn cards, while fun, are not allowed.</li>
<li>Digital-only cards (such as those designed for the Alchemy format on Arena) are also not allowed.</li>
<li>Strictly one deck submitted per user.</li>
</ul>
A couple months ago, we also revamped the submission process. Decks must now be submitted on Archidekt via a button on the newspost.
This will make it easier to view all submissions in a single place. Additionally, it will simplify the process of writing a description by sharing the same text on the submission page and the deck page itself.
<h3>Submitting your deck to the contest pool</h3>
There's also a new, easy-to-remember landing page for anything contest-related, found at <a href="https://archidekt.com/contest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">archidekt.com/contest</a>.
You can also comment on individual decks directly from the submission, making those discussions easier to find and track later.
To submit a deck, select the orange button labeled "Submit a deck to this contest" and follow the form prompt. Submissions are accepted until 9:00 p.m. EDT (UTC -4) on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Only one submission per user! If you change your mind and want to submit a different deck before submissions close, you may do so by first deleting your submission. To edit your description, you can do so from the deck page itself.
From the eligible submissions, we'll select three finalists with lists that we believe best embody the spooky spirit of the prompt.
Deck descriptions are now required, and the more detailed the description the better; we just have too many submissions to try to put together what your deck is doing without some commentary and context.
<h3>When to expect finalists and winner announcements</h3>
On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, we’ll announce three finalists via the Archidekt Discord and an article on EDHREC highlighting each deck.
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<a href="https://www.cardsphere.com/sets?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Each finalist will be awarded credit to use on Cardsphere</a>. Please note, you must have a Cardsphere account in order to receive your winnings. Cardsphere is a player-to-player marketplace and trading platform built on the spirit of community trading.
It's quick and free — <a href="https://www.cardsphere.com/signup?referrer=archidekt_contest&amp;utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">register here</a> if you don't have an account already! It's easy to add to your wants, haves, and find deals on its comprehensive marketplace.
<div id="attachment_194466" style="width: 864px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://www.cardsphere.com/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-194466" class="wp-image-194466 " src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/cardsphere1.png" alt="" width="854" height="538" srcset="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/cardsphere1.png 1226w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/cardsphere1-300x189.png 300w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/cardsphere1-1024x645.png 1024w, https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/cardsphere1-768x484.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 854px) 100vw, 854px" /></a>In the meantime, check out Cardsphere's fantastic redesign.</div>
<h3>Prize pool</h3>
The value of the credit is in US dollars and depends on the finalist's placement in deck upvotes at the end of the week-long polling period:
<ul>
<li>1st Place Prize - $250</li>
<li>2nd Place Prize - $150</li>
<li>3rd Place Prize - $100</li>
</ul>
</div>
Additionally this month we'll be giving out a box of Dragon Shield Halloween sleeves and a box of Día de Muertos sleeves to a pair of randomly selected contest entrants!
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Finalists will be contacted via email regarding their winnings within roughly 24 hours, following the conclusion of voting on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
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Here are the <a href="https://archidekt.com/contestRules?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">official contest rules</a>. If you have any questions, feel free to ask here, or join the Archidekt <a href="https://discord.gg/sctEc9Ru36?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">public Discord server</a>. We look forward to seeing what you all come up with!

https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/me3-57-all-hallow-s-eve.jpg

Archidekt Deckbuilding Contest — October 2026

<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Umbris, Fear Manifest|SLD|2324" href="#" target="_blank">Umbris, Fear Manifest</a> | Illustrated by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/ajmanzanedo">Antonio José Manzanedo</a>
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Later today (Monday, October 13th), Wizards of the Coast launches its next Secret Lair Superdrop. Titled the <a href="https://secretlair.wizards.com/">Secret Scare Superdrop</a>, this series has ten different drops to purchase. But what do these drops contain, and are any of them worth the effort or money to acquire? Read on, and we'll break it down for you!
<h2>Artist Series: Kieran Yanner</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Demonic Tutor|SLD|1856"></div></div>
Many Magic artists at this point have an Artist Series Secret Lair. Frankly, a vast majority of them absolutely rock, as well. Artist Series: Kieran Yanner is positively no exception to that. With four cards from the very first sets of the game, this drop is sure to be the breakaway hit of the Secret Scare Superdrop.
This drop contains the following cards:
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Armageddon|SLD|1854" href="#" target="_blank">Armageddon</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Northern Paladin|SLD|1855" href="#" target="_blank">Northern Paladin</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Demonic Tutor|SLD|1856" href="#" target="_blank">Demonic Tutor</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lord of the Pit|SLD|1857" href="#" target="_blank">Lord of the Pit</a>
For a nonfoil iteration of Artist Series: Kieran Yanner, expect to shell out $29.99 on the Secret Lair webstore. For a Rainbow Foil variant, it's $39.99.
<h2>Secret Lair x Jaws: Terror of Amity Island</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jaws, Relentless Predator"></div></div>
Jaws, a film that came out in theaters in 1975, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. So, what better way for Magic players to get in on the action and frights than with a mechanically unique card version of the fearsome shark? Truly, this creature will be the ire of many a pod. They may even henceforth steer clear of open water after you make chum of their decks!
The Secret Lair x Jaws: Terror of Amity Island drop contains the following six cards:
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jaws, Relentless Predator" href="#" target="_blank">Jaws, Relentless Predator</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Descent into Avernus|SLD|2176" href="#" target="_blank">Descent into Avernus</a> as "Panic on Amity Island"
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reckless Endeavor|SLD|2177" href="#" target="_blank">Reckless Endeavor</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sneak Attack|SLD|2178" href="#" target="_blank">Sneak Attack</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Abrade|SLD|2179" href="#" target="_blank">Abrade</a> as "You're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat"
And, finally, a Blood token depicting a bucket of chum!
This drop costs $39.99 for a nonfoil iteration and $49.99 in Rainbow Foil.
<h2>Secret Lair x The Office: Dwight's Destiny</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Swords to Plowshares|SLD|2167"></div></div>
Okay, okay, I'll bite: I am as surprised as you may be to see a drop styled after Dwight Schrute of The Office. And yet, here we are! I know next to nothing about him, but I'm certain that this character is renowned within the fandom of this iconic sitcom. In any event...
Secret Lair x The Office: Dwight's Destiny contains the following cards:
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heliod, Sun-Crowned|SLD|2165" href="#" target="_blank">Heliod, Sun-Crowned</a> as "Dwight Schrute, Hay King"
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Steelshaper&#039;s Gift|SLD|2166" href="#" target="_blank">Steelshaper&#039;s Gift</a> as "Dwight's Weapon Stash"
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swords to Plowshares|SLD|2167" href="#" target="_blank">Swords to Plowshares</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Baral, Chief of Compliance|SLD|2168" href="#" target="_blank">Baral, Chief of Compliance</a> as "Dwight, Assistant to the King"
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Garruk Relentless|SLD|2169" href="#" target="_blank">Garruk Relentless</a> as "Recyclops, Eco-Friendly" and its flipside, "Recyclops, Nature's Vengeance"
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reaper King|SLD|2170" href="#" target="_blank">Reaper King</a> as "Dwight o' Lantern"
In nonfoil, this drop will set you back $29.99 on the webstore, while a Rainbow Foil version costs $39.99.
<h2>Dreaming Darkly</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Soulherder|SLD|2174"></div></div>
This Secret Lair drop lacks any description within <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/feature/secret-lair-secret-scare-superdrop">DailyMTG's article about the Superdrop</a>. However, the art by <a href="https://www.jimwoodring.com/">Jim Woodring</a> is unsettling and quite eerie. There's not a ton we can say about this one, but if walls could talk, even they'd most likely stay silent here.
Dreaming Darkly contains the following four cards:
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glen Elendra Archmage|SLD|2171" href="#" target="_blank">Glen Elendra Archmage</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guardian Project|SLD|2172" href="#" target="_blank">Guardian Project</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Roon of the Hidden Realm|SLD|2173" href="#" target="_blank">Roon of the Hidden Realm</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Soulherder|SLD|2174" href="#" target="_blank">Soulherder</a>
This drop also costs $29.99 in nonfoil and $39.99 in foil.
<h2>Secret Lair x Iron Maiden: Album Art</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Animate Dead|SLD|2189"></div></div>
Get ready, metalheads: Iron Maiden is coming your way! This drop contains six interesting spells that are adorned with art from the iconic rock band's various albums, all of which are noted below the cards' rules text.
The drop contains these cards:
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lethal Scheme|SLD|2187" href="#" target="_blank">Lethal Scheme</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grave Titan|SLD|2188" href="#" target="_blank">Grave Titan</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Animate Dead|SLD|2189" href="#" target="_blank">Animate Dead</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Temporal Trespass|SLD|2190" href="#" target="_blank">Temporal Trespass</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unearth|SLD|2191" href="#" target="_blank">Unearth</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lignify|SLD|2192" href="#" target="_blank">Lignify</a>
Secret Lair x Iron Maiden: Album Art costs $29.99 in nonfoil and $39.99 in Rainbow Foil.
<h2>Secret Lair x Iron Maiden: Eddie Unchained</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Iron Maiden|SLD|2185"></div></div>
Another drop within the Iron Maiden subset for this Superdrop event, Eddie Unchained explores the mascot of the band, the incomparable zombie named Eddie. This drop has art by <a href="https://www.dan-mumford.com/">Dan Mumford</a> and <a href="https://akirant.es/">Akirant</a>, and is sure to give you the chills and thrills you are paying for!
Secret Lair x Iron Maiden: Eddie Unchained contains the following six cards:
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bruvac the Grandiloquent|SLD|2181" href="#" target="_blank">Bruvac the Grandiloquent</a> as "Eddie the Judge"
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Windfall|SLD|2182" href="#" target="_blank">Windfall</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captain N&#039;ghathrod|SLD|2183" href="#" target="_blank">Captain N&#039;ghathrod</a> as "Eddie, Ghost of the Navigator"
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nekusar, the Mindrazer|SLD|2184" href="#" target="_blank">Nekusar, the Mindrazer</a> as "Eddie, Lord of Light"
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Iron Maiden|SLD|2185" href="#" target="_blank">Iron Maiden</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mindcrank|SLD|2186" href="#" target="_blank">Mindcrank</a>
This drop costs $29.99 in nonfoil, and $39.99 in Rainbow Foil.
<h2>Trick or Treat</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Satoru Umezawa|SLD|2283"></div></div>
This next Secret Lair drop contains five cards depicting trick-or-treaters costuming as some of the cool legendary creatures in Magic. There's not a whole lot more to say about it except, frankly, that it's super cute!
Trick or Treat contains the following 5 cards:
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vito, Thorn of the Dusk Rose|SLD|2282" href="#" target="_blank">Vito, Thorn of the Dusk Rose</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Satoru Umezawa|SLD|2283" href="#" target="_blank">Satoru Umezawa</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Voja, Jaws of the Conclave|SLD|2284" href="#" target="_blank">Voja, Jaws of the Conclave</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wilhelt, the Rotcleaver|SLD|2285" href="#" target="_blank">Wilhelt, the Rotcleaver</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liberator, Urza&#039;s Battlethopter|SLD|2286" href="#" target="_blank">Liberator, Urza&#039;s Battlethopter</a>
This drop will also cost $29.99 in nonfoil and $39.99 in Rainbow Foil.
<h2>Secret Lair x Furby: Doo-ay Noo-lah</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sol Ring|SLD|2315"></div></div>
Doo-ay Noo-lah is a word that we don't know anything about, except that it's Furbish, the language of the Furbies. But what we do know is that this drop is the first of three Furby-themed drops within this singular Superdrop. And it's so cute that we can hardly believe it!
Secret Lar x Furby: Doo-ay Noo-lah contains the following five cards:
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Distant Melody|SLD|2311" href="#" target="_blank">Distant Melody</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Explore|SLD|2312" href="#" target="_blank">Explore</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inspiring Call|SLD|2313" href="#" target="_blank">Inspiring Call</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chromatic Lantern|SLD|2314" href="#" target="_blank">Chromatic Lantern</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sol Ring|SLD|2315" href="#" target="_blank">Sol Ring</a>
This drop will set you back $29.99 in nonfoil and $39.99 in Rainbow Foil. There's also a Confetti Foil treatment here for $59.99!
<h2>Secret Lair x Furby: The Gathering</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tormenting Voice|SLD|2319"></div></div>
As the previous Furby drop pertained to the newer generation of the polarizing toy, The Gathering focuses on the first generation thereof. Grating to many and to some even a little creepy, this generation of Furbies (among other reasons) was controversial for never! Shutting! Up!
Ahem. In any event, this drop contains the follwoing five cards:
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sphere of Safety|SLD|2316" href="#" target="_blank">Sphere of Safety</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Miscast|SLD|2317" href="#" target="_blank">Miscast</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Arena|SLD|2318" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Arena</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tormenting Voice|SLD|2319" href="#" target="_blank">Tormenting Voice</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tamiyo&#039;s Safekeeping|SLD|2320" href="#" target="_blank">Tamiyo&#039;s Safekeeping</a>
Like the other Furby drop, The Gathering costs $29.99 in nonfoil, $39.99 in Rainbow Foil, and $59.99 in Confetti Foil.
<h2>Secret Lair x Furby: The Oddbodies</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Umbris, Fear Manifest|SLD|2324"></div></div>
Okay, now we're talking! Oddbodies are a term used (previously) unofficially to describe fan-altered Furby toys. You can see many of these (if you must) on various social media sites if you know where to look. These ones, though? Downright horrifying, and we love that!
The Oddbodies drop contains the following five cards:
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hullbreaker Horror|SLD|2321" href="#" target="_blank">Hullbreaker Horror</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Maddening Cacophony|SLD|2322" href="#" target="_blank">Maddening Cacophony</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Serum Visions|SLD|2323" href="#" target="_blank">Serum Visions</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Umbris, Fear Manifest|SLD|2324" href="#" target="_blank">Umbris, Fear Manifest</a>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spellskite|SLD|2325" href="#" target="_blank">Spellskite</a>
Secret Lair x Furby: The Oddbodies costs the same as the other Furby drops: $29.99 in nonfoil, $39.99 in Rainbow Foil, and $59.99 in Confetti Foil.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<a href="https://secretlair.wizards.com/">This drop hits the webstore</a> in just under two hours from the publication time of this article. Are you planning on getting any of these Secret Lair drops? If so, you'd better be quick about it; these are all out within a limited-print run capacity, and many will very likely sell out quickly. What's your favorite of these drops, though, in the meantime? Sound off in the comments below!

october

Archidekt Deckbuilding Contest — October 2026

Secret Lair: Secret Scare Superdrop Launches October 13th