As the world’s most popular trading card game, Magic: The Gathering continues to innovate and expand its vast multiverse. With the release of the 2025 sets, players can expect thrilling new mechanics, captivating storylines, and stunning artwork. From the vibrant landscapes of Ixalan to the enigmatic depths of Eldrazi, each set promises to transport you to a realm of imagination and strategic gameplay.
The first set of the 2025 roster, “Ixalan: Sunken City,” invites you to explore the unexplored depths of the Elemental Plane. Immerse yourself in a world where the sun’s glow penetrates the crystal-clear waters, revealing ancient ruins and lost treasures. Dive into the watery abyss and encounter formidable sea creatures, fierce pirates, and cunning merfolk. With each card draw, you’ll uncover the secrets of this sunken realm and unravel the mysteries that lie beneath the waves.
Following the aquatic adventures of Ixalan, “Beyond Eldrazi” transports you to a desolate and foreboding realm where the enigmatic Eldrazi titans reside. These ancient beings of immense power have returned, threatening to consume all in their wake. As a Planeswalker, you must gather your allies and confront the Eldrazi hordes in an epic battle to protect the Multiverse. With each card, you’ll delve deeper into the Eldrazi’s twisted realm, encountering grotesque horrors and testing your strategic prowess against the forces of darkness.
Unveiling “Dominaria United”: A Return to the Magic’s Iconic Plane
Dominaria, the birthplace of Magic: The Gathering, is set to make its grand return in 2025 with the upcoming “Dominaria United” set. This highly anticipated expansion promises a captivating journey through the realm’s rich history, with beloved characters, iconic locations, and epic storylines that will captivate both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
Dominaria has long been a central pillar in the Magic: The Gathering universe, offering a tapestry of diverse landscapes, civilizations, and cultures. From the sprawling forests of Llanowar to the bustling metropolis of New Argive, each corner of Dominaria boasts its own unique identity and allure. With “Dominaria United,” players will have the opportunity to revisit these cherished locales and witness the unfolding events that shape its destiny.
In addition to its captivating setting, “Dominaria United” will introduce an array of new and exciting gameplay mechanics that will revolutionize the way players experience the game. One such mechanic is the “Spellbook” mechanic, which allows players to cast a variety of spells directly from their graveyard, expanding their strategic options and enhancing the overall depth of Magic: The Gathering’s gameplay.
Furthermore, the set will delve deeper into Dominaria’s extensive lore, introducing new characters and shedding light on the enigmatic forces that have shaped its path. Players will have the chance to interact with legendary heroes, witness epic battles, and unravel the secrets that have long been concealed within the realm’s vast tapestry.
| Mechanics |
|---|
| Spellbook |
“Wilds of Eldraine”: A Fairy Tale Adventure in a Forgotten World
Embark on an enchanting journey through the forgotten realm of Eldraine, a whimsical world brimming with magic and adventure. Immerse yourself in a captivating tapestry woven with enigmatic characters, enchanting creatures, and the allure of ancient legends. Prepare to lose yourself in the allure of a realm where imagination reigns supreme, and the boundaries of reality and fantasy seamlessly intertwine.
The Realm of Eldraine: A World of Enchanting Enigmas
Discover a realm where towering castles reach towards the heavens, hidden valleys whisper secrets of old, and mystical forests dance with the rhythms of nature’s magic. Eldraine is a land where the lines between myth and reality blur, where ancient prophecies intertwine with the whims of mischievous faeries. Encounter enigmatic characters like the enigmatic knight Sir Aron Blackwood, the cunning sorceress Ezuri, and the wise and ancient queen Emmara Tandris, each playing a pivotal role in the unfolding saga.
Delve into the tapestry of a forgotten world, where knights errant seek glory, faeries dance beneath moonlit skies, and whimsical creatures roam the untamed wilderness. Unveiling the secrets of Eldraine is a journey that beckons the curious and enthralls the imaginative. Let the enchantment of Eldraine capture your heart and transport you to a realm where laughter and wonder dance together beneath the shimmering stars.
| Realm of Eldraine | Enchanting Enigmas |
|---|---|
| Towering castles | Enigmatic characters |
| Hidden valleys | Mystical forests |
| Myth and reality blur | Ancient prophecies |
| Knights errant | Cunning sorceresses |
| Wise and ancient queens |
“Theros: Beyond Death”: Descending into the Underworld of Greek Mythology
Nyx Unveiled: Exploring the Depths of the Underworld
In “Theros: Beyond Death,” the veil between the mortal world and the realm of the dead is lifted. Players descend into Nyx, the vast and enigmatic underworld of Greek mythology, facing formidable challenges and encountering enigmatic beings that dwell within. The set delves deeper into the lore of the underworld, introducing new creatures and deities that symbolize life, death, and the journey beyond.
Characters of Nyx
The underworld of “Theros: Beyond Death” is inhabited by a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique role and story. Players will encounter legendary heroes like Elspeth, the Sun’s Champion, who has returned from the brink of death to face her destiny. They will also meet Erebos, the god of the underworld, who rules over Nyx with an unwavering grip. Other notable characters include Klothys, the god of destiny, and Pharika, the goddess of death and rebirth.
Exploring the Five Realms of Nyx
Nyx is divided into five distinct realms, each with its own unique atmosphere and challenges. The Gloom Grotto is a cavernous labyrinth filled with darkness and danger. The Silent Passage is a twilight zone where the souls of the dead wander aimlessly. The Asphodel Fields are a vast expanse of flowers that offer a glimpse of the past and the future. The Death-Vow Rift is a realm of judgment where the fates of the dead are determined. Finally, the Blessed Isles are a paradise reserved for only the most virtuous of souls.
| Realm | Description |
|---|---|
| Gloom Grotto | Cavernous labyrinth filled with darkness and danger |
| Silent Passage | Twilight zone where souls of the dead wander aimlessly |
| Asphodel Fields | Vast expanse of flowers, offering glimpses of past and future |
| Death-Vow Rift | Realm of judgment where fates of the dead are determined |
| Blessed Isles | Paradise reserved for only the most virtuous of souls |
“Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths”: Embracing the Wild and Primeval
Unleashing the Inner Beast
Ikoria is a world teeming with colossal creatures known as behemoths. These towering beasts embody the untamed spirit of nature, both majestic and terrifying. As planeswalkers traverse this realm, they must adapt to the primal instincts and raw power that dwell within.
Humanity’s Resilience
Despite the overwhelming presence of behemoths, humanity has found ways to survive and thrive. They have learned to coexist with these ancient beings, forging alliances and harnessing their abilities. This uneasy balance is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
The Dance of Coexistence
Ikoria is a realm where the boundaries between humans and behemoths blur. Planeswalkers witness a harmonious dance between these two forces. Behemoths provide sustenance and protection, while humans offer guidance and companionship. It is a delicate equilibrium that highlights the symbiotic relationship between nature and civilization.
Manifestations of the Wild
The behemoths of Ikoria are not merely physical beings. They embody the untamed essence of the wild itself. Their presence alters the landscape, creating overgrown jungles and towering mountains. The elements themselves seem to respond to their movements, unleashing storms and quakes. In the lair of behemoths, nature’s raw power is on full display.
| Behemoth Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Apex Predators | Savage and solitary, these behemoths dominate the food chain. |
| Gentle Giants | Despite their imposing size, these behemoths are revered for their wisdom and protectiveness. |
| Symbiotic Beings | Humans have formed alliances with these behemoths, benefiting from their unique abilities. |
“Zendikar Rising”: Reclaiming the Lost Treasures of an Ancient Plane
Zendikar Rising, a set released in September 2020, took players back to the rugged and wild plane of Zendikar. It featured captivating characters and stories that unfolded alongside thrilling gameplay.
New Keywords
Zendikar Rising introduced a slew of new keywords that enhanced gameplay, including:
- Modal Double-Faced Cards (MDFCs): These innovative cards possessed two faces, allowing players to utilize them in various ways.
- Party: Cards with the party mechanic rewarded players for controlling a crew of diverse creatures.
- Landfall: Cards with landfall effects triggered when a land entered the battlefield, maximizing the impact of land drops.
Returning Mechanics
In addition to new keywords, Zendikar Rising brought back popular mechanics from previous sets, such as:
- Annihilator: Creatures with annihilator dealt damage to multiple target as they entered the battlefield.
- Kicker: Players could pay an additional cost to enhance the effects of certain spells.
Adventure Cards
Adventure cards were a unique feature in Zendikar Rising, offering flexible gameplay options.
| Column | Row |
|---|---|
| Adventure | When you cast this spell, you may cast one of its adventures instead. |
| Creature | As an alternative casting cost, you may cast this creature spell for its adventure cost. |
Players could either cast the adventure spell for its lower cost or summon the creature at a higher cost, allowing for tactical decisions based on the game situation.
Forgotten Realms: Crossing Over into the World of Dungeons & Dragons
Magic: the Gathering (MTG) and Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) are two of the most popular and enduring tabletop games in the world. Both games have a rich history and a devoted following, and they have inspired countless works of fiction, art, and music. In 2021, Wizards of the Coast, the publisher of both games, announced that they would be collaborating on a new MTG set called Forgotten Realms, which would be released in July 2023. This set is a crossover between the two games, and it features characters, creatures, and locations from the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for D&D.
Multiverse and D&D
In the 2023 storyline, the Forgotten Realms set entered the multiverse with a story, which was followed by a return to the familiar plane of Innistrad.
Structure of Forgotten Realms
A new mechanic was brought in, venture into the dungeon. It allows players to progress through three dungeon levels for unique rewards.
Popular Planeswalkers of Forgotten Realms
There are many planeswalkers associated with Forgotten Realms but two of the most popular are:
- Elminster
- Minsc
Reception
The Forgotten Realms set was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative mechanics, its beautiful art, and its faithful adaptation of the Forgotten Realms setting.
Commander Decks of Forgotten Realms
There were 5 commander decks released alongside the Forgotten Realms set. These decks are designed to be played in the popular Commander format, and they feature powerful cards and unique strategies.
The following is a table of the five commander decks:
| Commander Deck | Commander | Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Adventures in the Forgotten Realms | Minsc, Beloved Ranger | Red/Green |
| Aura of Courage | Galea, Kindler of Hope | White/Blue |
| Dungeons of Death | Dungeon Master | Black/Red |
| Faces of the Forgotten Realms | Elminster | Blue/Black |
| Zariel, Archduke of Avernus | Zariel | Black/White |
Innistrad: Midnight Hunt
Unleashing the Horrors of the Gothic Plane
……………
Werewolf Frenzy
Midnight Hunt unleashes a pack of fearsome werewolves, each with unique abilities that can devastate opponents. From the relentless Tovolar, Dire Overlord to the cunning Kessig Wolf Run, these creatures dominate the night.
Daybound and Nightbound Mechanics
Innistrad: Midnight Hunt introduces a captivating gameplay mechanic based on the changing day/night cycle. Cards with Daybound abilities thrive during the day, while Nightbound cards unleash their full potential as night falls.
Environmental Effects
The Gothic world of Innistrad comes alive with immersive environmental effects. Daytime spells bring forth radiant sunlight, while nighttime spells cast eerie shadows and moonlight.
Double-Faced Cards
Returning from previous Innistrad sets, double-faced cards make a comeback, featuring iconic characters from the plane. These cards transform into powerful creatures as night falls, offering a unique and dynamic gameplay experience.
Revived Classics
Midnight Hunt revisits classic Innistrad themes and characters, bringing back fan favorites such as Avacyn, the Purifier and Thalia, Guardian of Thraben. These beloved icons add depth and intrigue to the set.
Tribal Synergies
Werewolves, Zombies, and Humans take center stage in Midnight Hunt, each with their own distinct synergies and abilities. By assembling a tribe, players can unleash devastating combos and control the battlefield.
Here’s a breakdown of the tribal synergies in Midnight Hunt:
| Tribe | Synergies |
|---|---|
| Werewolves | Daybound/Nightbound abilities, pack tactics, relentless aggression |
| Zombies | Undying, decayed abilities, swarm strategies, graveyard interactions |
| Humans | First strike, vigilance, equipment interaction, removal spells |
Legendary Creatures
Midnight Hunt boasts an impressive roster of legendary creatures, offering players a wide range of options for building powerful decks. From the ancient planeswalker Arlinn Kord to the enigmatic Sorin Markov, these legendary beings shape the narrative and gameplay.
Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty is a futuristic cyberpunk-themed expansion set in the Magic: The Gathering realm of Kamigawa, an Eastern-inspired plane. The set combines the traditional Japanese aesthetics of Kamigawa with modern cyberpunk elements, such as neon lights, advanced technology, and cyborgs.
Cyberpunk Transformation
In Neon Dynasty, Kamigawa has undergone a dramatic transformation, becoming a sprawling metropolis filled with skyscrapers and glowing neon signs. The once tranquil rural villages have given way to high-tech urban landscapes, where ancient spirits coexist with cyborgs and advanced machinery.
Traditional Roots
Despite the cyberpunk aesthetic, Neon Dynasty remains rooted in traditional Japanese culture. The set features many cards with artwork inspired by Japanese mythology, landscapes, and artistic styles. Players can encounter familiar creatures like kitsune and samurai, as well as new ones infused with cyberpunk elements.
Neon Samurai and Ninja
Neon Dynasty introduces new versions of iconic creatures from Kamigawa. The samurai and ninja are now donning cybernetic enhancements and wielding neon-glowing weapons. These updated versions offer fresh takes on classic characters while embracing the cyberpunk theme.
Mechanical and Spiritual Fusion
Neon Dynasty explores the fusion of technology and spirituality. Many cards showcase the intersection of cybernetics and the mystical powers of Kamigawa’s kami. This unique blend creates a fascinating and dynamic setting where the ancient and the modern collide.
Neon-Drenched Planeswalkers
The set introduces several new Planeswalkers to Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty. These Planeswalkers embody the cyberpunk spirit of the set, possessing cybernetic enhancements or technological prowess. They bring a fresh perspective to the story and expand the possibilities for deck-building.
Futuristic Gameplay
Neon Dynasty’s gameplay reflects the cyberpunk theme, introducing new mechanics and card effects. Players can utilize artifacts, enhancements, and neon-themed abilities to outmaneuver their opponents in a fast-paced and technology-driven environment.
Gameplay Table
| Mechanic | Effect |
|---|---|
| Channel | Activate abilities from the graveyard by sacrificing lands |
| Connive | Draw a card and discard a card |
| Reconfigure | Equip or attach artifacts as creatures |
"New Capenna": Exploring a Noir-Inspired City of Crime and Corruption
The Mob Families of New Capenna
New Capenna is a city divided among five powerful mob families, each with its own unique identity and territory. These families engage in a ruthless struggle for control over the city’s illicit activities, from gambling to smuggling to the occult.
The Brokers: The aristocratic ruling class of New Capenna, who seek to maintain the status quo and protect their privileged position.
The Obscura: A secretive and enigmatic order of wizards and necromancers, who play a pivotal role in the city’s supernatural underworld.
The Maestros: A ruthless and cunning crime family, led by the charismatic and treacherous Xander.
The Riveteers: A rebellious and anarchic clan of engineers and inventors, who seek to overthrow the established order.
The Cabaretti: A flamboyant and decadent group of artists and performers, who value style and spectacle above all else.
The Demonic Influence
Unbeknownst to many, New Capenna is under the influence of nine powerful demons, known as the "Obscura Opus". These demons manipulate events from the shadows, seeking to corrupt the city and its inhabitants.
Each demon is associated with a specific family:
| Family | Demon |
|---|---|
| Brokers | Asmodeus |
| Obscura | Belzenlok |
| Maestros | Xander |
| Riveteers | Tibalt |
| Cabaretti | Ziatora |
The demons’ motives and powers remain largely unknown, but their presence in New Capenna threatens to plunge the city into chaos and darkness.
“Brother’s War”: Witnessing the Epic Conflict that Shaped Magic’s Multiverse
The Brethren’s Clash: Two Brothers Divided
The story revolves around the bitter conflict between the Planeswalker brothers Urza and Mishra. Their rivalry, fueled by ambition and differing beliefs, plunged the plane of Dominaria into a devastating war.
Ancient Artificers and Arcane Might
Urza, a brilliant artificer, harnessed advanced technology to gain an edge in the war. Mishra, on the other hand, embraced necromancy and dark rituals, creating powerful undead legions.
The Legacy of Mishra’s Artifacts
Mishra’s creations, known as the Mishra Artifacts, played a pivotal role in the conflict and left a lasting impact on Dominaria. One artifact, the Time Machine, allowed characters to travel through time, influencing the course of events.
Time Travel and Altering History
The ability to travel through time introduced a complex dimension to the story. Characters could witness past events and alter them, shaping the present and future.
The Power of the Sylex
The Sylex, a devastating weapon created by Urza, became the ultimate symbol of the war’s destructive nature. Its use altered the landscape of Dominaria forever.
The Fate of the Brothers
The war culminated in a tragic climax, with Urza and Mishra meeting their ultimate fates. Their conflict left an indelible mark on Dominaria and the Multiverse.
Mishra’s Realm and the Necromancer’s Legacy
Mishra’s realm, where he held sway through necromancy, became a haunting reminder of the war’s darkness. Its influence extended beyond the conflict, shaping the landscape of Dominaria.
The Brother’s War’s Impact on the Multiverse
The “Brother’s War” was not just a conflict on Dominaria; it reverberated across the Multiverse. It shaped planeswalkers’ understanding of power and the potential consequences of reckless ambition.
Timeline of Major Events
| Event | Set |
|---|---|
| Start of the War | Brother’s War |
| Mishra’s Rise | Brother’s War |
| The Sylex is Created | Brother’s War |
| The War’s Conclusion | Brother’s War |
MTG 2025 Sets: A Comprehensive Overview
The Magic: The Gathering (MTG) 2025 release schedule promises a year of exciting and innovative sets. From the anticipated return of Innistrad to the exploration of uncharted planes, there’s something for every Magic fan to enjoy. Let’s dive into the details of each set:
Innistrad: Crimson Vow (Spring 2025): The beloved gothic horror plane of Innistrad returns with a vengeance in this set. Crimson Vow brings back the iconic vampire, werewolf, and human factions, along with new horrors lurking in the shadows.
New Capenna (Summer 2025): Dive into the Art Deco noir world of New Capenna, where five crime families vie for control. This set introduces new keyword abilities and unique mechanics that capture the feel of organized crime in a magical realm.
Uncharted Realms (Fall 2025): Explore uncharted planes in this set that pushes the boundaries of Magic’s lore. Uncharted Realms will feature new character types, never-before-seen mechanics, and stunning artwork that brings the unknown to life.
People Also Ask
What mechanics will be in Innistrad: Crimson Vow?
Crimson Vow introduces Aftermath, a new graveyard mechanic that allows players to use the cards they’ve discarded from their graveyard.
Will there be tribal support in New Capenna?
Yes, New Capenna provides substantial support for the five crime families, each with its own unique tribal mechanics and synergy.
What planes will be featured in Uncharted Realms?
The planes explored in Uncharted Realms have not yet been officially announced, but players can expect to discover entirely new and unexplored realms.
