Get ready for an epic return to Tarkir with the upcoming Magic: The Gathering set, Tarkir: Dragonstorm, set to launch on April 11 and now available for pre-order. As a fan whose most cherished Magic item is a Scion of the Ur-Dragon Commander deck, I'm thrilled about the new cards and mechanics that could elevate my game and, let's face it, make my friends a bit jealous of my deck's new additions.
What to Expect From Tarkir: Dragonstorm
Tarkir, the setting of this exciting new set, is a plane where five clans—Abzan Houses (White, Black, Green), Jeskai Way (Blue, Red, White), Mardu Horde (Red, White, Black), Sultai Brood (Black, Green, Blue), and Temur Frontier (Green, Blue, Red)—are perpetually at odds with ancient dragons. Each clan boasts a distinct playstyle, led by their respective Khans. Wizards of the Coast has started unveiling the innovative mechanics each clan will employ, but the real buzz is around the formidable dragons set to shake up the meta.
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To ensure each clan stands out, Wizards has crafted unique mechanics tailored to their three-color identities. Jeskai's Flurry mechanic rewards players for casting a second spell in a turn, regardless of whose turn it is. Sultai's Renew allows players to exile a card from their graveyard to grant various counters to surviving creatures. Mardu's Mobilize creates temporary creatures that vanish at the end of the turn, enhancing their aggressive swarm strategy. Temur's Harmonize, reminiscent of Flashback, lets players replay cards from the graveyard at a reduced cost by tapping creatures. Finally, Abzan's Endure triggers when a non-token creature dies, placing +1/+1 counters and other benefits on your creatures, as exemplified by Anafenza, Undying Lineage, who can spawn a 2/2 flying Spirit token or grant additional counters.
But let's not forget, this is Tarkir: Dragonstorm, and the dragons are getting some exciting new mechanics too. Omen and Behold are the new additions to their arsenal. Omen works similarly to Adventure cards, allowing you to cast the card as a creature or as an instant or sorcery. If you choose the spell option, it shuffles back into your deck for another chance to draw it later. However, if you play it as a creature, that option is lost. Behold, on the other hand, activates when you reveal a dragon from your hand or already control one on the battlefield. A prime example is Sarkhan, Dragon Ascendant, who generates a Treasure token upon being played and triggers Behold. These mechanics, not tied to specific clans, can appear across multiple colors, adding versatility to deck-building.
MTG - Tarkir: Dragonstorm Preview - Art
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The dragons are undoubtedly the stars of the show. One highlight is Betor, Kin to All (2WBG), a powerhouse that triggers different effects at the end of your turn based on the total toughness of creatures you control. These effects range from drawing a card to untapping all your creatures or even forcing opponents to lose half their life. With a base toughness of 7, Betor easily triggers at least the card draw effect, and with heavy hitters like Utvara Hellkite or Ancient Gold Dragon in play, the life loss effect becomes a game-changer.
Ugin also makes a return, this time as a colorless planeswalker. Ugin, Eye of the Storms (7) is set to become a staple in colorless decks, particularly Eldrazi builds, thanks to his passive ability that exiles target permanents whenever you cast a colorless spell. His -11 ability is nothing short of game-breaking: search your library for any number of colorless non-land cards, exile them, then cast them for free until the end of the turn. With seven starting loyalty and a +2 ability, he can reach that ultimate ability quickly if properly defended.
Magic: The Gathering - 5 New Cards from Tarkir: Dragonstorm
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Aside from the Final Fantasy crossover set, Tarkir: Dragonstorm is my most eagerly awaited Magic release this year. With less than a month until its launch, much of the set remains a mystery, but my Scion deck is already poised for a significant upgrade. I'm hoping for the return of legendary dragons like Atarka and Ojutai, or perhaps the introduction of an exciting new five-color dragon. Either way, Tarkir: Dragonstorm is shaping up to be a thrilling addition to the Magic: The Gathering universe when it hits shelves on April 11.
