Magic: The Gathering’s Tarkir: Dragonstorm Cycle Sets Standard for Limited Decks

Magic: The Gathering’s next set, Tarkir: Dragonstorm, is making its return to the beloved plane of Tarkir, bringing with it a highly anticipated cycle of cards that promise to be staples in draft tables. The set, available for preorder now on Amazon, features five common-rarity creatures sharing common design ground across Magic’s colors.

According to Wizards of the Coast Senior Game Designer Adam Prosak, the primary goal of this card cycle is to provide mana fixing and allow players to access various clans while playing with a balanced board presence. The designs aim to solve the classic problem of limited three-color decks, enabling more flexibility in Limited formats.

Senior Worldbuilding Designer Lauren Bond highlights that these cards serve as “lore glue,” showcasing key elements of Tarkir’s world, such as its clans and their unique traits. This cycle is designed to be accessible to a wide range of players, while still providing an engaging experience for seasoned Magic fans.

The set’s focus on straightforward design, rather than tropes or gimmicks, sets it apart from recent releases. Senior Worldbuilding Art Director Forrest Schehl emphasizes that the team aimed to build an authentic and substantial chapter in Tarkir’s lore, without deviating from the core elements that make the plane special.

One of the most interesting cards in the cycle is Stormscale Scion, which brings back a “risky” mechanic from recent years. Adam Prosak notes that making new cards for existing mechanics is often easier than creating new ones, allowing the team to learn from past successes and failures.

With Tarkir: Dragonstorm, Magic: The Gathering is establishing a high standard for Limited decks, offering players a fresh take on classic gameplay elements while maintaining the essence of what makes the game so beloved.

Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/magic-the-gathering-tarkir-dragonstorm-spoilers-reveal