While Magic: The Gathering's high-profile crossovers with franchises like Final Fantasy and Spider-Man have been grabbing headlines, the next set in the pipeline, Tarkir: Dragonstorm, is poised to make a significant impact. This set brings us back to the beloved plane of Tarkir, and we're excited to offer an exclusive sneak peek at five cards that are likely to become staples at draft tables next month. The expansion is now available for preorder on Amazon.
**Flip through the gallery below to see all five cards**, and continue reading for insights from Wizards of the Coast on their design and the overarching theme of the set.
Magic: The Gathering - 5 New Cards from Tarkir: Dragonstorm
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These five cards form what's known as a "cycle," each sharing a common design theme across Magic's five colors. They are all low-cost, common-rarity creatures with abilities linked to one of Tarkir's three-color clans, and they also feature a mechanic that converts mana into a color from their respective clan.
"Three-color limited environments require substantial mana fixing at all rarities," explains Wizards of the Coast Senior Game Designer Adam Prosak. "We aimed to ensure many decks could access mana fixing, so we developed numerous designs to address mana issues. These creatures are unique because they allow you to develop your board presence while simultaneously improving your mana base—unlike tapped lands, which only provide mana and can cause you to fall behind."
Preorder MTG Tarkir: Dragonstorm Cards
Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm - Play Booster Box
0$164.70 at Amazon
Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm - Collector Booster Box
0$299.88 at Amazon
Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm - Collector Booster
0$24.99 at Amazon
Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm - Commander Deck Bundle - Includes All 5 Decks
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Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck - Abzan Armor
0$44.99 at Amazon
Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck - Jeskai Striker
0$44.99 at Amazon
Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck - Sultai Arisen
0$44.99 at Amazon
Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck - Mardu Surge
0$44.99 at Amazon
Magic: The Gathering Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander Deck - Temur Roar
0$44.99 at Amazon
Senior Worldbuilding Designer Lauren Bond highlights that while the mechanical design was the initial focus for this cycle, common cards often serve as a canvas to depict the world of a set. In this case, they illustrate the evolution of Tarkir's clans since their last appearance. "We showcase the action-oriented Jeskai monks, the Temur's use of Whispers magic, the Sultai's Nagas as jungle protectors and avengers, the Mardu's military prowess with supporting roles (and the diversity of dragons), and the Abzan clerics' efforts to regrow the lost kin trees."
Some recent Magic sets have faced criticism for relying too heavily on tropes or thematic gimmicks, even when revisiting established planes. However, Tarkir: Dragonstorm stands out with its straightforward approach to returning to Tarkir. Senior Worldbuilding Art Director Forrest Schehl acknowledges the importance of such feedback to Wizards of the Coast, but notes that "the top-level pitch for Tarkir was established well before the release of Murders at Karlov Manor and subsequent sets, and it remained unchanged."
"We wanted to blend Dragons and Clans in a novel way for Tarkir, with Dragonstorms playing a pivotal role in shaping our approach to this 'return-to'. Lauren and I felt the pressure to get it right from the start, and we were committed to crafting the next chapter of this cherished plane with authenticity and depth."
Tarkir: Dragonstorm is now available for preorder, with the set slated for release in both physical and digital formats on April 11, and in-store prerelease events beginning on April 4. Continue reading for the complete interview with Wizards of the Coast's Adam Prosak, Lauren Bond, and Forrest Schehl.
