Get ready for another clash between Khans and dragons in the upcoming *Magic: The Gathering* set, *Tarkir: Dragonstorm*, launching April 11th! Pre-orders are open now, and this return to the plane of Tarkir promises powerful new creatures, familiar faces, and exciting new mechanics to revolutionize your deck-building strategies. With a prized Scion of the Ur-Dragon Commander deck already in my collection, I can already anticipate the envious glares from my friends as I unleash the set's new power.
What to Expect From *Tarkir: Dragonstorm*
For the uninitiated, Tarkir is a plane dominated by five clans locked in perpetual conflict with ancient dragons. Each clan—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)—is led by a powerful Khan and boasts a unique playstyle. Wizards of the Coast has begun revealing the exciting new mechanics these clans wield, but the truly tantalizing previews focus on the powerful dragons poised to shake up the meta.
To emphasize each clan's unique identity, Wizards has crafted exclusive mechanics that won't be found outside their three-color combinations. Jeskai's Flurry rewards playing a second spell per turn, regardless of whose turn it is. Sultai's Renew lets players exile cards from their graveyard to bestow counters on surviving creatures. Mardu's Mobilize creates temporary creatures, reinforcing their aggressive swarm strategies. Temur's Harmonize, similar to Flashback, allows cards to be replayed from the graveyard at a reduced cost. Finally, Abzan's Endure triggers when non-token creatures die, adding +1/+1 counters and other benefits, as exemplified by Anafenza, Undying Lineage.
But Tarkir: Dragonstorm wouldn't be complete without new mechanics for the dragons themselves. Enter Omen and Behold. Omen functions like Adventure cards, allowing you to cast it as a creature or a spell. Cast it as a spell, and it shuffles back into your deck. Cast it as a creature, and that option is lost. Behold triggers when you reveal or control a dragon. Sarkhan, Dragon Ascendant, for example, creates a Treasure token upon being played and triggers Behold. These mechanics are not clan-specific, adding versatility to deck-building.
MTG - Tarkir: Dragonstorm Preview - Art
The stars of the show, however, are the dragons. Betor, Kin to All (2WBG), triggers effects based on the total toughness of your creatures, ranging from card draw to untapping creatures or even massive life loss for opponents. Ugin, Eye of the Storms (7), a colorless planeswalker, exiles permanents when you cast a colorless spell and boasts a devastating ultimate ability.
Magic: The Gathering - 5 New Cards from Tarkir: Dragonstorm
Beyond the Final Fantasy crossover, Tarkir: Dragonstorm is my most anticipated Magic release of the year. While much remains unseen, my Scion deck is already preparing for a significant upgrade. The hope remains for the return of legendary dragons like Atarka and Ojutai, or perhaps a spectacular new five-color dragon. Regardless, Tarkir: Dragonstorm, arriving April 11th, promises an explosive and exciting experience.
