Magic the GatheringArena’s latest update has been widely anticipated for both itsnew Limited cardsand its return to an old setting in the game’s lore. In the latest Release Notes, developer Wizards of the Coast announced how the newTheros: Beyond Deathcard packs will impact the game as a whole.
VeteranMagic the Gatheringplayers are likely all too familiar with Theros, the setting of a 2013MTGblock of updates and packs. With the newBeyond Deathupdate, Wizards of the Coast intends to re-introduce several familiar gameplay mechanics, characters and abilities while expanding the Theros lore and mythology. Specifically, this update centers around planeswalkers, or travelers through various worlds. The digital version of the classic card game (Arena) debuted in 2018.
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According to the patch notes,Theros: Beyond Deathfollowsplaneswalker Elspeth, a protagonist from the previous Theros sets, as she plots to escape the Underworld. To assist her, the update has introduced a new Keyword Ability called “Escape” which allows players to remove a card in their graveyards from play.
Wizards of the Coast has introduced the Gods of Theros in a card and brought back the Devotion and Constellation mechanics. While Devotion can amplify attack damage based on colored mana symbols, Constellation can control enemy creatures. Outside of new Saga cards (such as “Kiora Bests the Sea God”), TheBeyond Deathexpansion also notes specific details around specific cards, like rival planeswalker Ashiok, creature cards (including Arasta of the Endless Web and Archon of Falling Stars), and ability cards like Acolyte of Affliction.
With the re-introduction of classic elements to the long-running card game,Magic the Gathering: Arenacould be appealing to its more diehard fans. By announcing major characters like Elspeth and Ashiok in a familiar setting, Wizards of the Coast smartly caters to both newcomers and veterans alike. While the veterans can enjoy exploring the lore and characters they know and love,newer players could jump intoMagic The Gatheringto try out the new mechanics and end up learning more about the mythos in the process. By also including characters like Ashiok who featured in more recent packs likeWar of the Spark,the developer is ensuring that its audience will still have a familiar face in the midst of the old lore.
Ultimately, Wizards of the Coast’s latest update should prove exciting for more experienced players and newbies alike. With the advent ofArena,there are moreMagicplayers than ever before, and there has never been a better time to learn more about the game. And withArena’s growing player base, it seems Wizards is continuing to plan for new developments. On the eve ofTheros: Beyond Death’s release, the developer is alreadyteasing the next pack-Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths.
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Source:Wizards of the Coast
